Priority
Time available should be allocated to tasks in order of priority. Other wise you tend to spend more time in amounts inversely proportional to the importance of the task. (Parkinson’s 2nd Law) Routine tasks of low value to overall objectives should be minimised, consolidated, delegated, or eliminated to all extent possible.
Probability of things actually happening
The probability of an intended result actually happening increased directly with the systematic effort directed towards that goal’
Deadlines
Imposing deadlines and exercising self discipline in keeping to them, helps overcome indecision and procrastination. Also look into whether you can outsource parts of your business to external agencies such as shipping companies to ensure all necessary tasks are carried out in time.
Tyranny of the Urgent
Urgent does not mean important. We respond to pressures of the moment and neglect the long-term consequences of more important tasks left not done. You should run your job, not let your job run you.
Crisis Management (Over response)
Managers often tend to underestimate problems, fail to anticipate them, or to over respond by treating all problems as if they were crises. This tendency towards fire fighting causes undue anxiety, impaired judgement, hasty decisions ad much waster time and energy.
Efficiency versus Effectiveness
Know the difference. Efficiency means doing the job right. Effectiveness means doing the right job right.
Selected Neglect/Limited Response
Response to problems and demands should be realistic and limited to the needs of the situation. By selectively ignoring those problems which tend to resolved themselves, much time can then be released for more important tasks.