Book Description

Everyone who works wishes there were more hours in the day, so that they could do their job right. But the secret isn't working more hours-instead, you need to learn to use the time you already have more efficiently and effectively.

Contrary to popular belief, effective time management is not based on doing more things in less time. That's just not going to happen. Time management is about doing the right things better.

Time Management shows you how to organize your valuable time to make sure the things you need to make happen get done. It includes dozens of proven, easy-to-use techniques including how to:

Create a to-do list that's realistic and not intimidating
Prevent interruptions from lowering your productivity
Cope with information overload
Defeat procrastination

Time Management is perfect for anyone who has a desk, but can't find it; anyone who spends most their day working on to-do lists; or anyone who can't find the things they need because they don't have time to file.

Whether you feel overwhelmed by your workload, or just want to find a few extra minutes in the day, Time Management has the answers you need. Your world will keep spinning even if you don't pick up every last message-pick up Time Management instead, and take control of your agenda today. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

time managment, a very fast read with excellent solutions
I purchased this book over three months ago, which of course, I just got to read on a Saturday afternoon (procrastination?). I was looking for a fast, light read as well as a book that would help me improve my timemanagement skills.

I found that this book was excellent in providingmultiple solutions and methods for addressing, improving and mitigatingvarious situations dealing with time-sinks. There were multiple sectionsthat I "dog-eared" to go back to dealing with to-do lists, characterizingactivities, speed writing, controlling paper flow,optimizing waiting timeand also solutions dealing with procrastination and "worrying".I havefound the methods provided have very been effective.

If your looking fora book that will be a fast read with tangible guidance dealing with timemanagement, this is an excellent choice (and cheap too!). ... Read more

Book Description

o

From the founder and former CEO of Drake Beam & Associates (now Drake Bean Morin, Inc.) the world’s largest human resources consulting firm
o Offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to cut back on work—including how to convince employers to agree to downshifting
o Details a wide range of practical downshifting options
o Real-life stories from successful downshifters provide inspiration and encouragement This practical how-to book will help you move from the "fast track" to a more satisfying, less work-focused lifestyle. It teaches you to cope with the extraordinary time commitments demanded by today’s downsized, re-engineered organizations and details a wide range ofoptions to 12-hour workdays. John Drake, himself a successful executive who chose to downshift, describes doable approaches to downshifting and even offers practical advice on how to sell these plans to employers. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

New Directions
If you are on the fence, Downshifting will get you to move. Great psychological and spiritual insights to help live a more peace filled life.

A Timely Discussion
Jack Drake has provided an easy to read, road mapped dialogue that is very important in today's work scenario. He recognizes the need to communicate with the thirty somethings and emphasize the importance of personal, as opposed to material, life. Well Done! The self help format should allow everyone to evaluate their individual needs. There is life after work!!

Been there done that!!
Having accomplished my own downshifting more than ten years ago I can attest that John Drake has developed a solid grasp of the needs and concerns of those thinking about a change/reduction in their work schedule. Very insightful and helpful thinking.

Made a difference
Drake clearly accomplishes his goal. In an easy-to-read, logical, step-by-step progression he helps the reader overcome doubts and fears, and then provides a wide range of downshifting actions-some risky; some involving little risk. I was impressed by his understanding of the corporate arena and the dangers that accompany cutting back at work. The clincher is his description about how to use any newfound time for increasing personal happiness.

I am writing this review because, on a personal level, it had a great impact on me. For years I've thought about finding a better work/life balance, but did nothing about it. This book brought me into action. Downshifting addressed two fears I had-lower income and less security. It helped me plan around these concerns and cope with the tradeoffs I have to make. I was most impressed with how the book's "enjoying life more" portion introduces concepts that have already improved my close relationships and how I feel about myself. I recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about a better balance in his or her life.

