I'm sorry I am somewhat of a defeatist. It seems almost your doom if you do or you are doom if you don't. I would think that people mature grow into self mgmt of time. I did. I know it's always that exception.
I must confess at one time or another I identify heavily with that state of Immediancy. I hate to put things off, they seem to just pile-up in the aftermath.
Anyhow, I agree the to-do-list is a great time management strategy. One question if you create a list mentally does that lessen the idea of a to-do- list? Ummm, Inquiring minds are wondering.
