Contributed by Penelope K.

Manage your time betterI have a to-do list that is a mile long but, with a few simple tricks, I manage to get all my tasks done in a productive and efficient manner.

Do the thing you hate first.  If you have a list of chores and there is one big chore that you are not looking forward to, do it first.  If you don’t, you have it looming over you for the whole day stressing you out and bringing you down.  If you get it done, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and you will be energized, ready to tackle your next chore.

Make a schedule.  We often pressure ourselves to get everything on our to-do list done in one day; but, have you accounted for how much time each chore will take?  We often underestimate and think everything will take only few minutes.  Write down next to each chore how much time you think it will honestly take you.  This will provide you with a more realistic framework.

Plan ahead.  If you have an appointment, figure out what you need.  Print out directions of where you need to go.  Leave your gym bag packed with all you need at the door so you can grab it as you run out the door.

Prioritize.  Sometimes we do a bunch of busy work and avoid the important things.  If you cannot decide what to do, figure out if anyone is counting on you to complete the task.

Communicate.  If things are getting to be too much, communicate to those around you and ask for help.

Delegate. Is it really that important for you to do it? Do you think you need to do everything because no one else can do it right?  Pass on the task to someone else and let them do it.

Be realistic.  Maybe you can’t do it all in one day. Some days emergencies will pop up and you will have to drop your to-do list.  Forgive yourself.

Do you have any time management tips you’d like to share?  We invite you to comment in the box below.