Schedule a “buffer zone” — say, 15 to 30 minutes before and after each significant task.

This builds in the breaks you need to be effective and acknowledges that all tasks require some kind of mental and physical transition time. It also helps you tend to unexpected items t...

• Time yourself doing the same task on 3 different occasions and then determine and average. That number will give you a good guideline to follow when making similar future time commitments. 
• Double the amount of time you think something “should” take.

• Turn off your email notifications, and close down any social networking or instant-messaging tools before you begin your work session. 
• Set a timer on your phone to alert you when your allotted time is almost up. 
• If you see that you are running s...

Designate specific hours for work, family, and self-care, and don’t let them bleed into each other.

Writing staff performance reviews or answering emails while trying to interact with someone you love doesn’t give either commitment the attention it deserves.