Also Great For Volunteer Workers
While this book is focused on people who are in paid jobs, I found it provides unbelievable help to me as a near-full-time-volunteer who works for love. Drake has helped me see ways to slow down, do volunteer work more effectively, get rid of feelings of resentment that build up from over-involvement, and truly get back to enjoying life more. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic personal time-management book originally published in 1908 has inspired generations of men and women to live deliberate lives. Not just another collection of timesaving tips, this book is more of a challenge to leave behind mundane everyday concerns, focus on pursuing one's true desires, and live the fullest possible life. Reflection, concentration, and study techniques make it easier to accomplish more truly rewarding undertakings than anyone ever dreamed possible. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not enough time in the day? Not any more
Many books have been written over the years attempting to tell people how to improve their lives. They usually involve living on a certain amount of money per week or month. This book was first published in 1908, and was a major bestseller. It could be considered the first self-help book, and it takes a different approach, looking at time instead of money.

Time is a very funny thing; everyone gets the same amount per day. Rich people do not get more than poor people. It's not possible to go the store and buy time. Out of that 24 hours per day, everyone must carve out a life (marriage, family, work, hobbies, religion, etc).

This book was written in a time and place (England of the early 1900s) where everyone took the train to work. One of the author's suggestions is to use that time concentrating on one thing; it doesn't matter what it is. If your mind starts wandering, hook a leash to it and bring it back. I'm not sure how well this would work today, when everyone drives to work. You say you can't concentrate for very long? Having to give a big presentation at work, or final exams in school, does a wonderful job of focusing the mind.

Then comes the evening, after the reader has gotten home from work. If this book had been written today, the author might say that occasionally vegging out in front of the TV is not a bad thing, but don't be like the average American, who does it for several hours a day, every day. Take, say, two hours a night, three nights a week, for a total of six hours. Use that time to learn a subject about which the reader is passionate, a hobby or interest. The subject can be literally anything, from A to Z. If a big subject like history is chosen, it's allowable to narrow it down to, for instance, the French Revolution or the Vietnam War. If a subject like classical music is chosen, go to an occasional concert or try your hand at playing an instrument. Again, if this book was written today, the author might say to use the internet to research your topic, but stay away from the chat rooms. During your learning time (for lack of a better term), lay off the popular novels. The author has nothing against them, but the idea is to give your brain a workout; novels don't do that. Most of all, take your time. The worst thing a person can do is burnout.

This book is small, but mighty. It says a lot, and it's the sort of book that can be used by everyone, from one end of society to the other. Not enough time in the day? Not after reading this gem.

Thought Provoking and an Awakening
The greatest thing about this publication is that you are aware of the author's opinion, but no bias exists within the material. The suggestions presented are done in such a fashion that any revolutions made will seem to be made by you, not the author. This allows for an objective analysis of your current lifestyle and some possible steps you may wish to take to improve it. I am not one who is usually enlightened or easily motivated, but I can honestly say I believe this book is an asset to all and considering the E-Book is only ($$$), you can't go wrong.

Enjoy! I hope I was of some help.

A timless self-help book that can work for everyone.
Though it was written 90 years ago, "How To Live" addresses the inadequacies, frustrations, disappointments of people today in all walks of life and it does so with humor and wisdom. A daily dose of "How To Live" is at least as nourishing for the brain and soul as a multi-vitamin for the body. Arnold Bennett created a classic of its kind, a self-help book that really helps.

Time, our most precious commodity, is yours to cherish
It is hard to imagine that this little book could be so persuasive. I consider it a classic, and an early precusor to many others that have attempted to demonstrate how time is our own and ours to manage and expand our boundaries of our selves. In the thirty minutes it takes to read, you will be left forever vigilant, and will never sit idle, unless you consciously choose to sit idle, while you ride a train, wait for plane, or drive home from what once may have been a routine. Read it, study it, and live again.

