You know, there are “to-do” lists everywhere. From picking up the laundry to writing your annual performance review…to calling the customer who you know has a scripted diatribe which will cascade into what was going to be a good day...they all conspire to smother you.

And, all of the time management workshops you have attended, the multi-colored interactive daily planners you have purchased and the reams of scribbled notes you have stuffed into hip pockets and purses… do not help.

So, here are six strategies, I am convinced, will finally end the games we all play when there is more to do than the time in our time-planners.

First, begin to say that dreaded word, “no.”

You are already seething out threats and sending them my way that sound like, “You have no idea of what you are suggesting. I cannot say ‘no’ to my boss or the people who sign my check.”

Well, there is “no” in, “With what I have to get accomplished for you/our team right now, I cannot get to that assignment until next Tuesday. Tell me, will that work for you? If not, which of these other six items do you not want me to get finished so I can take on this task?”

Notice, I am the one writing the script. If I cannot get this all done then your job becomes the arbitrator of what is next on my list.

Second, at the end of each day write a new “to do” list using a cluster.

A cluster works like this. Put a circle in the middle of a clean sheet of paper and put tomorrow’s date in the middle. Then, using all your sources, start writing down (use your own shorthand) all the tasks you have to finish that day. Put a circle around each one and draw a line from the circle to the circle in the middle with the date in the center.

Now, here is the genius of this device. Ask yourself this question, “If I only had the opportunity to do one idea on this page today, which one would it be?” Put a #1 next to that circle.

Work on that item until it is finished and then repeat the process including asking yourself the same question.

You will be elated, when using this visual aid, of all you are accomplishing!

Third, using the method in my second suggestion, are there any of these items you can “empower” someone in your home/workplace to do? Really, do you, personally, have to do all these items? If the answer is “no,” plant this on another lucky person.

Fourth, on long projects, factor in “dusting out your brain” break time. These R&R (rest and reignite) sessions must include two agreements you make with yourself: (a) each break must have a rigid beginning and ending time and (b) the “break” is not used to get additional items completed.

Fifth, design a reward that is a “turn on” for you.

You see, we do not repeat a behavior unless that behavior is rewarded. So, will the reward be a special meal with an equally special person, the purchase of a Z6 BMW (o.k., a little over the top!) or a 30 minute jog in the park?

Sixth, and finally, if you are still struggling “catching up,” it is time to pull out the big guns!

Someone, who has referent power in your life, needs to be enlisted to ask you, “How are you doing getting in control of all you have to get accomplished right now?”

A spouse, a child, a coworker, a clergyperson, a best friend and...well, you see where I am going with this.

There are “power brokers” in our lives who, when they speak, give us the kick in the posterior we need to cut out the procrastination games, focus and just get it done! Figure out who those people are in your life environment and ask for their help. Remember, these should not be people who are going to give you a “free ride” when you start making excuses.

Obviously, you know you are not alone! There are a lot of people, like you, who have downloaded this article.

As a matter of fact, this article was on my “to do” list and I have used two of these suggestions to get it finished and move on.

And, I have to go right now, because this completed article has earned me the reward of one hour plying the waters of Springfield Lake...in my kayak!