The first step is to look at the calendar or planner and write down the things that are a necessity, i.e. doctor appointments, interviews, deadlines
After I have those things done, I break down the steps needed to get to those necessities. I may need to sit down with a clear mind and the express purpose of making a list of things I need to discuss with the doctor or the questions I want to ask the interviewee. I have to consider what time of day / day I feel most clear-minded.
Getting to the deadline is a little trickier. I have to know what I need to write by when and which ones will take more time and when the interview will be conducted. One good thing about writing for a local paper is that I have a hard deadline every week. I can put that in my planner and work up to it every week. If I know the articles I will be writing, I can plan interviews weeks ahead.
The planner is actually an important tool that was stressed to me by a wonderful friend who, thankfully, nagged me about using it. Now I don't know what I would do without it!