In the "hurry scurry" world in which we live, it is challenging to find time for all that we are expected or want to do. Here are a few tips to help you manage better:

Prioritize

No one can do it all, so make sure what you do is more important than the stuff you didn't.

Stay sharp

Don't do anything that would impair your abilities while trying to be productive.

Sleep

Find a sleep pattern that works for you and stick with it - how much can you really get done with your head resting on a book drooling all over yourself?

Organize

Organize your day. Organize your work space. Organize your home. Don't waste time trying to find something or figuring out what to do next.

Take short breaks

Emphasis on "short." Step away from the task, clear your head and refocus, once in a while. Be quick about it.

Manage email

Don't let email manage you. The great thing about email is it waits patiently for you to get to it. Don't sit around all day waiting for an email to come. Don't worry, it will.

Check Facebook and forget it

Remember that checking Facebook (and Twitter, Pinterest, Foursquare, and the rest) is a hobby that is habit- forming. Schedule a quick check, then forget about it so you can get something done.

Get out of debt

Debt is a huge distraction that impairs your productivity. Pay it off and be more productive.

Digitize

Many things can be done faster in the digital world. Record keeping is an example. Want to find your 2008 tax return? Just search 2008 1040 on your computer - or waste an hour going through old hard files.

Get help

There are few things you are expected to do alone. You can get much more done with some help. Pass off everything that can be delegated.

Study

Read books that will help you do your task better. Stay current in your field reading quality information online. Attend conferences and training programs that will help sharpen your skills.

Work out

You don't need actor's abs to do your job - unless you're an actor. However, you do need the energy and health benefits that come from a workout. If you can't work out daily, get at least three 20-minute sessions each week.

Know where you are headed

Make sure you know where you're going. Make sure that what you are doing is taking you in the right direction. If you are heading east but driving south, change directions.

Play

Everyone needs some recreation. Don't let this be an excuse to fritter away hours each day, but remember that if you don't have an occasional diversion you are likely to crash.

Do it

When you are faced with a question of doing it or postponing it, do it.

With all that said, remember why you're trying to be productive. You have a family you love so make sure your productivity includes quality family time.