ABC Method of Time Management: What It Is & How to Implement It Today

If you're a busy person, time management is essential. You want to focus on the important "needle-moving" tasks on your schedule. Why?

Because they are the tasks on your to-do lists that bring in the results and the money.

Whether you're planning for next month or tomorrow, a big project or a small project, beginning a new job, or onboarding new clients... The ABC method is the simple 3-step process, and maybe the only one you will ever need, to decide on your important tasks.

Keep reading, because we're going to show you exactly what it is, how you can use it, and how it can help you...

  • Decide on the most important tasks on your to-do list
  • Improve your productivity in minutes
  • And achieve almost unbelievable results because you're focus is on the essential tasks you must complete.

In fact, the ABC Method is so effective that the star of ABC's "Shark Tank" Barbara Corcoran uses it to prioritize tasks and manage time – Even her personal items. Here's what she said in an interview with CNBC's "Make It"...

“Until I put an A next to it, it doesn’t get it done,” Corcoran tells The Cut. “And I generally don’t enjoy doing them, honestly.

“I usually have five to seven A’s on any given day and I do them first,” she adds. “I don’t finish my week without getting rid of my A’s. Once I label it, it’s a commitment.”

And Barbara isn't the only one using the ABC system to balance multiple projects on her task list. It's the key to planning out the most important tasks used by American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, and the billionaire founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson.

So without further ado... Let's dive in!

What are the steps in the ABC Method?

The technique lies in setting priorities by importance and takes no more than 2-minutes. It really is as simple as choosing between "A", "B", and "C".

But which letter means what? And how can you use them to define the importance of your task?

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The "A" category

"A" tasks are where you start prioritizing. There are your high-priority tasks. The tasks that are most urgent. The "needle-movers" and the "non-negotiables". The first task you must complete out of all the tasks in your day... and if you don't there will be serious consequences.

The key to success is to prioritize the task that is the most essential task you must complete during your work hours.

These could be making cold calls, setting up new ads to test, hiring a CEO so you can retire in a tax haven – any of the essential things you must be completing – assign them into the "A" category.

The "B" category

In the "B" category, you put any tasks from your task list that are not as urgent as your "A" tasks. While they aren't the highest priority out of all the tasks on your to-do list, they do belong to the more important tasks you need to accomplish in order to progress in your work life.

For example, think about tasks such as returning a phone call, or replying to an email. It would be good to get them done, but there aren't severe consequences if these tasks aren't completed.

The "C" category

As you have probably guessed by now, the "C" category is where tasks on your to-do list go to die... Just kidding! It's not that bad!

But the "C" category is for any task on your to-do list you want to accomplish but is not time-bound, or one of the more important things on your to-do list. These are the asks on your schedule with the least urgency.

Naturally, most "C" tasks will move up your to-do list to a "B" task in the long run.

How to Use The ABC Method inside the Finisher's Journal

On the weekly pages in the Finisher's Journal, you will find the ABC Method. Each week, you will define your Most Important Task, followed by any Secondary Tasks for the week.

Write in all of your tasks for one week, and then set a priority for each task by grouping each task into either the "A", "B", or "C" categories.

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Why is the ABC Method important in prioritizing tasks?

When your daily tasks are broken down according to the ABC method, you quickly identify your most urgent priority tasks. In doing this, you're able to prioritize your time efficiently and effectively. And it will focus your attention on the time-critical tasks you know are an absolute priority.

How can I implement the ABC Time Management Method?

The ABC Method could be your answer to becoming insanely productive and effective. It can help you focus on what’s important, get more done in less time, and have more free time for the things that matter most to you.

If you want to be a Finisher – and not just someone who starts projects but never sees them through – then the ABC Method is for you. But it's only one small part of our entire Finisher Secrets productivity system.

To find out all the other ways you can destroy procrastination, crush distraction, and get more done in less time with the Finisher Secrets productivity system – used by over 20,000+ entrepreneurs worldwide – click the link below.

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