If you need more time in your day, you need this book
As recommended by William H. Danforth in his "I Dare You" (another excellent book), this book will help you to get more done in less time. Don't believe me? Read it! What more is there to say? It works if you'll only try it. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Life Matters:

"A great read! This book is a great read, especially if you have a family, where balance in life is paramount!"--Larry King, Host of Larry King Live

"Roger and Rebecca Merrill have written another book that matters--Life Matters.In this crazy world we live in today, it's a goldmine of practical, achievable ideas that will really make a difference."--Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One Minute Manager® and Whale Done!^TM

"Most people I know really want to put their family first, but with all the various tugs and pulls that can cause distractions, the most important things in our lives can be neglected. The invaluable information in this book will help you balance family, work and finances, and give you the inspiration to help you make the changes necessary to have internal peace and improved relationships."--Marie Osmond

"Profound knowledge is literally what this book is.In fact, what I would say is 'profound wisdom,' because it interweaves timeless, universal, self-evident principles into all of the knowledge that is given.... I hope you share my passion for this remarkable book."--Excerpt from the Foreword by Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"It's the 4th "Gotta Do"...read this book, Life Matters. This book clearly articulates and demonstrates that balance in work,time,and money is not only achieveable but critical to winning in the game of life."--Pete Beaudrault, President and CEO of RLE Intl Consultants

"At last, a way to "sync" what matters most with what we actually do! And with an approach that helps people understand, simplify and incorporate the power of technology in resolving life balance issues. The Merrills present the ideal solution for knowledge workers who want to have quality family life."--Curt Allen, Former President and CEO, MyFamily.com, President and CEO, Agilix Labs

"I wish that I had had this wisdom years ago so that I could have led a greater life sooner! This information is invaluable for anyone who has choices in life about family, work, money, and time--and I think that applies to everyone. I encourage you to read it and apply these principles of greatness so that you might achieve your greatest goals."--Pat Croce, former owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, author of 110% and I Feel Great

A groundbreaking guide to achieving true life balance from the experts at the Covey Institute

As the home front and the work front become increasingly integrated in contemporary life, success--or failure--in either has an undeniable effect on the other. But it is possible to keep both areas moving forward in positive ways. In this much anticipated book, A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca Merrill show readers how to navigate the critical relationships between time and money, work and family, to create a harmonious, success-enhancing dynamic between each.

Life Matters guides readers in how to spend time and money in ways that translate the personal values and goals that matter most into daily life experience.

The crucial steps toward this kind of effective living include:

• Exploring the gap between what we deeply value and the reality of daily life
• Aligning resources with goals and values
• Using technology--one of life's greatest balancing assets--as a tool for creating more time
• Utilizing the concept of dynamic investing, which includes intangibles such as energy, relationships, and integrity
• Succeeding at work and family do not have to be mutually exclusive goals

Also included are invaluable exercises that will help readers achieve greater satisfaction in all areas of life.

Reviews (10)

Another Best Personal Development Book Since 7 Habits!
Congratulations to the authors! They had written an excellent, practical, and realistic book on Life Balancing.Probably the best book on life leadership since 7 Habits and First Things First (actually even better than "F£ÔF", since the writing style and selection of ancedotes and examples are even more mature and veteran).

Congratulations to the readers! We have a chance to read an excellent book on personal/family development, well presented in the 7 Habits/Covey's tradition, but in a less wordy, theoretical, and jargons-filled way.

Both authors are very sincere, writing and sharing usefulideas
from their hearts. They talked about Money Matrix, See Do Get Model, and many useful skillsets for balancing.

They didn't just repeat old ideas from First Things First. Instead, they injected a lot of new ideas and useful wisdoms about life into the book. Very unlike Stephen R. Covey, who is very idle in using new materials and new ideas in his so called new books. He is just so repetitive and wordy sometimes that readers can be turned off by his lack of inventiveness in terms of both form and substance in his new books.

Of course, Life Matters also has its weaknesses . It deals with Work, Family, Time, Money, and Wisdom Literature on Life Balancing. But it didn't mention the word, Health in the book even once, or didn't even mention the importance of Spirituality, by which both are essential elements in human life.

Since health is wealth, there will be no Work, Family, Time, Money, Wisdom, or Spirituality, when people fail to prioritize Health in their life.

In an overall sense, this is a great book that I cannot put down. If more personal development books can be written with Life Matter's type of quality, the readers will benefit-- the society will ultimately be benefited.

