- For working out, I rely on habit. I forced myself to go to the gym at a certain time for long enough that I just feel like doing it now, so I go automatically.
- For personal projects, I work off a queue based system. While I'm working on a task, I try to minimize task-switching, but if I come up with a new idea, or something else I want or need to work on related to the project, I note it down in my project management software. Then when I'm ready for a new task, I pick up the one I most want or need to work on from the queue.
- As far as the actual scheduling/time management strategy, I work from the model that will power and focus are limited resources, and that distractions and issues interfering with work tend to accumulate over the course of the day. Therefore, I start each day by pulling tasks from the queue which need the most focus, and put off communication with the outside world for at least an hour or so (or until my "first wind" starts to wear down). Getting up early helps with this.
- Other than that, I work more or less intuatively. When I find myself no longer able to focus effectively, I put down the work and knock out whatever administrative tasks I have to take care of, and when that's sorted I relax and do something I enjoy.