I'm always reminding clients and readers to make sure they remain aware of how they are allocating their time so they don’t create an imbalance between their work and personal lives.

All work and no play makes for a lonely, unhealthy and unfulfilling life.

This week I created an imbalance for myself and as a result, am now sitting at my computer on a Saturday night with one eye partially closed and a very tired mind and body.

Like you, I too get caught up with a project that demands a great deal of time and energy and requires uninterrupted, total attention.

Being a small and home-based business owner requires periods of intense focus and hard work and part of entrepreneurial spirit is amazing ability to do whatever it takes to accomplish a task when a situation warrants.

I stress importance of maintaining healthy work/life balance, particularly as it relates to day-to-day activities of small business owner.

Even more so, however, is absolute need to re-establish balance after scales have been tipped due to a short-term demanding project or intense activity.

You know when you are out of balance. You're energy is drained, you can't focus, you aren't eating properly, you are easily agitated and your zest for fun is gone.

As soon as you recognize these symptoms, make a conscious decision to take corrective action immediately.

The thing you want to avoid is riding wave of overwhelm and imbalance any longer than you have to. Pay attention to how you feel and if you don't like it, do something about it pronto.

Yesterday I completed demanding weeklong task I had set for myself and knew I had burned candle at both ends just long enough to start feeling burned out.

I recognized effects of imbalance I created and instituted Operation "Rescue Me" that will run for next several days.

Today was get-plenty-of-rest-and-eat-only-healthy-foods-day. I did a lot of napping and when I was awake, I ate only raw vegetables, yogurt and drank a lot of water and fruit juice. Tonight I will go to bed early to put myself back on schedule.

Tomorrow is get-outside-enjoy-the-sunshine-and-spend-time-with-loved-ones day. The weather here has been absolutely beautiful and I missed a great deal of it while locked in my office for a week. Tomorrow it's sunshine, a beautiful warm breeze and a delicious BBQ with family.

Then listen closely. You're about to discover ONE time management and productivity secret that really works.

This little technique is ONLY thing you need to master if you want to reach all your goals with minimum work and free up your valuable time.

Have you ever had a hundred things on your to-do list, tried to do them all, only to get so tied up in your work that you couldn't seem to finish any of them? Do you remember how frustrating it was?

Then you know feeling I'm talking about. And you're not alone - millions of people suffer from it every day.

I'm talking about a monster called information overload. It's responsible for more failed projects than all other factors combined, and if you want maximum results from your efforts you need to get rid of it - especially if you're in a home based business.

Here's a simple 5 step formula for eliminating problem forever. When mastered, it will help you reach any goal you may have. It's quite easy, really:

1. List your MOST important tasks

First, make a short list of most important things you can do now to get results you're after. Doing this first lets you see big picture, and it helps you focus on things that really matter. Don't worry about small stuff for now.

2. Pick ONE thing from your list that is MOST important right now