Management Tip of the Day: Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile NOVEMBER 29, 2012 Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule A to-do list is only useful if you cross things off as often as you add tasks on. If something's been on your list for more than three days, do one of the following: Do it immediately. It may take you less time than you think. Schedule it. Find a time slot on your calendar when you can get the task done. If it's important enough to have on your list, then commit to doing it at a specific time and day. Let it die. If you're not willing to do something immediately or schedule it for later, you won't ever do it. Accept that it's not really a priority and take it off your list. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done. Buy the book and learn more about prioritizing your workload » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Ebook Now Available Is your workload slowing you — and your career — down? Learn how to get the right work done. Whether you're a new professional or an experienced one, this guide will help you prioritize and stay focused, work less but accomplish more and stop bad habits and develop good ones. Not only will you end each day knowing you made progress — your improved productivity will also set you apart from the pack. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Delegate, Delegate, Delegate Don't Waste Your Organization's Anniversary Turn a Relationship Into a Sale Use Sound Bites to Make Your Presentation Stick Ask These 3 Questions Before Joining that Start-Up Energize Your Network New Job? Only Make the Sacrifices You Want To Keep Your Team Small A Better Way to Brainstorm in Groups Maintain Control When Conducting a Job Interview All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)