Ed. comments: After reading this list of tips, I thought they are like little chocolates. . . . . real treasures to savor bit by bit. Take time and think about each one--I guarantee they'll make a difference and you won't gain an ounce!

Timely Fundamentals, part one

Looking for a novel technique, an insider secret, a magic solution to create more time? Try these basics for personal effectiveness instead. They are not new, but they do work.

You may have heard them before, but do you use them?

• eat healthy
• exercise appropriately
• get sufficient sleep
• set realistic goals
• plan before doing
• organize your space
• alternate kinds of work
• avoid distractions
• take breaks
• avoid excess chit chat
• stay out of office politics
• communicate intelligently
• use assertive behaviors
• don’t try to do everything
• slim down files
• forget about pleasing everyone