Use routine to make efficient use of your time. Get up at the same time of day, start your day the same way on most days, have your meals at the same time, etc. The more routine you have the less time you spend settling in on regular tasks.

Streamline any thing you do regularly. Choose a few regular options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are quick to prepare. Choose exercise that will give you excellent benefit in less time and can be done with little preparation, or while you are watching television or getting together with others.

Portion the tasks you regularly do at work for particular hours or days of the week. Early mornings are generally good for tasks that require solitary concentration, and later in the day for our contact with people. Schedule in blocks long enough to get up to speed, and short enough that we do not tire, then switch tasks.

For each day, pick three tasks that are most important for you to do, or that will make the most difference in your life, and do these things early in the day if at all possible.

Work very hard during some hours, but always allow yourself a block of time every day where you expect nothing of yourself and can relax.

Our being able to work quickly is affected by our feeling fully present, alert, and focused. Sometimes moving our body quickly for a moment, breathing deeply, or changing our position helps us to freshen our mind and become alert. Avoid drifting and pausing.

Set your goals high so that you are challenged and don’t have time to waste.

Rest when truly tired... not distraction, but rest.

Know what you should be doing at each hour of your work day. Plan ahead and set most of your tasks for the day at least the day before.