1. See time as continuous, not segmented. If you are taking “downtime” and want to complete a small or simple task, go ahead. I write during every spare moment I have. It’s a simple thing to do, and I find it enjoyable.

2. Schedule time for social media. If you want to remain active on social media, set times during the day to check-in. I monitor Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like first thing in the morning, and then again in the evening.

3. Complete difficult or challenging tasks first. Procrastination only leads to more procrastination and anxiety. Get the difficult stuff done first.

4. Time shift. Use time to your advantage. Put your smartphone in the drawer and turn it off; mute your telephone; hide your inbox. Allow yourself to remain focused and productive in the time you have by eliminating distractions.

5. Momentum breeds momentum. Once you begin a task, if you feel passionate or “into it,” then don’t stop. If you focus on priorities first, then delays to any other tasks or assignments is less important than completing your priorities.

Shawn Casemore, President, Casemore and Co.
www.casemoreandco.com