You may have failed to accomplish something in the past because you didn’t give enough time to the activities needed to complete the task, preferring instead to multitask, so-called multitasking. The feeling of doing your best will give you a sense of satisfaction no matter the outcome. Time is like money; you can only spend it once. Here are 7 steps to keep in mind.

1. Big events take a lot of time. Allow enough time for the important events on your agenda each day. No task should be handled in a rushed atmosphere. It is important not to clutter the mind or panic trying to catch up. Determine the amount of time for various activities in order to better plan and manage them. Not considering the dimension of time can cause you to abandon activities too soon.

2. Eliminate or delegate. Eliminate from your calendar those elements that are not economically worth your time, or delegate them. If you’re doing work that’s worth $8 an hour when you’re being paid $60, $65, or $70 an hour, you’re obviously wasting your time and potential. There is great value in the cost of your activities. You should delegate whenever possible.

3. Do not allow interruptions. Do not allow yourself to be interrupted frequently during an assigned task. Starting and stopping a task to answer questions, talk on the phone, or start some other project can drain your energy, destroy your focus, and decrease your effectiveness. If necessary, go to a secret place until you have completed your project. If you tell someone, then it’s not a secret.

4. Do one job at a time. Focus your efforts on one job at a time in the order listed on your daily schedule. Finish what you start. Jumping from job to job destroys your drive and requires additional energy to “get going” for each new task. Spinning wheels have killed more people at work than on the road. Dedicate enough time to the activities necessary to complete the task.

5. Simplify. Simplify complicated jobs and goals. Breaking big work down into components makes it easier to accomplish and helps you use your time more effectively. For example, a yearly goal that seems insurmountable can be quite easy if you tackle it on a daily basis.

6. Concentrate. The ability to focus and complete a task allows those of modest talent to reach heights of achievement that may elude even the most talented.

7. Do it now. Get in the habit of taking an action, making a decision, getting rid of a card, or whatever, the first chance you get. Unless you have a good reason to beat the action, you must develop this vital habit of self-management. The person doing things is now a minority, and mastering this habit takes practice, discipline, and an iron will. Decide what the most important goals are, and then move toward them first.

You owe it to yourself to put these steps into action. You will be satisfied with the results.