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2.0 MY EIGHT FAVORITE WAYS TO SAVE TIME; TIME SAVERS - HOW TO REDUCE TIME CONSUMING CHORES

Like most things, saving time is very personal. What works for one person will not work for another. Here is my own list:

== 1. Keep a notebook where you write down and organize your chores, errands, projects and deadlines.

When you find yourself waiting for 20 minutes at a doctor's office, pull out your notebook and pen for a few minutes. I find that there are so many odd moments when I do this, I rarely have to take extra time to work on my planning.

== 2. Shop and drive when it is not crowded. With many supermarkets and discount department stores open 24 hours these days, I can usually avoid rush hours and the long lines.

== 3. Get served quicker at restaurants.

If I find myself having to wait for a seat at a restaurant, I ask to see the menu while I am in line. When I do get seated, I order immediately.

If you are starved by the time you get seated, order soup. Soup is always hot and ready and will be served immediately while your meal is cooked to order.

If your order is not ready at a fast food restaurant, do not wait by the counter. Instead ask them to deliver your food to your table.

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== 4. Speed up automated telephone services.

If you find yourself talking to an automated phone service, it is often faster to do nothing than to press a button on your touch tone phone! If you do not press any button, a real live breathing operator may come on the line and assist you.

If you cannot get through to Customer Service or you find you are put on hold (and the number is often NOT toll free), call the sales number instead. A company is more motivated to have sales people answer the phone than customer service people. The sales people might be able to answer your question or they can switch you to customer service (you should still be on the 800 number).

== 5. Keep a small library of essential references.

Our large medical reference has paid for itself many times over and saved us a number of trips to the doctor and the veterinarian. Also household do-it-yourself books will show you how to do things quickly and do them right.

== 6. Keep a small tool box of essential tools in your home and in your car.

No one would drive down the road without a jack and a spare tire. You should also have jumper cables and a small set of wrenches. Owning the right tools may keep you from being stranded.

== 7. Tape your favorite shows on TV.

When you play the tape back, fast forward through the ads, credits and station breaks. You will save about 15-25 minutes an hour.

== 8. Taming the telephone.

You can waste a lot of time on the phone. Make notes before you dial about the purpose of the call. Limit your business calls to accomplishing your goals.

My wife and I have a "log" book for messages on our answering machine. Many important calls get written down here. Months later we can save a lot of time simply looking up a phone number in the log book.

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