In 1982, Donald Wetmore created the Productivity Institute to conduct his original three-day Time Management and Personal Productivity Seminar for participants throughout the world. Having been in the field of personal productivity and time management for over 30 years, Dr. Wetmore created this program to address the specific personal productivity and time management needs of anyone wanting to do more in their day. He explains how to double personal productivity both on and off the job and do it in less time, thereby helping participants to get more done in less time and create more balance in their personal lives.
Up front, there are three key points. First, this is a handbook. Wetmore wrote it to be taken in hand and, once its contents have been absorbed and digested, put to practical use. Second, he brings some fresh perspectives to core concepts (about time, information, and communication) that have been around for many years. Third and finally, this book and any of the other excellent books which cover much of the same material are essentially worthless if those who read them do not make and then sustain a long-term commitment to continuous improvement while using the tips, tools, and techniques recommended.
Wetmore immediately and correctly stresses the importance of having a balanced life built on a sturdy foundation. What does that mean–that for most people, attention, time, and effort are like a currency which should be spent, over time, almost equally within seven areas: physical health, family, financial, intellectual, social, professional, and spiritual. Appropriate balance depends upon appropriate proportionality–hence the importance of establishing priorities prior to the allocation of resources. To some people, having a “rich” spiritual life is far more important than material wealth. To others, many of them academics and artists, the intellectual area is most important. Of course there are always trade-offs and compromises. Wetmore is right: “A deficit in one area [e.g. physical health] can and does affect every aspect of your life.” He seems to agree with Jack Canfield and others that the first “rule for success” in life is to know what you want. Only then can you select the appropriate tips, tools, and techniques. Only then will the inevitable sacrifices required to obtain what you really want seem well worth it. Of course, attitude can also play a decisive role. In this context, Henry Ford’s observation seems especially relevant: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
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