Time management is one of the most important areas of skill an entrepreneur can develop. While I am capable of some pretty incredible time-management feats, I’ve also proven to myself that I can be a serious slacker/drifter.

In other words I’m not as consistent as I need to be. Hence my recent decision to really work at fine-tuning my time management strategy.

I’ll call this entry “Volume 1″ because I’m sure there will be more to come. Here are a few of my best practices that have helped me become far more effective in my daily work.

A Task List Is A MUST!

This one is fairly obvious, but then I went for a long time without doing it. A daily task list is absolutely necessary for any entrepreneur or businessperson.

We need a short, simple outline of the day’s mission critical objectives as well as any sidenotes of value. This helps us make measurable progress on a daily basis without floundering aimlessly.

I’ve found it best to have only two critical mission items per day, and up to four minor notes. Always try to list your items in order of importance, and always start with the highest priority each day.

And you should always create your daily task list the night before. Setting your list up in advance helps you avoid wasting work time in the morning. You can just hit the first item in your list and go from there.

Question Everything You Do!

Another really helpful tactic is to ask yourself this question when you are considering an item for your task list, or when anything unexpected comes up: “Is this activity productive in terms of moving me towards one of my key goals?”

If an activity will NOT move you toward an important goal it should get the boot. Only spend time doing what matters!

Of course this may require you to go back and set up your core goals. Having clearly defined goals is a must for effective time management because this gives you the foundation for your entire management strategy.

Say NO Often!

It’s not easy at first, but once you get the hang of it you’re going to love it. When you don’t want to do something or don’t see the benefit of an activity you are offered, just say NO!

I’m not telling you to refrain from helping others. I’m just encouraging you to stand up for yourself and your right to use your time for the highest good.

Avoid getting trapped into an obligatory hell of too many commitments.

Increase Your Reading Speed!

Seriously. The ability to read more quickly and effectively will allow you to spend less time on all the content you as a professional must absorb each week.

And you’ll actually find the ability to read faster will enhance brain activity, thus creating the feeling of more energy and sharper focus.

Check out this cool resource to learn more about speed reading.

These quick and easy tips are a good jump on time management. Take action on them and come up with a few of your own winners. I’ll post more on this topic in the near future and certainly I appreciate any tips that are added via comment here.