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The 3 Rules for Effective Time Management?
- Don't create impossible situations.
- Define priorities.
- Avoid distractions and lack of focus.
Don't Create Impossible Situations.
Don't get trapped into doing too much. Time management also requires you to have bandwidth. It will take some time to develop in a way that you can juggle many things at once. This is where setting priorities and must do’s come into play. Use time to create success, not failure. Be realistic about what you are looking to accomplish. Plan…Plan…Plan…
Make time your friend not your enemy.
Identify your first priorities (your must do’s). Then do whatever it takes to succeed. Drop second priority items at first and put the time in to get your priority items done.
Define Your Priorities Using the 3-List Method.
All time management begins with planning. Use lists to set priorities, plan activities and measure progress. One approach is the 3-list method.
List #1 - Goals
This can be one or two lists, a monthly list and or a long-term list. Put down your goals and things you have to do. What do you want to accomplish over the next month or year? What do you need to buy? What accomplishments will give you the states you are looking for, like happiness, love etc.
Use this list to keep track of all your commitments. If you're worried about something, put it on this list. The purpose of this list is to develop long-term goals and to free your mind to concentrate on today. Be sure to review this daily to ensure the next two lists line up regularly with what you want to achieve on this list.
List #2 - The weekly calendar.
Create a weekly calendar. Make it your basic time budgeting guide. List your family time, work time, educational time, planning time, recreation, meals, TV, relaxation, etc.
Plan to focus on your first priority items at the times in of the day that you are most focused and work best. Be flexible, adapt your schedule to changing needs. Keep your schedule handy and refer to it often. If it doesn't work, change it.
List #3 - The daily "Things to Do".
Write down all the things that you want to accomplish today. Note high priority items, tasks due or things you want to emphasize. Include shopping and personal calls, etc.
This list is a reminder. Use it to set daily priorities and to reduce decision-making and worry. If time is tight, move items to your long-term list.
Rewrite this list each morning or at the end of every day for use the following day. Use visualization to help you focus on what to do. This list is also a measure of your day-to-day success. Check off items as you finish them and praise yourself for each accomplishment.
Avoid Distractions and Lack of Focus.
Time is precious. Yet many people waste time by getting stuck in one or more of the following habits.
Procrastination - putting off important jobs. Instead of saying to yourself - I have to do all these things today – say – I want to do all these things today. This little language and mindset change will help you break through procrastination.
Crises management - being overwhelmed by the current crisis. No time for routine matters.
Switching and floundering - lack of concentration and focus on one job.
Television, telephones and friends - these are all ways of avoiding work.
Emotional blocks - boredom, daydreaming, stress, guilt, anger and frustration reduce concentration.
Sickness - getting sick and blowing your schedule.
In all of these cases, the first step is to recognize the problem and resolve to improve. Use priority lists to focus attention. Try positive self-talk. To avoid distractions, find a quiet place to focus and achieve your goals. Let your voice mail handle incoming calls while you are focused on other tasks without distraction.
Key Point
Good time management means defining priorities and scheduling activities.
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Mental 
