A to-do list is one of your most important time-management tools, and one of the most effective ways to stay productive. Once you have your to-do list, you have to go through it and determine which things are most important, which things need to be done but aren’t urgent, and what can wait. You must keep both your needs and those of your supervisor in mind. Make sure you schedule enough time to proofread your documentation, clean your desk, or whatever else it is that your supervisor gives high priority to.

If you want to feel better about how you are managing your time and your life, if you want to get rid of some of the stress that comes from having too much to do, and if you want to have time for more than work, you can do this. You can succeed by setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself, and choosing to make some changes, one step at a time.