A big, big thanks to Ryan Waggoner for recommending this excellent, short book.
Here's what Ryan has to say about it:
The title would have you believe it’s about time management, and it is, partly. But it’s also about living deliberately, and about why you should manage your time in the first place. It’s a very quick read, no more than an hour or so, but the principles in the book are incredibly valuable. - http://ryanwaggoner.com/2010/09/how-to-live-on-24-hours-a-day/
I'm a fan of Ryan's work and writing on productivity and habits, so I went and checked the book out. First, yup, it's easy to read in one sitting. Second, yes, there's a lot of good insights into why you should take control over your time.
Now, I'm a person does try to live my time, so you'd think I already have plenty of reasons. And I do. But the author of How to Live 24 Hours Per Day does a really good job of getting you into thinking about things the right way. Also, the book has some really funny English humor in there.
I posted "Excerpts From Hagakure, Chapter 1" a while back. The book is dense with interesting ideas. Here's some more excerpts -
When an official place is extremely busy and someone comes in thoughtlessly with some business or other, often there are people who will treat him coldly and become angry. This is not good at all. At such times, the etiquette of a samurai is to calm himself and deal with the person in a good manner. To treat a person harshly is the way of middle class lackeys.
Treat people calmly and with good manners, even when they're a little careless. "To treat a person harshly is the way of middle class lackeys" - that made me laugh.
There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to pet wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything.
You get wet either way in a rainstorm, but by accepting it you stay of clear mind. What a great metaphor. Accept that you'll get wet in a rainstorm - because you will either way - and go purposefully instead of rushing.
