Photo courtesy of aidanmorgan

We all face multiple tasks, projects and requests in our lives. Oftentimes we can easily forget we have agreed to complete something, only to be pleasantly reminded of the fact. Without a doubt, managing multiple tasks for a myriad of projects can be potentially difficult. However, there are a few simple strategies you can implement to greatly improve your ability to manage multiple projects.

Many new micropreneurs find themselves managing many of the following and more:

1. Multiple businesses.
2. Networking and marketing opportunities.
3. Several minor tasks.
4. Major projects that overlap.
5. Personal finances.
6. Family life.
7. Hobbies and side interests.

With a myriad of tasks, an individual may begin to feel overwhelmed by the situation. Implementing a few habits can begin to eliminate this problem:

1. Write everything down: I personally use a small moleskine notebook for writing down tasks to be completed. The main difficulties to overcome when starting this process is to write everything down on one list (so tasks don't get lost), and to review the list regularly. I use the moleskine simply because the extra associated cost of buying the notebook makes me take more care when using it.
   
2. Process tasks: Many different bloggers, authors, etc. have different opinions on how to do this. Some recommend prioritising, others say process from start to finish and so on. Find what works for you and then implement accordingly. The important thing is that the tasks get done.
3. Determine a timeline: If you have multiple projects with certain deadlines, then consider making a list in Excel that has the project name, the requirements and time for completion, the importance of the project and the status towards completion. This can help with the management of multiple projects.
4. Delegate or eliminate the unnecessary: If there is a project you are doing that can be done as effectively (or slightly less effectively for that matter) by someone else, then delegate it. Eliminate tasks that might make money but are not worth the time investment (as that time can be used more efficiently on bigger projects).
5. Assess your involvements: The 80/20 principle is a great way to assess projects and their benefit to your current situation. The projects where you spend 80% or the time usually only bringing in 20% of the results, and vice-versa. Assess and tasks you are currently involved in and determine the benefits (both short and long term) of each. Any that are not worth the level of time investment (usually determined where a dramatic portion of time can be invested elsewhere) should be eliminated or reduced to a more passive management approach.
6. Focus on your strengths: When getting involved in projects that have multiple people involved, focus on your areas of expertise. I used to do spend a lot of time in tertiary studies managing individuals actions and working on report layouts as I found I could do these effectively with ease. My weaknesses were usually covered by another persons strengths.
   
7. Develop criteria: I have a criteria checklist that must be met before I get involved in a new business and before I take on new projects. If there is not harmony between my goals in life (expressed through my criteria) then there is no point in me getting involved, as I will not be committed or passionate enough to persist long term. Developing your own criteria to assess new projects and business opportunities can save you a high level of time investment that could be used better elsewhere.
8. Ensure overlap where possible: Tim Ferriss, author of the Four Hour Work Week states in a video on his blog that he does not get involved in a project that does not overlap with what he is currently doing. If you are running a series of online businesses, starting a retail plumbing shop would not necessarily harmonise with your current successes and will require different skill sets and tasks. With overlap, you can achieve more while doing a similar amount of work (It doesn't take much extra effort to promote two websites than it does one in an interview as an example).
9. Continue to educate yourself: I am always looking for new and more efficient ways to complete projects. Ultimately you want to find the most efficient tools to help you achieve what you are attempting to do. An example of this might be reading a new book, taking a course, speaking to an expert in the field, etc.

Instilling habits that improve your time ability to manage tasks effectively may take some time. I tried a few times before this system worked well for me (and still mess up from time to time), but am a lot more productive with systems in place to achieve more with less involvement.