My sincere thanks and salute to the authors! This book will be a Mega best-seller, just like 7 Habits or First Things First...
Just wait and see!

Freedom Matters
In Life Matters: Creating a Dynamic Balance of Work, Family, Time, and Money, Rebecca and Roger have linked the resources of time and money. The connections are so self-evident that I am surprised it hasn't been done before. In the case of both resources, we can have a consumption or an investment paradigm. The first leads to being overextended and having no margin in our lives, the latter to freedom. Life Matters is full of practical advice on how to break the downward consumption spiral.

Two years ago I attended a seminar where Roger Merrill spoke on some of the ideas in this book. After that day, I began to shift my thinking. For years I had wanted to live on the Upper West Side in New York City. The question I had been asking myself was, "Would I rather live on the Upper West Side or in a 'boring' neighborhood in Queens"? Well, the Upper West Side won hands down. My husband resisted, saying the higher expenses would be a trap and would virtually chain us to our high-paying, high-pressure jobs. Still, I liked the fancy neighborhood. (Life Matters points out how most spouses have different views on money matters). After listening to Roger I began to ask the question differently. "Would I rather have an apartment on the Upper West Side or freedom"?

By staying in our non-flashy neighborhood, we have been able to make some terrific changes in our lives. My husband quit his job to study cooking and music. I have reduced my time on the road and am now writing a book. If the price of freedom is giving up a little flash, I'm persuaded. Maybe Life Matters will persuade you too.

Investment stragegies that go beyond money
This book is one of many that build off Stephen Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," and is a more in-depth discussion of prioritizing (Living in Quadrant II for those who speak Covey). This book is divided into four sections that reflect the four biggest concerns Americans face--the workplace, the family, time, and money. The basic message of the book is that one must think in terms of "investing," whether it be money, time, or effort. It is important to examine what one invests in so that maximum returns can be paid on that investment. As an example, investing money in a car yeilds a much lower return (a negative return) than investing in a mutual fund. Investing time in televison watching yields a much lower return than helping your child with his homework. Investing in effort in a long-term project that is still months away yields a much higher return than filling out some pretty-unnecessary paperwork. Other commentators are correct when they say that the examples of theory-in-action can be fairly unrealistic (even though they really happened!), but they illustrate the authors' points well. I would first recommend the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. If you find that helpful (and I imagine you will), this book is an excellent follow-up to it.

Insightful!
Prioritizing the building blocks of life - family, work, money and time - is paramount to happiness. Some people do it unconsciously by living within their intellectual and monetary expectations. Others need a framework for balance, such as the one that authors A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill provide. To achieve personal balance, the authors suggest becoming a better team player, working more effectively, learning about finances and setting home and work priorities. They establish the goal of building a strong family, centered around parental "family leadership." Do they successfully address the knotty issues they raise? Yes, in a folksy way. This is a useful self-help manual with checklists, self-assessments and personal anecdotes, which are sometimes touching, but sometimes impractical or saccharine. Though the management advice dons motivational language, the sections on family and work are particularly worthwhile. The authors deliver a solid antidote to misplaced modern values, albeit wrapped in some fluffy trappings. We recommend this book to corporate officers and human resource personnel, as well as to individuals seeking balance.

Life is About Change
For readers committed to lifelong learning, this book is a must. The seven components or chapters, encourage readers to question and to challenge their traditional understanding of these so-called "matters" in order to design a sense of overall well being and purpose. Money can often be traced to the origin of discord in people's lives - The Merrill's chapter on Money Matters is about the best I have seen. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Finally, some practical help!
As a fellow frantic, I was drawn to this book. I'm amazed at the time-saving tips, as well as the great advice offered to infuse exactly what was needed in my life...simplicity. Thank you, girls, for writing for the "regular" family. Who knew that silk flowers could be cleaned using a paper bag and table salt? Simple. Just what I needed.

