Or, do you run your schedule?  Most of us are run by the schedule.  It’s on our calendar so we show up or do it.

Moving from thing to thing to thing, we feel overwhelmed and, in fact, we are.  Want to stop playing defense, get off the treadmill and take control of your calendar and life?  Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Clarify your priorities.  What’s most important for you accomplish in support of critical business goals?  To what do you need to devote your attention and best efforts?  Clear priorities are the foundation of effective time management.

Say, “No” to meeting invitations where you don’t play a central role as a decision maker, sponsor or supporter.  Offer to send someone else to represent the team and support the initiative.

Plan well and get more out of each day by organizing tonight for tomorrow’s work.  That way, you show up with a specific focus and can hit the ground running.

As quickly as you can, end chatty, time-wasting conversations with, “Nice to see you or hear from you.  I have to get back to work.  Take care.”

Good leaders use delegation as a means of developing people and accomplishing goals.  Delegate to others what they can do or can learn to do.  

While hard work may make us feel good and important, it isn’t good for us and, surprisingly, it doesn’t make us productive.  Proactively focus on your high value priorities.  

Assess your time management habits and identify ways you can manage your time more effectively.  One to two changes could make a big difference and put you back in control of your calendar and your life.