Be patient.  This may seem like a strange term to use.  Sometimes patience is mistaken for sloth.  But, patient people are typically more effective time managers.  This is because they generally think things through before they act and focus more on the results than the constant movement!  Here are a few characteristics of patient people:

• Patient people know they will accomplish their goals and that it won’t happy overnight.  They are realistic in their time planning and use time as a friend.
• Patient people “roll with the punches” as inevitable delays arise.  They use their “idle” time by working on another task, such as setting the table while waiting bread is toasting, rather than peaking in the toaster every few seconds.  Or, they may read a book while waiting for an appointment rather than watching the clock.
• Although patient people are able to use “waiting” or “idle” time well, they rarely perform two “high attention” activities at the same time.  They don’t apply makeup while driving or read the paper while eating with their families or read a book while listening to a speaker.
• Patient people do not exude a sense of urgency—pushing elevator buttons over and over, interrupt others while they’re speaking, or tailgate!

• Because patient people plan before they act, think before the talk and check things out before reporting, they make up for anything they may lose in speed with mental dexterity.

So, practice being patient!  Drive a little slower, pause before your answer, let the dryer run the full cycle!  Slow down.  Change your routines.  Take a break.  And, realize that a lost minute does not lead to a lost life!