EVERYONE has 'days like that'. Days that get out of control pretty quickly. I can go into the office with an agenda in mind only to find out that such and such happened and whoosh - we're off and running in the opposite direction.

But not always! And that's the key. Overwhelm should be the exception and not the rule. If you find yourself harried at each and every turn, try these three simple steps and see if you can affect some change into your work habits:

1. Be on time. People who consistently run late think they portray an aura of Look at me! I'm such a busy person! But really come across as Hey - your time isn't as important as mine and see how disorganized I am? Harsh? Maybe, but true. Start 10 minutes sooner - no matter where you're going.

2. Don't take that call. Why do people take calls only to tell the caller, I can't talk now - I'll have to call you back? It makes the caller feel less-than the person you are with and it makes the person you are with angry that you interrupted their time to take the call. VOICE MAIL - it's a great invention.

3. One thing at a time. Multi-tasking has been taken to a ridiculous level. At some point, shut the phone off, close the office door and concentrate on what you are doing. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish in one 15-minute stretch of uninterrupted time.