I wrote last week about deciding what your priorities are. Once you know your priorities—things you really want to make the time for—schedule them based on order of importance. Here are some tips about how to schedule tasks.

Fill the jar

I use the “fill the jar” metaphor when discussing how to schedule tasks. Imagine you have a jar, and your job is to fill it as full as possible. You have rocks, pebbles, and sand, to pack into it. What’s the best way to maximize space in the jar?

If you start by adding sand and pebbles first, the rocks will sit on top. The jar will look full, but there will be a lot of unused space between the large rocks. That’s wasted space. But if you start by adding rocks first, then pebbles, you can shake the jar and the pebbles will fill in spaces between the rocks. Sand does the same, sifting into the even smaller areas between pebbles. You can even add water on top of everything, and you’ll have a genuinely full jar.

The most crucial tasks in your life are the rocks. Things like making sure you’re healthy, and that you spend time with loved ones, can be rocks. Exercise, your daughter’s birthday party, and keeping in touch with your grandmother can all be rocks. Schedule these things first, because they are what makes a life whole.

Pebbles are still very important, but not as crucial. Although it might not fulfill you as a person, household chores need to get done, and you should probably get to work on time. Schedule these things next.

Sand and water are things you want to do, but are ultimately not important. These are fun, extra activities like binge-watching Netflix, scrolling through social media, or a mani-pedi.

Or maybe mani-pedis ARE a pebble to you! That’s okay, everyone has different priorities and things that they need to be a healthy, happy person. The point is to think about what you truly need and want in your life, and schedule those things first, then fit in less important tasks in the spaces between

Schedule work AND play

Often I see people who schedule only the things they feel they have to do. Anything that they get to do is left to happenstance. But it’s just as important to schedule vacations, time off, and naps that you need as it is to plan chores and work.

First, it makes your schedule look a lot more fun when you can see your upcoming vacation! If you’re stressed, you can look at your calendar and know there’s a rest coming. Second, down time is very important! I don’t suggest all this scheduling to make you an unstoppable work machine. I suggest it for balance. Productivity is great, but without time to rest and recover, it’s going to be a downward spiral into working so hard you burn out.

Batch like tasks together

When creating your schedule, batch like tasks together. Rather than scheduling each individual errand or chore, schedule a block of time and mark it “Errands,” or “Chores.”

You can keep a list of what you need to do, and work through that list during its designated time. That way you don’t have to clutter your calendar with a lot of tiny tasks.

And, batching tasks lets you get into the groove of what you’re doing and get more done!