how to handle your workload like a pro

1.       Prioritize
Make sure you are organized about the deadlines. Plan ahead on how you should tackle your workload, and ensure that your strategy maximizes efficiency. You know yourself best and how you work. Be realistic about the amount of time required for each task.

When your boss gives you an additional task but you honestly cannot manage, politely let him/her know about your current workload and ask him/her which task you should prioritize. This is an excellent way to subtly remind your bosses of your existing workload and he/she will usually re-divert the task once he/she is aware that you already have so much on your plate.

2.       1-time only
Do it once and do it well.  It is easy to fall into the trap of rushing through a task and sending it off and hoping it goes away. It never does. If you do your work poorly, you will find that you will have created even more work for yourself as people email you to enquire about this or that, or they find mistakes that you have to correct, or areas that you need to re-do.

Even if it doesn’t come back to haunt you, your bosses or whoever is on the receiving end of the work has taken note of this sub-par quality that you have produced. No excuses on your part will justify the situation.

3.       Time Management
Come in early, take a shorter lunch break, try to get out of any non-important meetings that are time-wasters. Turn your phone off and minimize distractions. If you find that co-workers tend to drop by and ask you things, wear headphones or find some other subtle way to make it known that you do not want to be disturbed. Coming in on the weekend to clear work is also a good way to get on top of things. These are short-term pains for your long-term gain. 

Overall, don’t let this busy period get you down, retrain your perspective and know that this is an opportunity for you to learn and impress your boss.