You have all the time there is. You have the same twenty-four hours (1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds) that everyone has. What can be different is how you use them. Whether you work for a huge multi-national corporation, a small start-up, or are self-employed; whether you're a farmer, school principal, lawyer, store owner, or research scientist, chances are you fall into the same time traps we all do. Now, world-renowned time management expert, Dr. Alec Mackenzie, will show you how to climb out. In Part One of The Time Trap, Mackenzie explores the general principles of time management, the "hows and whys." He begins by asking the biggest "why" of all: in the twenty-first century, with all our pocket diaries, personal organizers and hand-held computers with expensive time management software, why is time management still a problem? He finds the answer in the powerful pull of human nature, the difficulty of breaking old habits and learning new ones, and the way habits in one area affect behavior in another. Managing time starts with establishing goals and setting priorities. After setting priorities you can take charge of your time -- and your time is your life -- by using the most effective time management tool: a written plan for the day, supported by an overall planning system. In Part Two, Mackenzie addresses the causes and cures of the top twenty time wasters. For each, he defines the real problem, examines its cause, and describes detailed solution strategies. He shows that many of us fall into time traps because we don't know how to say "No!" to a friend, colleague, family member or boss without being afraid of offending them. Then he presents dozens of real-life scenarios, demonstrating exactly what to say and do in these delicate, difficult situations. You'll learn how to deal with drop-in visitors, maximize meetings, delegate responsibility, improve your communication, and much more. So read this book and reap the rewards of effective, successful time management: more productivity, less stress, faster progress toward your goals, and a better balance between work and the rest of your life. Book jacket.