The tools of time management can be as simple as pencil and paper or as complex as sophisticated electronic devices with detailed software. Many time-management systems cost lots of money and require you to attend seminars in order to learn to use them. However, generally speaking, it's best to start small and simple. Upgrade when (or if) you discover that your simple system no longer fulfills your needs.

You will definitely need paper, pens or pencils, and a calendar. You might also like to use a special notebook, a simple and inexpensive planning calendar and highlighters and/or markers if you're the color-coding type. The following steps will get you started:

1. Make a list of everything you want to get accomplished.
2. Divide your list into short-term and long-term goals.
3. Analyze your goals. Set priorities. Which goals are most important to you?
4. List the steps that you will have to take to accomplish each goal.
5. Set realistic deadlines. (It's been said that a goal without a deadline is really just a dream.)
6. Keep learning and keep improving. The following links will help you with this step:
   On-line books:
   What Time is it Now? Keys to Successful Time Management
   How to Live on 24 Hours a Day
   
   Web sites:
   Stephen Covey's Home Page
   Time Management according to Wikipedia