How to Deal with Backlog

You probably experienced that. Loads of work, limited time and no light at the end of the tunnel. For each thing you do there’s another one or even a couple of them which arrive to your inbox. The Mighty Backlog has taken you under control. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

There are several techniques you can employ to do something with the problem.

1. Do it now day. A last-in-first-out model. You manage each new thing as fast as possible digging deeper to your todo list. Theoretically it shouldn’t work, but practically that’s great solution. You set up your mind to kill each incoming email and magic happens. You go through tasks faster than you’d think. There can be a problem with that approach if a big piece of work arrives but no excuses here. Last in, first out.

2. Begin with smallest ones. Start cleaning with managing the smallest tasks. The list will shrink soon and with less clutter it’ll be much easier to manage the rest. And you won’t need to answer all people who asked you for those little favors when you’ll be able to do it.

3. Follow the flow. That’s hardly controllable, but there are days when you’re on fire. You work more effectively than every day. Try to exploit those days to do the most important things or shorten your backlog.

4. Plan. Make a detailed plan for a several hours which things you’ll work on. One after another. Follow the plan. Make a remorse-list and put in on sight. Cross out each completed task.

5. Turn off disturbers. Messengers, websites, sometimes even email clients. Turn off everything which distracts you and isn’t crucial. Don’t go for a coffee. Don’t engage each discussion you hear.

You can try to mix a couple of those techniques but do it wisely. If you go for a do it now day, don’t try to fix the easiest thing first.

The one general advice is: don’t wait. Try to defeat your backlog as soon as possible. Other way that darn thing will grow and the task will be harder.