If you can't sleep, don't waste time lying in bed. Get up and do something.

Use an answer phone.

Walk out of a poor movie or show. You've already wasted money - so don't waste time as well.

Plan your leisure. Don't expect your free time to fall into place by itself. Plan your weekends as carefully as you plan your weeks...and it's OK to do nothing.

Don't read a book, just because it has been given to you- if it doesn't interest you, give it to someone who would be interested.

Stop going to social events you would rather avoid - life's too short. On other hand, don't miss a social event you would enjoy just because you feel tired. If you enjoy something it revitalises you. But remember - there is usually work tomorrow!

"Never hurry - and don't worry - and don't forget to stop and smell flowers." - Walter Hagen, American Golfer

"What I do with this day is important, because I have exchanged a day of my life for it."

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop. - Ovid

I like words of Simon and Garfunkel song: "Slow down, don't you go so fast" from 'Feeling Groovy'. Not that I feel that way here in "Sleepy Hollow" in beautiful country that is Godzone!

So just take and plan your time carefully. Always remember,

"Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is ready cash - use it well."

WHEN YOU TAKE CONTROL OF TIME, YOU TAKE CONTROL OVER YOUR LIFE. Craig Lock "Information and Inspiration distributor"

Author's Note: This extract is from Craig's first published book HANDBOOK TO SURVIVE - a collection of writings on various subjects to help every man or woman survive in a rapidly changing, uncertain world.

- Get to yes. If you don't ask, answer is always no. I attended a conference where a film maker shared her experience of making a documentary about women leaders of world - presidents and prime ministers. When asked by an audience member how she went about asking these leaders if she could interview and film them, she said, "If I didn't ask, answer was always no."

- Watch "No" turn into "Yes." Even if you hear "no" as answer to your initial request, you've planted a seed in that person's mind by asking. Don't be surprised when he or she comes back to you and says, "This is what I CAN do for you..."

- Develop skill of receiving. As a coach, I often hear, "It's easy for me to help others, but I don't feel comfortable asking for help." Most of us internalize lesson, "It's better to give than receive." Receiving is just as important as giving. The ability to receive fully and gracefully is a skill to develop like any other. When you receive, you give others opportunity to give.

As an entrepreneur, you are captain of your ship. But as any successful leader knows, it takes all hands on deck to secure a successful voyage. You can't do it alone. Recall anyone you've heard about who's successfully realized a vision. I can guarantee that individual asked for and received assistance in achieving his or her success.