Perfect combination of help and fun!
I am so grateful to the authors of this book! First, I realize I'm not alone in being frantic...but this goes beyond "misery loves company..." it's "misery gets a makeover!" I have used several of the book's tips, and read a couple more pages each day. It lifts my spirits, makes me laugh, but most importantly gives me manageable, real world solutions to balancing life as a working woman, mother, wife, daughter, and active participant in my community. In fact, I have purchased several as gifts for birthdays, and the ones I have given are met with overwhelming enthusiasm.

I hope by the time I finish reading this book (which won't take me too long because it's so reader-friendly) there will be news on what else these 2 women have to offer those of us navigating life in the frantic lane. In the meantime, I'll keep pulling out my Frantic Woman's Guide to try various ideas and tips as I make my way through my house, my life, and the year ahead!!

Great Ideas!
Love the reminders in February about how to keep that love light burning, and the furniture primer in April that sets out all the things I feel I'm supposed to know about buying wood furniture, but can never remember. But the neatest tip I've found so far might be the piece on page 280 about how to use department store coupons before the date. I tried it yesterday on some rather pricey bed linens. It really works! Thanks Mary Jo and Judith for organizing all these goodies.

Solves the Frantic Woman's Catch-22!
You're too frantic to get your life organized, but if your life were better organized you wouldn't be so frantic. This book has the answer: tons of simple ways to get a handle on your life, divided by month and written in quick-read sections so you're not overwhelmed. Open the book to any page and I promise you'll find at least one AHA! idea that makes so much sense you'll wonder why you hadn't thought of it before. Like bringing a basket with you as you clean from room to room, to collect the items that don't belong there (I used to take the item to its proper room and then get side-tracked straightening up that room). Get this book and keep it somewhere handy so when you have a free second (waiting in the car at the bus stop or maybe in the bathroom) you can pick up another tip to make life a little less franzzled!

Finally - a "practical" book for "all" women!
I love this book because there is something in it for everyone--single or married women of all ages, with or without kids. I'm married without kids, but my life can get "frantic" at times, too, and there's so much in this book that I can put to use in my everyday life. The checklists are great because I'm a checklist kind of person. The "Hidden gems" are little practical tips that come in so handy. But I think what I like most about it are the month-by-month reminders--so many ideas that I've never thought of before that I can't wait to try out this year! ... Read more

Book Description

Do ever you feel like you live at the office instead of your house? Do your coworkers see you more often than your spouse? Take back your workday and your life! Organize Your Work Day In No Time will show you how to use your work time more efficiently through simple time management and organization techniques. Author and professional organizer K.J. McCorry will show you how to organize paper and electronic files, deal with e-mail overload, use contact software to its full potential and structure and easy-to-follow action less to become more efficient while you're at work. You will also have access to downloadable shopping lists, worksheets, to-do lists and other helpful information to help you get and stay organized. Get more done in less time and get more time at home and away from work with the expert help of Organize Your Work Day In No Time.

Reviews (2)

A must read for easy to do solutions!
What a great book!Whether you are an organized or disorganized person, you will be able to find useful and practical information in this book.There are so many factors that can affect our workday and this book addresses them.From paper and electronic filing systems to managing e-mail overload, the tips and time savers takes the unmanageable and makes it manageable.If you are looking for an easy to read and easy to implement book that deals with the real day to day issues, I suggest you read this book.

you NEED this book
My favorite chapters are "Improving your relationship with Email",
"Creating the Perfect File System" and
"Using your Contact Software to Its Full Potential"

I am going to start with the email chapter and see if i can't get rid of some of these 1,000 emails in my inbox-ughhhh

This book caught my eye because my work style is very disorganized.
My email clutters up, my contacts are not in any categories and I am so tired of dealing with all the paper workby the time 5 p.m. comes that I am too tired to go home and clean anything at all.

I really need this book.I hope I can follow through with all these suggestions.
I have decided to take one chapter a month. ... Read more

Book Description

A proven 10-step program for unlocking your potential to live and work on your own terms.

Tired of holding your breath, waiting for exactly the right moment to arrive before you can start living the life you really want? When will it be safe for you to stop working so hard and feeling stressed out, burnt out, and generally dissatisfied with life? When you get married? Promoted? When your kids finish school? When you pay off your mortgage? When you retire?

