These helpful tips work well to keep you on track and get things done.

Another tip: these same tips work well in college and at your job.

Clearly define your end goal

Knowing exactly what you are trying to accomplish is the first step to achieving it. Speak to your client and understand exactly what has to get done. Write it down and confirm it with your client.

Set a clear timeline

Write down a clear timeline. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the pieces and answers, just get something down to start with. Your timeline will change. But it’s easier to simply adjust your preset timeline verses being blindsided with changes that you don’t know what to do with. Your timeline should consist of large tasks broken down into small chunks.

Define responsibilities

Write down who’s responsible for each task. Define when each task is due. Inform and confirm with everyone involved.

Work on small chunks

How do you move a Mountain? One spoonful at a time. Break your task up into smaller chunks that seem more doable. Finishing a smaller chunk is a nice reward. We see progress and feel like we accomplished something that day. Now we’re excited to go on to the next chunk. Once you define your chunks it’s time to prioritize them.

Working in smaller chunks also helps us to reflect on the big picture more often. Small chunks separate us from the larger project and allow us to see it in new ways with fresh eyes.

Prioritize

Prioritize your chunks. Think about your timeline and workflow. What chunks need to be done first? Which need other people’s help? Which do you need to wait for? Which need a long approval process?

Write a new timeline if you need to with all your chunks prioritized. Next, we’ll estimate how long each chunk should take.

Set clear, measurable goals

Write down an estimate of how long it will take to complete each chunk. Next, set daily goals.

Write down the three most important chunks you have to do. Start working on number one. When it’s done, move onto number two.

Just do it

Don’t wait to start—get going . . . now. What chunk of work are you going to get done by 3:00 PM today? You should know exactly what has to be done, and then you should get to work on it. Expect the best from yourself.

Reward yourself

Finish a chunk of work? Go for a walk outside and refresh your mind. Call a friend and chat for a few minutes. Watch a funny video for five minutes. Walk to the store and get a fresh cup of coffee or a smoothie. Have a small candy bar waiting for you once you complete a chunk of work. This type of reward system works. It keeps us energized and moving forward.

Be flexible

Your timeline will change and you will have to flex at times. Stay focused. You will get interrupted and things will distract you. It’s okay and it’s part of life. Just deal with these issues as best as you can and get back to work as soon as possible.

Be realistic

Balance work and life. Don’t try to get everything done in one day. Set a work schedule that leaves time for rewards, relaxation, and work. Stop working at a reasonable time each day and relax with family, friends, and alone. If you take time to recharge your batteries, you’ll be that much more productive the next day.

Be Ethical

Don’t cut corners to make more money or to work faster. Be honest and trustworthy. Also, don’t mistake this for working smarter. Always try to work smarter and be efficient.

Quality over quantity

No exceptions. Don’t turn in work that isn’t your best. Ask your client/teacher/manager for a specific amount of more time. Ask for enough extra time. Only ask for more time once. Then deliver it on time.

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Time Management

Here’s a helpful video introducing time management and how you can use it to your benefit.