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One technique I have found to be effective in increasing my productivity is to pretend to be enrolled in an imaginary personal development boot camp.  There are only two characters in this imaginary game.  The first character is of course me.  The second character is my imaginary drill sergeant.   

Since I am the only one playing this game I have to play both rolls.  To do this I determine in advance what my drill sergeant will expect of me this includes:  What will be done, when I will do it, how things will be done, and how much time will be allowed for each task.  I also decide what the consequences will be for not achieving the desired results in the predetermined time frame, and of course what the rewards will be if I do achieve them correctly. 

I usually set my “missions” to last about two weeks at a time.  At the end of this two weeks I review my progress, determine if what I’m currently doing is going to allow me to reach my long term goals, and set new goals.  This way I stay focused on achieving my long term goals.

A two week plan may look something like this:

Each day for the next two weeks I will get out of bed immediately when my alarm goes off at 4 AM,  I will head straight to the kitchen and start the coffee.  I will read, take notes, and work any exercises I see fit. 

5 AM I will start my work out (also preplanned).

6 AM I wake my kids then it’s off to the shower.

6:30-7:30 all I have to worry about is getting my kids off to school.

7:30-3:30 is work time.  I allow myself a half hour break for lunch when I feel hungry.

3:30 it’s time to help the kids with homework, take them to sports practice ect, clean the house.
         
6 PM time for dinner

7 PM clean until done then relax

10 PM Bed time

 
I have actually held myself to this exact schedule several times in the last three years.  I call it my back on track schedule because I employee it when I feel my life is starting to control me instead of me controlling it.  It works for me. 

This very structured schedule shouldn’t be held too long since it doesn’t allow much flexibility.  Over an extended period of time this schedule could cause burnout.  Instead use it as a tool to change unwanted patterns.