Have you ever sat down to your computer in the morning, looked up and it’s already past lunchtime?  And you still haven’t gotten around to half the things you know you were supposed to do?

Where did the time go?

With work at home businesses, telecommuting and general internet based tasks on the rise we need to be more efficient, disciplined and organized to get in a full productive day.

Here are some tips on how to manage your day that have worked for me.

1. Create a Daily Writing Routine

This is the difficult part and may require you to flex that discipline muscle a little more than you’re used to, especially when you are just getting started with your blog. Writing 3x a day, once a day or even once a week can get challenging over a long period of time.

But once you’ve established a daily writing routine it gets much easier, I promise.  Like anything else you do repeatedly, you get used to it. You will continue to blog because you want to and because you like it, but you will also get in the habit of doing it and will write no matter what.

2. Use a To-Do List

And/or a schedule. When you have a daily to-do list or schedule you will be able to manage your time much better. You know what you need to do, when you need to do it and so on. For example, have you noticed that if you only have 15 minutes to get several tasks done, they are more likely to get done in those 15 minutes than if you give yourself the entire day?

Once complete, cross off each item on your list to give you a sense of accomplishment.  Schedule in breaks to stretch, rest your eyes, eat and reinvigorate yourself.

3. Prioritize

This falls under time management as well. For example, If you only have 30 minutes, you should skip working on one task that will take you an hour to complete and get rid of smaller task on your to-do list instead. The list itself, though, will be useful to make sure you spend your time as efficiently as possible.

Some tasks may be time sensetive. You may have to deliver or post in the morning or call someone at a certain time while they’re still at work.  Take the time to look over your list to see what tasks need to be done first.

4. Shut Down Distractions

Although we all social marketing and part of it is work or work related, we also can get easily distracted!!  (I have at least 3 twitter accounts, business and personal)

My advice to you is close down stuff like Twitter, Facebook, Skype, AIM etc. Or if you have work to do on them, do the prioritzed task written on your list (yes, the one we wrote up in # 2)

If you just can’t bring yourself to closing Skype or AIM, at least set your status to “Message if important only” or simply just “Busy.” You just need to be able to set a point where you need to be very productive .

5. Take Notes

Keep a notepad with you and write any ideas or tasks you may think during the day. DO NOT drop everything to do that task!  If you jump from task to task you’ll lose focus and efficiency.  Add it to your list and prioritize it as to how important it is.

Just remember you need to finish whatever you are working on before you jump to the next task.

6. Outsource Stuff When You Can

This is probably the best time-saver ever! Always get help from people who are qualified in areas of expertise that you are not. Create an efficient TEAM. Spend a little if you have to.  I guarantee that this will save you time and money in the long run.  Stick to what you are good at.

Do you have any great tips on how to be more efficient? Please let us know!

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