One thing that everyone can’t seem to get enough of is time. Since you can’t get more time each day, what you need to do is make better use of the time you have. The following are five time management tips that have been used for years and continue to work well for those who follow them.

1. Always prioritize what you need to do each day. Be sure to plan for key elements that will bring your most important project to completion or high priorities that will help achieve your goals. Then do other activities that would be considered your normal work tasks by organizing them with similar activities together organize things first
2. Touch paper or emails just once. In other words, don’t procrastinate by deciding to “decide later.” If it’s something a subordinate can do or another team member enjoys doing, put their name on it and pass it along with minimal instructions. If it’s reference material, skim through what you need and then throw it away or file it away. If you are required to respond, write a note on paper or respond to an email immediately with comments, questions, or suggestions.
3. Schedule high-priority or key items into your day during times when you know you have the most energy and do your best work. This goes back to planning your day because you should always put your best effort into things that matter in the long run rather than just getting things done. So make sure you use your rush hour for important tasks.
4. Whenever possible, delegate! You don’t have to do it all yourself. Allow others to take on projects or tasks that allow them to grow and learn. You may need to review their work or provide some guidance yourself at first or suggest someone on your team who can guide them through the necessary process. Eventually, the subordinate or team member will be able to handle similar work on their own, freeing them up for more important tasks.
5. Make an appointment with yourself for an uninterrupted time each day. Again we re-plan your day so you can accomplish more important things with the time you have. Use this uninterrupted time for strategic planning, project updates, or creative thinking. Even if this is only half an hour, it could help move key elements forward in a new way, reduce stress, and prevent crises.

The time management tips above have been tested by many people and proven to work time and time again. So if you want more time in your day, try these tips to see if they allow you to get more done by better managing how you work with the time you have.