In working with coaching clients, one of the most common issues that comes up is the problem of overwhelm, of getting things done. I have studied some of the great time management classics for years and am always fascinated by the systems people develop, but for some reason I never manage to stick with them.

First of all, you can't manage time. Time simply "marches on." But you can manage your activity, your productivity. Here are 3 Simple Strategies for managing your productivity.

1. Write down everything.

As a mentor of mine says, "If it's not written down, it doesn't exist." Simply capture everything that comes to you - ideas, projects, to-dos, things to remember like phone numbers. Schedule some time on a regular basis, daily or weekly, to sort that information into projects, to-do lists, or reference files.

2. Make decisions quickly.

Decide to do it, delegate it, delay it, or dump it.

3. Do one thing at a time.

Multitasking is a myth. It doesn't work. Focus on accomplishing one thing at a time. Any project, no matter how big, is a series of individual tasks, and individual tasks can even be broken down into individual actions. Remember - How do you eat an elephant? ......1 bite at a time.