Being away from the office has a way of getting you out of the daily details, and you will be glad you have a reference point when you return. I recommend making two lists. First, make a list of every project you are working on with its corresponding status. Whether you are waiting for feedback on a proposal draft, a response from a client, or a deadline for a report to become available, commit them all to paper.
Second, make a short priority list for first things you plan to tackle upon your return. Priorities at work can change fast, but starting from a list gives you a better launch point no matter what happens.
This is also a good opportunity to scrub your mile-long to-do list and finally move all those lagging tasks to a “maybe never” list. Be honest — if something has been on your agenda for six months and you have not found the time to address it, it may be time to just delete or delegate it.
