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Identify Your Tasks

by Maria Gracia Updated October 1, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Each task you do each day, falls into one of four categories: A: I have to, and I want to B: I have to, but I don't want to C: I don't have to, but I want to D: I don't have to, and I don't want to A: I have to, and I want to Tasks that fall into category A are those tasks that are most likely to get completed. For instance, perhaps you have to go furniture shopping for the new unfurnished home you're buying. If you don't go shopping, you won't have a bed to sleep in, or a sofa to relax on. It's a task that has to be done, but you also consider it a fun task. You already want to do tasks in this category, because your desire is incentive enough. B: I have to, but I don't want to Tasks that fall into category B are tasks that you will complete, but are also those you may procrastinate a bit on. An example might be paying your phone bill. You have to pay the bill, but you don't want to. But you know if you don't, your phone will be turned off. Category B tasks require a bit more of an incentive, so be sure to attach pending rewards to these tasks. This way, you will have something to look forward to and enjoy when those tasks are completed. C: I don't have to, but I want to Tasks that fall into category C either get done at the expense of other things getting done, or they get put on the back burner. For instance, you may enjoy surfing the Internet, so you surf instead of doing laundry. Or, on the flip side, you may enjoy scrap booking, but since it's not a major priority, it never seems to make it to your To Do list. If you always use Category C items as reward items for completing something else you have to do, you will always enjoy the benefits of doing these items. Plus, these tasks will never be done at the expense of a priority item not getting done. D: I don't have to, and I don't want to Tasks that fall into category D should be eliminated from your To Do list. For example, perhaps you volunteer to act as a board member for your community town hall. You used to enjoy it, but you don't anymore, nor do you have the time to dedicate to it anymore. This type of 'don't have to, don't want to' task is something you should stop doing. Why take up your precious time doing something that you don't have to do and is no longer in line with your goals? Back to Time Management Index