[Joseph Coplans]

i agree with Kristin. Managing your time is imperative.
On the other hand, it's so important to have time to explore. Dare I say waste. But is it waste? Right Brainers will rule the world sites Daniel Pink. But right brainers fly around—sometimes wonderfully—sometimes annoyingly—without focus. And if you're getting dragged into 'right brain' world against your will—you know what I mean.

I knew a famous artist. He knew Matisse. He said the whole time he observed Matisse he noticed he got all of his ideas from playing. Just playing with paper, shapes, stuff, shadows. Isn't that what blogging is or can be? Or this forum? A walk down to the River on the waterfront to reflect? (I think that's the Platte in this case...)

But how do people balance what Kristin is offering—the elimination of things in our daily schedule that detract from success—yet at the same time offer ourselves accidental discoveries that lead to breakthroughs?
I think we need focus at different times, but I think we put too much emphasis on 'getting things done'. Sometimes I think we purposely overwhelm ourselves—and get into situations where we're forced to work 90 hours a week because it's a distraction. So...ok I've swung the thought pendulum the other direction...that was easy to do...
But I thought I would offer a fantastic visual extravaganza and read. I've just realized that is has much to do with this schism—the love hate relationship schedules have on our lives...(after all, our schedules control us as much as we control it)
I want to recommend a book. A big picture book (that's a pun). It's a book on the economy of space and the quality of thinking that goes into what we do. Some of you already know it:
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds.

It's not a time management book. It's not a book on Buddhist thought, It's not a book on how to explore or distill ideas or create Powerpoint presentations, but it's [b]all those things.[b]
It's a really awesome, easy read that is a metaphor about the quality of mindful exploration and a way to economize how you think and produce streamlined, effective results. You'll get even more out of it if you view Powerpoint as a metaphor for how we arrange our ideas and how we act. It's almost as if you could put thought into your day and create an inspiring Powerpoint presentation based on what you want to accomplish then, as the book implores, get rid of the unnecessary bullet points that cloud up the vision.
Let's talk more. (when you have time. ha ha)