When there is too much to do, there are only six possibilities. The good news is that five of them are effective. The bad news is that most people choose the sixth.

Here are the five effective ways of dealing with overload:

1. Accomplish more
   
2. Delegate/outsource
   
3. Cut corners
   
4. Postpone
   
5. Abandon
   

What is #6?

The sixth choice, the only ineffective option, is not deciding. Not consciously selecting one of the five. Every one of the five is a valid option that can be managed for good results. But too often, people choose #6. And by not making the tough decision, they are leaving this decision to chance. The wrong things fall through the cracks. The wrong corners are cut. Whim, luck, and personal favorites take the helm. The easy triumph over the important, the tactical over the strategic, and the urgent over the long term.

So Stop It!

Stop choosing #6. It's time to start making conscious decisions to go with one of the other five.