Are you having trouble getting things done? Are you so busy all day that you wind up working late into the night to get important tasks done? And do some things you want to get done, never even get started?

Here's one step you can take to solve the problem:

Choose a task – the most important un-done task – and schedule a specific block of time to complete it. Make sure the block of time you schedule for doing the task is long enough to complete it, or to get one important part of the task done.

During the appointed time, do nothing except work on the task you scheduled. If your office has a door, shut the door. Don't take phone calls. If you have employees, have an employee take your calls and let callers know you're unavailable. If you don't have someone to take your calls, let them go to voice mail. Turn off your cell phone so you don't get distracted, and shut down your email program. Do nothing during the time you've scheduled for the task except work on the task.

Blocking off time and devoting your full attention to a specific task during the scheduled time saves time and makes you more productive. Instead of stacking papers and notes on top of the project you were working on and losing your train of thought, you'll stay focused and get more things done.

A related benefit: some of the people that would have interrupted you if you let them, may have solved their own problems before you get back to them. That will increase their confidence and keep you from spending time doing something you didn't really have to do.

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