A. Sherri is a hard working student who always gets her assignments in on time. However she has a problem. She is always five minutes late for school. When she arrives late her teacher spends a couple of minutes glaring at her. She feels terrible but she just isn't a morning person. She is beginning to dislike her teacher and school. What should she do?

B. Derrick is a single parent who is starting to feel burnt out. He feels like he is always working and not getting ahead. When he goes to get groceries he always spends about two hours in the store. Then when he gets home he realizes that he has forgotten several important items. Usually if he goes back for them he will still manage to forget a couple of items. He feels like that is the story of his life. What should he do?

C. Melissa is a worrier. She worries constantly. She even worries that she worries too much. Her main worries are about her school work. She skips meals and stays up late just to hand in perfect assignments. Often she finds herself reading things over and over because she can't concentrate. Her life is beginning to feel way off balance. What should she do?

D. Everyone loves Doug. He is easy to talk to and always has big plans. He does a lot of favors for people and is always on the go. His friends are always asking him out for coffee. Just when he finishes doing one thing for somebody another person asks for his help. He often puts off what he was supposed to do for himself and never asks for help. He is beginning to wonder if he will ever get anywhere at the rate he is going. What should he do?

1. You can't fool time but you can trick yourself. If you always feel like you are 5-10 minutes late set your clocks and watches ahead 5-10 minutes. This will give you that little extra time you are missing out on. If you can't seem to trick yourself try jump starting your day by getting up 15 minutes earlier. You will gain almost two hours a week with this strategy.

2. Write a "TO DO" list every night of tasks that need to be done the next day. This will lower your stress level because writing it down is like cleaning your mind. Number them in order of importance. Complete your list everyday and try to "get ahead" by doing things before their deadlines.

3. Keep a couple lists on the go. These could include: Personal Tasks, Family Tasks, School Tasks, Volunteer Tasks, Fun Tasks, Work Tasks, Financial Tasks, Christmas Lists, Shopping Lists, Birthday Lists, etc. Place them in plain view for easy access. You never know when you will add something to a list or check something off. It makes it easier for others to see where you are going so they can help too.

4. Your lists can save you time and money. Plan two or three months ahead if you are considering purchasing a large item, going on a trip, or attending an event. You will be in a better position to make deals, get better seats, or be stress-free to enjoy it.

5. Plan errands and appointments early in the day to avoid lines and traffic. Multi-task by planning to do other errands while you are in that area. If something unexpected comes up you can still complete tasks and have time to reschedule your day.

6. Learn to get help from others. You may dislike a task that someone else would do for a small fee. They may also have a task that you could do in exchange. Either way the task will be checked off your list. You will also save your valuable time and motivation to do more important goals.

7.Think about the time wasters in your day. Find ways to make them easier and less wasteful. For example if you enjoy watching TV or talking on the phone don't feel guilty just do some multi-tasking. You can look over your "TO DO" list, cook, organize a junk drawer, exercise, fold and iron laundry, etc.

8. You know waiting is a part of everyday life. Rather than feeling frustrated with time being wasted, plan to get things done while you wait. Have some 5 minute jobs ready on your list of things to do. You can look over your "TO DO" lists, read a novel, make a phone call, shop, reflect on some goals, sort out your purse or wallet, clean the vehicle, cut your nails, etc. Before you know it you will actually be thankful for this "extra" time.

9. Teach others to value your time. Ask friends and family not to interrupt you at certain times of the day. It will take some training but eventually they will learn to respect those blocks of time. You can get more done in a shorter amount of time if you are 100% focused on the activity.

10. Organizing your physical environment saves time and energy. If all the supplies are at your finger tips and your area is clutter-free you will have no excuses to avoid the task. Get organization tips from people you admire. Often others have little tips or tricks they use daily to organize all aspects of their lives.