A new year has begun, have you returned to your job, energized and refreshed? You are committed to being more organized and more efficient with your time. So how does that happen? I challenge you to think about how you schedule your time in a new and deliberative way! Think of your time in terms of six different types:

1. Think Time: You need to schedule time for quiet reflection and planning. Organize your thoughts and think about the future, both in the short term and long term. By doing so, you will not feel so overwhelmed when you consider what you are doing tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.

2. Productivity Time: When you are working, be 100% focused on work. Develop a list of tasks you need to complete and prioritize the order in which they need to be completed. For larger projects, block out larger periods of time (2 -3 hours) and take steps to ensure that you are not interrupted with phone calls or meetings.

3. Waiting time: We all find ourselves waiting, either intentionally or unintentionally. Keep a list of tasks that you can complete in these short periods of time. By doing so, you will be assured that you will make every minute count.

4. Reward time: When you complete a key task, give your self a reward. This could be a walk around the block, a cup of coffee, time away from the office. Knowing that you have promised yourself a reward, small or large, can be a great motivator.

5. Family time: Just as you are 100% focused on work when you are at work, when you are with family, you should try to be 100% focused on your family. Set boundaries so that your personal time with your family does not get mixed with your work time.

6. Relax Time: You need time to recharge your batteries. Try to compartmentalize your time so that you are not constantly worrying about what is happening at work. Reserve time every day for relaxing. Read a book, watch your favorite show, grab the golf clubs and hit the links.

Try this and see if it works! It is not necessarily a lack of time, but how you organize it that will make a difference.