How do You Manage Your Time?

How do you manage your time to be more effective?

We have our habits that fit our style and some are good while others are not so good.   How do you change and adapt to be more effective with your time?

First thing every morning is a review of the task list and create a new one starting with the most important task first.  Having the discipline to complete task one and then move onto task two and so forth down the list is difficult because everything new becomes an instant priority.  

This was one of toughest habits to break.  At first it felt so wrong to stick to the priority list, however, the results over the years have proven to be successful for time management.

One of the keys to managing your time is to schedule your priorities and not to prioritize what is in your schedule.  Go back and read this sentence again.   Try it!

Using the three D's every time information is received has become a very good habit.  For example, when I look at my Inbox, each e-mail is opened and one of three things happen:  Delete, Do/Defer as in schedule this task or Delegate with clear direction and deadline.

An interesting and effective tool is creating a Do Not Do List.   Seems strange however reviewing this list helps to remain focused on the priority tasks.

Setting agendas for meetings has helped manage time more effectively.   How many meetings to do you attend and find not much was accomplished or no action items to take away?

Learning to say no.   Very tough.   Sometimes the right answer is to say no.  Set your criteria on what you are going to add to your plate and simply say no to the others.   This is a work in progress and will admit some days just cannot seem to say no which just goes against the grain!
 
What are your time management tips?