I didn't want to call this chapter "Time Management" as that would imply simplicity and follow the theme of a vast wealth of books on the topic. It's not just an accident that some "not very bright" people end up in Washington and even less of an accident that confident folks know how to manage time to their benefit.

What would you say if I asked you to take a box of everyday earthworms and sell them door-to-door for the going rate? Not a very enticing offer is it? If I were to make the same offer but tell you the deal was you'd make $50 a worm (dead or alive) you'd be busting you keister to get them sold and be asking for more.

That's why this unit isn't about time management - it's about self-management. Finding ways to motivate yourself to accomplish the tasks you really want to get done. Even jobs like getting a shovel and cleaning the dog poop in the yard will be enticing - offering a truly glorious sense of personal accomplishment. But only when it's below freezing outside.

Learn to love time - not fear it! By manipulating time to your advantage - rather than letting it take control of you - the future of the planet will improve in immense ways never know to humankind before. Similar to that famous saying "One small step for man, one giant funding leap for the NASA". Well, kind of, but staying busy - focused on the things you want to accomplish - takes your mind off worrying and makes you a more positive person.

Here are some tips for better self-management:

• Plan and organize - While this might not always appear to be time well spent - it is. Organize in a way that makes sense to you - daily planner - calendar on the wall - notes written on toilet paper and stuck to your dogs forehead. Who cares!!! You'll waste a lot less time by planning first.
• Got Goals? - You better - as they'll give your life direction. They'll need to be task specific, measurable, realistic and achievable. Shoot for top performance but be willing to settle for getting the tasks done. Oh yeah, don't forget to have a reward. And if you're a right-brain creative kind of person, goals won't work with a damn - but at least you can say you tried (who knows, they might even help you get tasks finished).
• First things - first - By prioritizing you'll get the important things done on time and the rest will fall into place. This is a real difficult concept for me as I'm just a little on the random side and staying focused on a single task is real .......................................................................................... oh, yeah, difficult. Remember the old 80-20 Rule where 80 % of the reward comes from 20 percent of the tasks. Target the 20 % and stay focused.
• Make a list and check it twice - Either the last thing of the day or first thing in the morning. Combine it with your goals and a schedule if you really want to be structured. Continue to modify it or just start over - what ever works best.
• Stretch a little - Allow time for interruptions and distractions - often as much as 50% of your time. When you expect to be interrupted, schedule routine tasks but keep larger blocks of time for your priorities.
• Pass the buck - Do the jobs that you need to do but delegate those that others can do. I try this all the time at home but it seems that most of the jobs my wife gives me only I can do. I guess the fact that my dog doesn't have an apposing thumb really does limit his usefulness.
• Ready for Prime Time - Choose the best time of day for doing various tasks. Don't try to do taxes late at night if your brain has already shut down. Know when your best time is and plan to use that time of day for your priorities.
• Avoid the panic - Completing urgent tasks that aren't goal related don't always yield effective long-term results. Reduce the urgent things so you'll have time for your important priorities.
• It Don't have to be Perfect! - Sure some things need to be done to a higher standard than others. Recognize those tasks but also those that can be done to a lower quality level. Paying unnecessary attention to detail will cost you time and energy. Avoid the Rework Syndrome - accept the outcome and move forward.
• GET AROUND TO IT - NOW! - Procrastination is the killer of time. Stay motivated to complete tasks - especially large ones - by breaking them down into doable pieces. Set rewards at various completion points. If I had pondered all the things that needed to get done to build the house I'm finishing, I'd have never dug the first hole. I just focused on the beer I had in the fridge, and the house still isn't finished.
• Just say NO! - It's a simple word and even I can spell it. Don't attempt more than you should - avoid those projects that are the "pet" of someone else. It's good to volunteer time and help people out but weigh that with the benefits you'll get from completing your own jobs.
• Wanted ~ Large Reward - Remember the earthworm. Gratification is a part of human nature. The reward doesn't have to be large but it should be something of which you are fond. A free half hour to read a book, an ice cream cone, a quite walk in the hills, are simple "cheap" things but work well as a reward. Make a list of pleasant things you like to do and then choose from that list when it comes time to set some rewards. Note: Rewards can also be intrinsic meaning you don't get anything but a warm feeling inside (doing it for it's own sake). Kind of like wetting your pants - so try to avoid these.Ok, I'm only kidding. Growth-motivated folks like this kind of stuff - check out the next section on That little thing called Love.

To quote a Rolling Stones song "I can't get no satisfaction". Oops, wrong song. "Time is on our side. Yes it is. Yes it is." Use your time wisely and balance excellence in work with excellence in play, fun, and relaxation. Your life will become happier, healthier, and a great deal more creative.