Here is my advice based on what I have learned and what very strong players and renowned coaches have told me: You have 10 hours a week. Make sure you stick to that, don't miss an hour. Don't play a single blitz game, you can't afford to waste time on that. Spend 4 hours playing 2 games at 60/0 time control. Spend 1 hour analysing these two games with a strong player who can explain where you went wrong. Spend 3.5 hours doing tactical puzzles (1/2 hour per day). Spend 1.5 hours a week studying very basic endgames. For example "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" or use a free online resource. This should be the optimal use of your time. You will hit the target of 100 serious games per year. Later on you will need to read books and add more hours to continue progressing. On the other hand if you keep playing blitz you will end up like me.
Becoming national master in 3 years
Niemann did it in two years, that's the fastest I've seen. Three years is about the fastest you can realistically expect to do it with hard work. time allotment 60/30/10 middlegames/endgames/openings. working on tactics, checkmate patterns among other fundamentals quickest way to achieve to about 1600. also study what players 2500+ play in positions similar to what you play. have fun.
Here is my advice based on what I have learned and what very strong players and renowned coaches have told me: You have 10 hours a week. Make sure you stick to that, don't miss an hour. Don't play a single blitz game, you can't afford to waste time on that. Spend 4 hours playing 2 games at 60/0 time control. Spend 1 hour analysing these two games with a strong player who can explain where you went wrong. Spend 3.5 hours doing tactical puzzles (1/2 hour per day). Spend 1.5 hours a week studying very basic endgames. For example "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" or use a free online resource. This should be the optimal use of your time. You will hit the target of 100 serious games per year. Later on you will need to read books and add more hours to continue progressing. On the other hand if you keep playing blitz you will end up like me.
If you increase your rating 1 point a day then you should be able to achieve the NM title in 3 years.
If you want to increase your rating (but not chess strength) you can get a few friends to play chess. You obtain national chess memberships for them and 1 friend will beat all your other friends which will give him an inflated rating. After that, you beat your friend with an inflated rating over and over again. You can repeat this process with a few other groups of friends.
UPDATE : I am no longer focusing on becoming a master anymore. I used to think getting a title would improve my appreciation of the game, but I can already get that from games collections and books. Anyway, thanks for the advice everyone.
"As has been said, 10 hours a week is pretty nominal. I used to study 5-6 hours a day (back when it was a lot more difficult to get a game started), and I did that for 5 years. And that was how I got to 2000 USCF. Four more years and I became a master."
Excellent work ethic Master WoodPusher!
I think that just playing games is as good as studying something. You learn a few things by studying but actual competition is probably better. It's a good way to see if you've got any ability for the game. Being a great player is very rare, so most people realize they are usually average.
uh, guys, you do realize how old this thread is.
I think that 10 minute games are a good time to use. If you're losing those then it's a sign that you're not going to become a GM.
Hi everyone on chess.com!
I have set myself the goal of becoming an ECF National master in three years. I study 10 hours a week. Do you think its realistic and if so could someone suggest how I should split the time between the things I need to learn?
not a snowball's chance in hell. 
Sorry, chess is not like getting to level ten in Pacman, or World or Warcraft.
UPDATE : I am no longer focusing on becoming a master anymore. I used to think getting a title would improve my appreciation of the game, but I can already get that from games collections and books. Anyway, thanks for the advice everyone.
(The set-myself-the-goal post was back on April 29, 2018.)
So basically I should make small goals
No. Aim high. 3 years is sufficient for NM if you're currently 1700 ELO. 12 hours a week is enough to reach 2000 within a year. From 2000 to 2200 is the most difficult part. You need to increase your study time.to.at least 16 hours a week. You need to spar with NMs although I am not sure if weak chess engines 2500 elo can replace a human sparring partner. Good luck!
Just a couple of days ago I announced my plan of hitting 1500 (from 1275) by the end of the year. It's a goal to reach for, but I think even that might be a bit unrealistic. If I'm able to crack 1400 at my age, that will be a success.
Instead of aiming at NM in 3 years, aim to increase your rating by 100-200 points and see how long that takes. That will give you a good idea of where you stand and whether your goal is realistic or a fantasy.
Try playing something longer than blitz, if you can't face more than 10 minutes at a time create some daily games.