Does your desk look like a war zone? Are you working harder and getting further behind? Do you want to get a life? Then get your act together.

Don’t count on your workload getting lighter in the future, and do count on employers requiring more. Since currently there is no legislation to increase the number of hours in the day, this means you’re going to have to create more time by systematizing, organizing, and eliminating.

Here are some ideas for getting control of your workday: 

• Talk instead of write
  When negotiating small details, clarifying logistics, getting feedback, and performing other everyday tasks that could happen easier in conversation, pick up the phone instead of writing a formal letter.
  
• Keep up with phone calls when out of the office
  You already will have the paperwork piled up when you get back, so at least keep up with phone messages while you’re out. You can return messages in the evening via voice mail if you are attending a conference during working hours.
  
• Ask for detailed messages in your voice mail recording
  It’s maddening to get a message that says simply, “Please call me.” Regarding what? Ask callers to leave as much detail as possible so you can respond via voice mail if necessary.
  
• Use margins to write notes of response
  Instead of dictating another letter in response to a letter received, just write your notes in the margin and fax it back.
  
• Keep one address book for business and personal use
  You will always have it with you, and you won’t have two books to get mixed up.
  
• Discard unread magazines and newspapers
  We’ve all seen offices with three months’ worth of stacked Business Week magazines. If you didn’t read it in a few days, you’ll probably never read it. If you do get the urge to go on a reading binge of old newspapers or magazines, there’s a wonderful invention called the library.
  
• Get off mailing lists from which you receive no benefit
  
• Take computer classes
  The time invested in class will be easily offset by the efficiencies you will gain in being better able to manage your computer files.
  
• File warranties and instructions with receipts in a permanent file
  
• When someone is rambling, ask him or her to get to the point, delicately of course
  
• Keep a file folder for all bills and submit or pay them twice monthly
  
• Do paperwork during travel time
  The Wall Street Journal reported the average professional spends 40 days on the road. Carry a pouch containing letterhead, postcards, stamps, a stapler, overnight envelopes, a Dictaphone, and a laptop. Don’t forget a phone cord so you can check your e-mail messages from any public phone.
  
• Block time occasionally
  When working on a large project, have someone handle your business for an afternoon or a day so that you can proceed uninterrupted.
  
• Prioritize your to-do list
  You will dramatically improve your efficiency if you not only have a visual to-do list reminding you of what needs to be done, but if you prioritize it. That way, you don’t have to rethink the whole list after completing each task.
  
• Decide what you shouldn’t be doing
  Your work isn’t all equally important, and some tasks don’t add enough value to justify your time. Don’t just drop a project that others are counting on. Instead, contact them and let them know you plan to drop it unless you hear from them by a certain time.

Breathe deeply! The workload may continue to grow. It is your job to not only get the work done, but to take care of yourself as well. Do your best, but don’t forget to rest!