Achieving via Bursts

1. Set realistic priorities, not dream priorities, for the day. For example, if you know a large part of the day is going to be consumed by one project, it makes no sense to organize your day as if that is not going to take place.
2. Work in short bursts of intense focus on specific actions. Don't just "sort of" work around and occasionally delve into a task and make sure that the bulk of your time is spent on one of your top two priorities. 
3. Take breaks. That means intentional breaks in which you know the starting and ending points. If you don't take breaks, your mind will take them by drifting off-course and you won't get the same level of relaxation as you would with a real break.
4. Stop and measure your progress. If you are falling behind, eliminate distractions and step up the action.
5. If something needs to be moved to another day, move it. Don't try jamming 10 pounds of work into a seven pound bag.
6. Have an eye on what will take your time during the rest of the week or month. If some jobs can be done concurrently, merge them so you'll have a leg up on the other project.
7. When the day is done, review your progress and plan the next day. Block out time for the necessary tasks. Put those down in your schedule book so you can repeat the above.