Have you ever asked yourself this question?  I know I have…

Time is a funny thing.  It never stops.  As an self employed person I find myself always pushing things back or even squeezing things in.

Some of you have a vision or something you want to work on but have a real job that pays you to be there.  I know, it is hard to justify working on something else.  Well if you ever want to stop working for someone else and making them money then you need to figure this out.

I myself have a graphic design and printing company.  I am working on this blog, which you are reading right now and am developing an intense web application all at the same time.

The other day, I went to the doctor and they reminded me I never got my blood work done.  They looked at me like I was out of my mind but to me forgetting about my health is normal. lol

Then I really started thinking about it….

I spend so much time trying to juggle everything that I do.  I forget and drop the ball.  Am I spread to thin or do I just not know how to properly manage my time?

There are so many great tools out there, most even free that help assist you in managing your schedule and tasks.

Here is a list of a few we use ourselves…

Google Cal- Google has created or acquired some amazing tools outside there search engine to truly run our lives.  The best is Google Cal.  You can integrate it into ical, Microsoft…etc.  Create groups and so much more. Best of all it is FREE.

Action Method- Behance Network has created a web, mobil and physical application to better help organize your tasks and lists.  There is a free level to and some paid levels.  It is very good for project management.

37signals- This company I could go on for days about.  In the world of multiple projects and people spanned all over the world 37 signals has created some great applications to improve organization and enhance communication.

Remember the Milk- This is a great application for task management.  Set to-do in levels of priority and share them with others.  They have created a mobile application for both iphone and android which is a plus.  It can be integrated with ical and google calendar as well.  It is free to use but to have RTM you must upgrade and pay for the pro version.

This is just a few examples.  But really, what does it matter if you don’t use them and get into a system of incorporating into your daily life?

That is my problem.  I set them up and don’t use them.  It is truly easier said then done to train an old dog.  Whenever I try to do it before I leave the house in the morning I wake up too late.  If I tried right when I get to work I have too many toys and work in front of me remember.  I’m easily distracted.

So what did I do to overcome this you may wonder.

I decided to consciously analyze my day.  From doing that, I figured out that I do things without thinking in a pattern anyways.  I always get to work and check my email first thing and start falling into the moment of the day instantly.  So, I figured a great way to better organize my day and be productive was to do this before I start my downward spiral.

I create a to do list right away and update my calendar.  It take only 15 min. Then when I begin checking emails I have an organized list to begin fitting things in a prioritizing.

Done Deal!

Try it out and see how it works for you. If you have a method that you do please feel free to share and give advice.