A common response when you ask somebody for their help or their input is “I don’t have enough time.” This is an interesting response given that we all have the same amount of time – 24 hours in a day. When someone doesn’t have enough time it usually means they are focused on something at that moment and don’t want (or feel it’s worth their time) to stop what they’re doing and help you. They don’t have any “white space” at the moment.

A recent article in Entrepreneur.com discusses two different types of time: clock time and real time. Clock time is measured precisely in seconds, minutes, hours etc. whereas with real time, all time is relative. Time flies or drags depending on what you’re doing. The good news, they say, is that real time is mental. You create it. And because you create it, you can manage it effectively. The article lists 10 time management tips that work; those tips will help you manage everything you do more effectively.

Getting your mind in the right place to successfully manage your time will make all the difference in your producivity.

One more tip from me personally: Work on your most important things as early in the day as possible.

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The Product Management Perspective: Time management is a top complaint I hear about from product leaders. Their people never have enough time. The time management tips above will help with this issue. Another way to help your team manage its time effectively is to organize smartly. For more on this, check out Steve Johnson’s recent ebook Expertise in Product Management.