Use this simple priority scheduling algorithm to organize and prioritize your day, your to-do list, or anything where you must make choices.
Got a minute? Get organized. All you need is a sheet of paper, a pen or pencil, and at least three things to do. I'll show you an algorithm to help you prioritize yours tasks for the day.
What is an algorithm? You can make it as complicated as you like, but bottom line, an algorithm is a computational procedure. Mostly people who program computers or use mathematics in their work use algorithms. Simply put, it's a way to track "˜stuff'.
That "˜stuff', for our purposes, is your to-do list. For example, you have a list of five things to do today - and, you don't know where to start. First, write your tasks down on your piece of paper. Next, write the numbers 1 through 5 on your paper, horizontally and vertically, and fill in the numerical sequences in between, like so:
1 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 1
3 4 5 1 2
4 5 1 2 3
5 1 2 3 4
You will work across each line, comparing the tasks for each item number. Consider items 1 and 2; which would you rather do first? Make your choice and place a tally mark beside that task. Now consider items 1 and 3, 1 and 4, and, 1 and 5. Make those tally marks.
On the next line, you will compare items 2 and 3, 2 and 4, and, 2 and 5. You have already chosen between 1 and 2. Make the appropriate tally marks. On line 3, you will choose between items 3 and 4, and, and 5; items 1 and 2 were already decided. On the fourth line you will choose between items 4 and 5. You've already compared the 5th item with the other four. Check to make sure you have a total of ten tally marks beside the items on your task list.
Your highest priority will be the item with the most tally marks. Your second priority will have the next highest number of marks, and son on.
Of course, you could psyche yourself and start your tasks from the bottom of your newly organized list. This way, you would do the most onerous or least desired task, completed, out of the way, and you don't have it hanging over your head.
Of course, as with any tasks, the follow through is up to you.
