When you’re working for yourself — especially if you’re working in a home office — good time-management skills are crucial. Temptations are everywhere, and there’s no middle management wandering around to dissuade you from hopping on Facebook and taking a quiz … or ten. The following are some time-tested time-management tips to help you stay on track.

1. Practice paired comparisons. Write your to-do list for the day, and then compare each item to every other item on the list. Put a checkmark next to whichever item is more important. Continue through your list, comparing everything in pairs. When you’re finished, count up the number of checkmarks next to each item. Whichever has the most is your highest priority.
2. Plan out your day. Block off time on your calendar for everything you have to accomplish, scheduling your priorities in order. Leave time in between tasks to deal with the unexpected.
3. Break down larger tasks into manageable chunks. Looking at your to-do list and seeing five articles to write can be overwhelming! Schedule separate time for research, rough drafts, and revisions.
4. Break your e-mail habit. Set your e-mail program so that it does not notify you whenever you have a message. When you’re interrupted in the middle of a task, it takes eight minutes to regain the momentum you had prior to the interruption. Multiply that eight minutes by the number of times you break to check your e-mail, and you’re losing a lot of valuable time in your day. Check and respond to your e-mail at scheduled times only.
5. Identify your peak energy time. For one week, take notes on your energy level throughout the day and determine when you have the most energy. Schedule your highest priorities and most difficult tasks during that time. During your lowest energy times, schedule easier tasks like filing or answering e-mails.
6. Schedule lunch! Allow yourself to take a mental break, get away from your desk, and take your mind off work. You will be more productive afterwards.
7. Keep track of how much time you are spending on each task and every client. Be specific. This will help you identify areas you may be spending too much time on. If you can commit to keeping a time log for one week and make positive changes in your work routine, you will be able to make it a habit.
8. Eliminate piles and clutter. Distractions reduce your ability to focus. Once a year, pretend to move into a new office: pack up all your files and papers, clean your desk, and unpack. This will help you get organized and get rid of anything you don’t need.
9. Stay on top of technology. Research shows that most people use technology to about 5% of its ability. Pick a software program you already use — like Microsoft Excel — and invest in a course to help you become more efficient.
10. At the end of the day, clear off your desk and write down your to-do list for the next day. This will allow you to hit the ground running in the morning, without feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead of you.

Do you have any tips that have helped you manage your time and conquer procrastination? Leave your suggestions in the comments!