20 Time Savers

1. Learn to set priorities on things like goals, tasks, meeting agenda items, interruptions.
2. Start with "A-priority" tasks; is it the best use of your time?
3. Fight procrastination; do it now if it's important.
4. Subdivide large, tough tasks into smaller, easily accomplished parts.
5. Establish a quiet hour, even though it requires will power and may not always work.
6. Find a hideaway. The library or office of a co-worker who's traveling.
7. Learn to say "no" when you've got something important to do.
8. Learn to delegate.
9. Accumulate similar tasks and do them all at one time.
10. Minimize routine tasks; spend only the time they deserve. Shorten low-value interruptions. Throw away junk mail and other low-value paperwork. Delegate, shorten or defer indefinitely the C-priority tasks.
11. AVOID PERFECTIONISM. Remember the 80/20 distribution rule.
12. Avoid over-commitment. Be realistic about what you can do in the time you have.
13. Don't over-schedule. Allow some flexible time for crises and interruptions.
14. Set time limits. For example, some decisions shouldn't take more than three minutes to make. Know how to recognize these.
15. Concentrate on what you are doing.
16. Use big blocks of time for big jobs.