[ahimel]

If you can get yourself to do it, I've found time tracking extremely helpful. I originally started it when my boss got on my tail, but now I use it to get on my own tail. I just write down what I'm doing, and what time I start/end it. At the end of the day, if I haven't done a thing on my to-do list, I don't have to wonder what happened -- I just look back and see what happened.

If I got a phone call at 10 that had me working on an emergency project until 2, then there's no shame. If I spent 3 hours surfing the web (or posting on Pavlina forums) then I know what needs to change to increase productivity!

But if I find that somehow I have an emergency project every other day, then I need to talk to my friends/coworkers and figure out how not to be bailing everyone out constantly. (See Milo's comments on importance vs. urgency.)

PM me if you'd like the spreadsheet I use.