Identifying A Now Or A Later

Do you remember those very hard square bright green, yellow, and pink candies called now and later?

I'd love to walk you through a way to prioritize tasks using a brain technique named after this infamous candy of my youth.

In one day, think about all of the tasks that you want to begin and finish.

1.Write the list.

2. Next, write down all of the dreams and hopes that you want to accomplish. That book that you know is to be written. The unfinished script. The talk that you put aside.

All of the daily tasks, interruptions, and brain time to focus, including brainstorming, needs to be accounted for, too.

Now and Later Strategy In Action

1. I tell my clients to look at their list of now and laters.
2. Next, write Now in the left column of a journal or piece of paper. Or, on your online computer document.
3. Write Later on the right side of the column.
4. I want you to think about the most necessary tasks that must be accomplished today as well as the time it will take to complete it with realistic minutes.
5. As you organize your now list, check any deadlines or due dates that are coming up. For example, if I am finishing up my one book but I want to jump to the next one, I decide that my current book is my now and the other book is my later.
6. Sometimes, we want to do both. The big question for the brain is: Is that possible or is it necessary to complete one task for the book so that you can complete another important task now?

That other task might be finishing a report or completing a spreadsheet, for example.

1. Once you have all of your "now" tasks written in the left column, write your "later" tasks that will come up the next day, week, or perhaps later in the month.
2. Be sure to assess your Now and Later timeline at the end of the day.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Did I accomplish all the “now” tasks? Why/why not? Sometimes, you will learn that the”now” tasks will take longer than anticipated or that you need some deeper brainwork to not avoid completing this task.
2. What did I finish on my “now” task today that no longer needs to be on the list? What "later" task can be moved over to the now for tomorrow? This will help alleviate stress, guide time management, and will help you distinguish between tasks more effectively in the long run.

Have a great week!

Dr. Amanda Helman

Cognitive Release Coaching TM and Consulting

www.healthyrootsll.com