HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 19

An 18-Minute Plan for Managing Your Day

by Peter Bregman

I began my day yesterday with the best intentions. I walked into my office in the morning with a vague sense of what I wanted to accomplish. Then I sat down, turned on my computer, and checked my e-mail. Two hours later, after fighting several fires, solving other people’s problems, and dealing with whatever happened to be thrown at me through my computer and phone, I could hardly remember what I had originally set out to do.

Most of us start every day knowing we’re not going to get it all done. So how we spend our time is a key strategic decision. That’s why it’s a good idea to create both a to-do list and a to-don’t list.

But even with those lists, the challenge—as always—is ...