You can’t control time. But you can manage yourself and get the most out of the time you have. Use these tips to take charge of your workday:
• Use different kinds of lists to your advantage. Having a to-do list is great, but in these hectic times, it may not be enough. You may need up to five lists: A “Projects” list, which tracks big-picture projects; a “Next Actions” list, which itemizes the actions needed for all active projects; the “Waiting For” list, which keeps track of projects that are in limbo until someone else does something; the “Calendar” list, which records appointments that have to be kept at a certain time and date; and the “Someday/Maybe” list, which keeps track of activities that may or may not happen, like a conference you want to attend in six months.
• Get to the bottom of your inbox at least once a day. Don’t let this box become the repository for all your stray papers. Take out one item at a time, and don’t take out another item until you’ve acted on the first item.
• Master the “two-minute drill.” Any time you are faced with a task that will take less than two minutes to complete, do it right away.
• Do “Friday reviews.” At the end of the week, update all your lists, empty your inbox, deal with all loose papers, and plan upcoming projects and events.