Endless unexpected tasks every day leave countless professionals overwhelmed and stressed. Don't forget: "Efficiency determines competitiveness." Maintaining a clear mind and arranging your daily work reasonably might just give you an edge and achieve twice the result with half the effort.
Japanese efficiency expert Yukio Matsumoto suggests that when faced with a mountain of tasks, you should first categorize them and identify priorities. Using the two criteria of "urgent" and "important," handle "urgent and important" tasks first, then quickly complete "urgent but unimportant" ones. Tasks that are "important but not urgent" or "neither urgent nor important" can be temporarily set aside.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates, drawing from his own experience, reminds everyone that each person can realistically accomplish no more than seven important tasks per day—such as holding meetings, sending notification emails, or visiting clients. If your daily to-do list exceeds seven items, there's no need to add more. Not every task must be completed "today"; otherwise, you'll end up with good intentions but insufficient energy.
"Think" before you "Act." For tasks requiring detailed consideration, there's no need to rush into action. Use time during meals or walks to mull things over. Once you've accumulated enough reflection, ideas will naturally begin to flow.