Time Management

You need to make yourself and your goals a priority. This starts by
completing your most high level, strategic action FIRST, before checking
your email or responding to phone calls or other requests. People and
technology will always be there to distract you. One study
found that Fortune 500 CEOs averaged only twenty-eight uninterrupted,
productive minutes a day! To be truly successful, you must be able to
set boundaries and make your biggest strategic goals your daily
priority.

Here are some examples of time management strategies most people may find acceptable:

• Control "Time Vampires" who suck up your time. These are people
  who ask if you've "got a moment?" and proceed with a two-hour
  conversation. Sometimes, you just have to have the courage to say "No"
  or to schedule a meeting for another time.
• Add an end time for your appointments.
• Schedule and bunch telephone calls. Avoid answering the telephone
  during periods of concentrated work, or at least cut the conversation
  short and schedule a call back time.
• Lunch appointments should start with meeting at your office, not the restaurant.

Here are some more extreme strategies:

• "Script" your workday and scrupulously avoid interruptions. An occasional "pick and shovel day" is allowed.
• Don't use, accept or go through email communications. At least have someone else screen them for you.
• Don't personally participate in social media.
• Avoid or control the use of cell phones.