1. Do Not Multi-Task

Try this exercise. Count to 10 as fast as you can out loud. Now go from A to J as fast as you can. Now go A1, B2, C3 and so on until J10 as fast as you can. The first two exercises probably took you three seconds each. The third one probably took you about 12 seconds if not more. That's because your mind had to switch from the category called 'letters' to that called 'numbers'. We don't multi-task, we 'task switch' from one activity to another. Task- switching interrupts us and consumes time. Further, if you juggle too many balls, the risk is that you won't do any of the tasks optimally and you might even drop one of your balls! Finish a task or at least a clear section of a task before beginning a new one.

2. Work with the End in Mind

What are your objectives for the year? Make sure that you spend time on tasks which have a link (even indirect but clear nevertheless) to your work objectives - if not, you are wasting precious time! 95% is a good minimum - leaving only 5% of your time to dissipate. Every day, contemplate your to-do-list and see how it gets you closer to completing your annual objectives. Allocate your time based on what you will be thanked for come year-end.

3. Try the 18-Minute Technique

You only need 18 minutes to manage an eight-hour working day. Does that sound odd? Well, upon arriving in the office, take a first block of five minutes in the morning to look at your calendar, checking that you are spending your time where you are needed and where outcomes are aligned to your work objectives (as per tip #2 above). Then, take a minute every hour (set up a recurring reminder in your email task box) and ask yourself: "Am I doing what I most need to be doing right now?"

4. Practice Assertive Calendaring

Do not let your calendar control you: make conscious choices about what to allow into your agenda. Of course, there will be many occasions when your choice is constrained: there are meetings to attend, folks to meet - even when the business rationale is less than clear. It's politics, right? But, to the extent possible, pick and choose what you attend to while at work.

5. Leverage Bite-Sized Chunks of Time to Help You Stay on Course

Some projects can seem overwhelming so make a start by blocking a first chunk of 20-30 minutes: this could be about planning, reflecting on project priorities. Make this a recurrent appointment and continue steadily working at your project.

Also, and in addition to the five minutes at the end of each day, regularly set aside a 20-30 minute chunk of time to reflect on what you are doing. Are you focusing on the right priorities? Could you work on something else?

So there you have it, five tips to help you get rid of the time vampires at the office!