Everyday, we're in danger of being overwhelmed by schedules and deadlines. It seems at times we spend all day working, yet nothing gets done. As we approach the start to a new year, here are five simple strategies that might help prioritize your day.

1) CHUNK your TIME into segments: Look at your calendar and break out your day into small segments of one or two hours. The first and last hour of each day should be filled with answering emails, returning calls and scheduling appointments. The other time slots can be broken down into project time, meetings, creation and development, or marketing tasks. Don't forget to schedule a time for lunch as well. A healthier YOU starts with food before work and throughout the day.

2) CREATE LISTS: Create a list each day of your " TOP 5" priorities that must be done. It would be healthiest if you maintained a goal that nothing else gets done before the list is accomplished, but it might not be possible for everyone. Prioritize your "must haves" and "to do's" into lists. Make your lists small and obtainable. Go ahead, reward yourself when you've accomplished them!

3) SOCIAL MEDIA OVERLOAD! During your time set aside for social media corresponding, allow yourself the opportunity to chat and collaborate with colleagues and friends. However, when time is up, it's time to stop. Additionally, establish procedures that make emailing and facebook messaging run more smoothly. By creating inbox file folders you can categorize emails as top priority to simple responses. Establish standard response messages for basic communication. Hire a virtual assistant or cut and paste your reply into a message. It will save you time and energy on re-creating communication. 

4) Establish WEEKLY GOALS: It's important to have a small "picture" of priorities for each day, but equally important is a much larger view that needs to be accomplished. Establish 3-5 goals for the week. Break down these goals into more obtainable steps to be carried out throughout each day. Post your weekly goals somewhere visible; it's good for accountability. Reward yourself for your accomplishment!

5) SCHEDULE time for YOURSELF: It's important to have a healthy balance in life. This means there's "time for work and time for play." It's easy to be consumed with one side or another of this scale. Health and wealth lies where there is both. Success is bred from a healthy balance. Schedule time for exercise, time with family, or just reading books and literature. You'll be glad you did!