The single most effective word you can say to manage your time is "no." If you have trouble saying "no," then practice. Realize that by saying "yes," you are essentially moving your own priorities aside in order to accommodate someone else's — and by so doing, your work or free time is cut even shorter than it already is.

Ask yourself the following questions before you say "yes":

• If I don't finish the project/task, what are the consequences?
• Is not finishing going to be more strenuous than saying "no" from the start?
• Is the request something that fits in with my own priorities and goals, or will it take me away from a project I need to complete?
• Can I delegate the project to someone else?

Remember: When asked for a favor, ask yourself if it'll save you time, guilt, or money. It may sound cold, but when you put everything into those categories, it often makes the decision easier.