Time Power

Like the previous reviewer I can see the obvious comparisons with Franklin's planner, and while I am unfamiliar with any legal background I feel compelled to observe that Hobbs used the daytimer planner as an example in this book - I do not think he invented it. Where I agree wholeheartedly is that this is without any doubt in my mind the best time management book ever written. Covey's First Things First is d**n good, but heavy on philosophy. Time Power is heavy on practicality with sufficient philosophy as to make it easy to read, and easy to apply. I recently re-read it (in fact, studied it) having bought a hardback edition to supplement the two paperbacks I own, and I gained even greater understanding as I did so. Let me be clear - whatever planner you buy (of any consequence, not the cheap ones) THIS book will help you maximise it as a resource. Life changing? I'd say for me that it was, in terms of productivity and management of my time and life. I have lived the technology described in this book and take pride in being the most organised and least stressed individual in my organisation. So my title is not hyperbole - it is based on my experience. Buy it NOW!!!!

If you are browsing the business self-help books and finally get tired of all the re-hashed nonsense available, then turn to this out of print masterpiece. Charles Hobbs virtually invented the time management field. His Time Power system became the basis for all others. Dr. Hobbs invented the way to utilize the Day Timer 2 Page per day planner. The planner coupled with his very well thought out Time Power system makes one a very formidible force in their workplace. The Franklin Planner people (who began by working for Dr. Hobbs) simply ripped-off his entire program. If you can find a set of the Time Power tapes from the early 1980's and compare them to the "original" Franklin Planner (pre Franklin Covey) tapes you will notice that the Franklin seminar is virtually the same down to the very same analogies and methphors! That's some nerve. Well, Dr. Hobbs eventually won a settlement and it seems that Franklin Covey won the lottery. But that's business. The cream does not always rise to the top. However, I digress. The program outlined by Dr. Hobbs asks you to examine your life and to do some careful introspection before embarking on his system to manage your time. This is because your core beliefs and character will guide you in the daily decisions over what to prioritize and at what level of urgency. Don't skip over this part! I skipped it when I first took the seminar, then fell off the wagon as it were, using the Time Power system. Years later I got out the book and my tapes and gave the system another go this time really working at it and the results are truly amazing. Time Power really shines when Dr. Hobbs explains how to incorporate the 2 Page per Day planner (Day Timers or any other brand) into the Time Power system. By using both Time Power and the appropriate tool, you will see a marked improvement in your productivity at work and a marked improvement in your family life as well. Dr. Hobbs always keeps it simple. His system is simple to learn, the only hard part is self-discipline. This book is also blessedly free of psycho-babble. Pick up your copy before it's too late! Incidentally, Day Timers Inc. still offers the "Time Power" seminar. It's a version of Dr. Hobbs original seminar put on by the very capable Trapper Woods. This seminar is what I would call "Hobbs light" and that is no slam. It is a very good seminar, and Trapper Woods is an excellent teacher, and he gives Dr. Hobbs the credit due him.