Third-year analyst here. Just blew past the 110-hour mark last week and completely spaced on a model check that almost tanked a client call. I’ve tried time-blocking apps, but VPs keep dumping fire drills into my ‘protected’ slots. Any battle-tested bankers have a system that’s survived multiple live deals? Bonus points if you’ve figured out how to prioritize tasks that actually move the needle vs. just looking busy. What’s your real-world triage method when every spreadsheet claims to be ‘urgent’?
time-blocking? lmao. they’ll just laugh while deleting your calendar invites. real move: identify the 3 things your md actually cares about this week. half-ass the rest. pro tip: ‘waiting on legal’ buys you 24hrs. works 60% of the time, every time.
omg same!! i try color-coding tasks but my senior alwayyyys adds ‘urgent’ stuff in red 
started putting fake mtgs labeled ‘client sync’ to block 8-9am? worked twice!! pls dont tell my staffer lol
The key is ruthless prioritization aligned with deal milestones. Every Sunday night, map tasks to the 2-3 deliverables that will actually derail the timeline if missed. For ad-hoc requests, ask ‘Is this required for the next client-facing step?’ If not, schedule it during low-cognition hours. Protect 90-minute morning blocks for valuation work - that’s when most errors get caught.
You’ve got this! 
I use pomodoro sprints between meetings! 25min focus + 5min fire drills. Still crushing models AND being responsive! Progress > perfection!
My classmate at GS used to keep two to-do lists - one ‘real’ priorities hidden in his desk, and a decoy list he’d leave open on his desk. Whenever a VP swung by with busywork, he’d dramatically add it to the decoy while working his actual high-impact stuff. Made them think he cared.
Analysis of 127 analysts across 5 banks showed the top 10% performers allocate 47% of their day to tasks directly linked to upcoming client meetings. Recommendation: Create a ‘client impact’ score (1-5) for each task. Cut anything below 3 unless explicitly mandated by MD/ED. Automate status updates via VBA to reclaim 6-8hrs weekly.