Do the Worst First

On most of our daily to-do lists there is a task or two we dread. It may be an uncomfortable conversation or phone call that needs to happen. It may be a boring task that we just can't get excited about.

Unfortunately the mental fatigue and unneeded stress of procrastinating take a toll. It has a negative emotional and physical impact. It reduces our effectiveness in doing the tasks we choose to do instead. In addition, as time passes, the task may become harder as the situation goes unresolved.

We can increase our effectiveness as leaders if we choose each day to do what's hardest first. Look over your to do list and make what you're dreading the first thing you tackle. Reduce your stress by doing what you're avoiding. Get it over with and move on.