For me, until now, ‘heuristic’ was something to do with anti virus. But according to Steve Pavlina, you can use heuristics to get things done more efficiantly. It’s about making rules for how you handle different tasks. Like chores around the house. You know, the basement bulb that went black a week ago, the squeaky door that should be oiled and the 27 other things your woman put on your list. Steve offers 33 ways to deal with any task. I like his first tip: “Nuke it.” If it’s something you don’t have to do and don’t want to do, erase it from your list.

Here’s how he explains heuristics in his article 33 Rules to Boost Your Productivity:

Suppose your goal is to climb to the peak of a mountain, but there’s no trail to follow. An example of a heuristic would be: Head directly towards the peak until you reach an obstacle you can’t cross. Whenever you reach such an obstacle, follow it around to the right until you’re able to head towards the peak once again. This isn’t the most intelligent or comprehensive heuristic, but in many cases it will work just fine, and you’ll eventually reach the peak.

I’ll quote the three first tips. For the full 33 point list, head on over to the original article. Then come back her.

1. Nuke it! The most efficient way to get through a task is to delete it. If it doesn’t need to be done, get it off your to do list.
2. Daily goals. Without a clear focus, it’s too easy to succumb to distractions. Set targets for each day in advance. Decide what you’ll do; then do it.
3. Worst first. To defeat procrastination learn to tackle your most unpleasant task first thing in the morning instead of delaying it until later in the day. This small victory will set the tone for a very productive day.