Stress comes from feeling out of control of the sequence of events (Charles Hobbs). The top 20% achieve 80% of rewards not through talent but through time use. These seven keys can double time efficiency.
The seven keys
- Clear specific goals — at least 80% of time wastage comes from not knowing exactly what you're supposed to do. Ask your boss what you were hired to accomplish. Think in outcomes, not just goals ("I want to be rich" → what would rich look like? Sometimes the outcome is achievable without the money).
- Clear written plans — every minute spent planning saves 5–15 minutes in execution. "Action without planning is the cause of almost every failure."
- Make a list — "think on paper." Best time: the night before, so the subconscious organizes it while you sleep.
- Set priorities — the 80/20 rule: 2 of 10 items are worth all the rest. The ABCDE system: A = must do, B = should do, C = could do, D = delegate, E = eliminate; rank A1, A2… and never touch A2 until A1 is done. The key question: "What is the most valuable use of my time right now?"
- Concentration of power — "do first things first and second things not at all." Single handling: once you pick a task up, don't put it down until 100% complete.
- Overcome procrastination — "it's not the thief of time, it's the thief of life." W. Clement Stone had employees repeat "Do it now" 50 times every morning. Develop a sense of urgency and fast tempo — finishing tasks gives a jolt of energy. Study of 104 CEOs: the two fast-track qualities are (1) ability to set priorities and (2) a sense of urgency.
- Balance — take time daily for the people you love and your values. "Work hard when you work, play hard when you play."
Quote
- Franklin: "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."