One of my biggest weaknesses is proper task prioritization. So here I am, after enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by my fiancé, my brain is already in battle mode. I'm used to it, though. With almost three years of experience as a Generation Planner, a continuous stream of tasks is nothing new to me.
But now, as an Acting Principal Engineer, the tasks are much heavier compared to when I was just a Senior Engineer. It's crazy!
Even with nearly three years in this planning role, when tasks pile up, I go nuts. Worse, I get confused about what to tackle first. I constantly think about what to prioritize, trying to decide what to do first. It's just endless thinking...
Wait! Why am I overthinking this? Erase, erase, erase!
Deep breath... One... Two... Three...
My Prioritization Strategy:
First, list the extra tasks. I already have a structured daily routine and time allocation, so the unexpected variables that throw me off are these extra tasks:
- Forecast for August 2025 to February 2026
- Plant Overriding Constraints revisions
- Plant Renominations
Second, prioritize. Which of these are easy to finish and which require deep focus?
1. Plant Overriding Constraints revisions - I'll do this first since it's quick to complete.
2. Plant Renominations - This will be next, as I need to get it done before 2 PM.
3. Forecast for August 2025 to February 2026 - Since I'm already handling this, it should be easy enough to do; I just need to filter and clean up the forecast.
Third, execute.
Let's go!