One of the interesting stories that I might share from the stage is when I went on strike as a new wife and mother to my 6-year-old stepson. Early in our marriage, my goal was to be a superwoman! I worked a full-time job, attended school pursuing my doctorate, and was a wife and mother. I also had a social life too! Actually, I had one foot in my married life and the other in my single life. My new family had high expectations and I was determined to meet them! Not only did I shop for the food, cook the food, but I served and plated the food. Of course, I attempted to do some chores, wash clothes, and clean the house. The one thing I told my new husband I did not do was yard work and windows. Well, one day I could not take it anymore! I told my family I was going on strike and felt unappreciated. My stepson was seven years old, and he asked me what he was supposed to do since he was a little kid. I told him that his day would take care of him just like before he met me. I put "on strike" signs around the house, including the refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer. This lasted 2-3 days before my husband apologized and tried to butter me up. It worked! I was back to a similar routine, but the boy did his own laundry at eight years old and mowed the grass. My husband found it hard to get out of his old ways, but he took on washing his own clothes, that's it! Today, I still shop, cook, and occasionally make their plates. The boy is now 21 and still at home. Do I spoil him from time to time? Of course, I do! However, I still make time for myself and everything I like to do despite it all. Time management at its best, right! Happy life, happy wife!

While time management is critical to planning a productive day, many people who attempt to manage time and get more done each day often fail because they do not plan accordingly. I faced similar challenges as a paralegal before it came full circle in 1992 when I failed to file a personal injury legal complaint within a two-year statute of limitations. After allowing this mistake to haunt me for years, I eventually earned my Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, presented my thesis, and defended my dissertation on time management's impact on organizational success and leadership. As the CEO of The Writing Pad and the self-proclaimed The Time Management Diva and best-selling author, I now speak to groups about effective time management and help leaders and organizations learn effective time management techniques to be more productive and efficient time managers. Follow me on social media at djohnsonblake and visit my website at deborahjohnsonblake.com.