I really believe that most people, intuitively and instinctively, want to be good time managers. It makes sense. The better we manage our time, more results we will enjoy. It's logical choice.

So let's say it's start of your workweek and you have a lot of "things to do", some of which are "Crucial", some "Not Crucial". Intuitively and instinctively you and I want to be good time managers. Therefore, where does our attention gravitate towards? Do we focus on "Crucial" or "Not Crucial" tasks? The "Crucial"? Sure! Logic tells us that. The more "Crucial" things we do, more productivity and success we enjoy.

But, you know what? When given a choice between "Crucial" and "Not Crucial" items, we will almost always do "Not Crucial" items and ignore "Crucial" items in spite of fact that we all want to be productive in our day.

Why?

Because we are driven more by emotion rather than logic.

You see "Crucial" items are typically longer and harder to accomplish. The "Not Crucial" items are typically more quick and fun and emotionally satisfying.

We need to get over to "Crucial" side more often to increase our personal productivity.

Get your free copy of "Power Prioritizing" which gives you simple tips to more effectively prioritize your day. Get yours now. Email your request for "power" to: ctsem@msn.com

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4. Prioritize It. Your To Do list will have crucial and not crucial items on it. Despite fact most people want to be productive, when given choice between crucial and not crucial items, we will most often end up doing not crucial items. They are generally easier and quicker than crucial items. Prioritize your To Do list each night. Put #1 next to most important item on your list. Place #2 next to second most important item on your list, etc. Then tackle items on your list in order of their importance. You may not get everything done on your list, but you will get most important things done. This is working smarter, not harder, and getting more done in less time.

5. Control Procrastination. The most effective planning in world does not substitute for doing what needs to be done. We procrastinate and put off important things because we don't sense enough pain for not doing it or enough pleasure to do it. To get going on something you have been putting off, create in your mind enough pain for not doing it or enough pleasure to do it. I prefer pleasure approach. Take a procrastinated project and turn it into to a game. Work with one thing in front of you at a time so other things won't distract you. ("Out of sight, out of mind.") Break it down to little bite-sized, manageable pieces. Get it started, take first step and you will likely continue it to completion.

Dr. Donald E. Wetmore, a full-time Professional Speaker, is one of foremost experts on Time Management and author of "Beat Clock" and "Organizing Your Life". If you would like to receive a free copy of his humorous article, "Poor John", who wastes hours in his days, email your request now for "John" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com

Would you like to receive more Timely Time Management Tips on a regular basis to increase your personal productivity? Sign up now for your free "TIMELY TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS". Just go to: http://www.topica.com/lists imemanagement and select "subscribe". We welcome you to our list!