Its time to stop waiting and start living. As renowned success coach Jennifer White proves in this amazing book: You can have it all–more time, more money, and more fun–on your own terms–starting today!

Based on Whites popular courses and seminars through which she has helped thousands of people nationwide live more fulfilling and productive lives, Work Less, Make More™ is an easy-to-follow 10-step program for overcoming your fears, unblocking your passions, channeling your energies, and managing your time more efficiently so that you can:

• Fearlessly take more risks
• Do the kind of work that really makes you happy
• Achieve success on your own terms
• Enjoy the freedom of being your own boss
• Have more fulfilling relationships
• Put the passion back in your life and work

A complete design for living and working, Work Less, Make More is the key that will unlock your potential for living life to its fullest. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Nuts and bolts for how to have a great life!
Jen White's book is a no-nonsense approach to creating a life that works on your terms. Packed with loads of hands-on exercises and provocative questions, this book helps the reader move beyond just thinking about what a great life would look like, and into action to make it actually happen. The author's writing style is refreshingly down-to-earth and spunky. Read this book and take her advice. It will change your life!

This is the Book that will change your life
This is the book that will cahnge your life. After 25 years in the business world, I thought that I had read and seen them all...until now. This is the first book that empowered me to take Action. It's logical, no nonsense approach will propel you to your goal. This is not jsut for the entreprenuor or the CEO, it is for anyone who wants to be wildly successful and still be happy. After reading it, I changed my city, state, position and lifestyle, yet still work for the same corporation

Good Book!
If you feel that you work to hard and earn to little, this book is for you. Jennifer White shows you how to be more effective in whatever you do. When you become more effective--you will start earning more money-because your more effective, more valuable. Jennifer is one of the top coaches in the nation and it's not for no reason. Her methods are sound. Proven. They Work. Highly recommended.

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

Curious
Does it seem strange to anyone that all of the 26 reviews for this book sound exactly the same? Almost like the same person wrote all of the reviews.......or coached others on how to write them.....hmmm...

Motivational and definitely life changing
I've ready many books on how to get the life you want but by far this is the best yet. Easy to read, there's little exercises to do to get you thinking and she even provides ideas for making more. Brilliant. If you know you're not living your best life, then this book will really get you going in the right direction with motivation. Get it!!! ... Read more

Book Description

The quest to win back your time is a noble pursuit, but it's a fast-paced and frenzied existence you're enduring. With all that competes for your time and attention, how do you alter the pace of your career and life so you are in control of your time? How can you enjoy what your career and life have to offer, and once again have time to reflect, to ponder, to muse?

This book is about winning back and managing your time. The chances are astronomical-to-nearly-100% that you lost it the last decade.In this book, we'll stay with the tried and true.Some of the tips may seem quite innovative but they work and work well. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Handling a Complex Issue
I thought this was pretty good handling of a rather complex issue - how to control the time in your life when as the author explains, so much is competing for it. I like the fact that this book is an easy read. Each chapter only takes about 10 or 12 minutes. Also, I though a lot of the charts were helpful. I would have liked to have seen a section on what to do is you're chained to a beeper, and maybe a chapter on time management for new parents.

Managing Your Time is easy to read, and REALLY helpful
This is the best of all the time management books. For one, the author is a bonafide expert, having written several books tangential to the topic. The advice in here is very solid. Chapter after chapter, tip after tip, there is much that would benefit any reader, anywhere. The pace of society doesn't seem to be slowing down, and as the author says, it is up to each of us individually to carve out space and time we need to live the kind of life that we desire. This book is easy to read, fun to read, and ultimately, has lasting impact. You can only read it in byte size amounts like the author says, it will still work.

returned it - preaches deceit; more fluff than substance
The author's target audience seems to be salaried employees working unpaid overtime, who are overweight, out of shape, watch too much TV and get too little sleep. His solution to the unpaid overtime is to lie to your employer and coworkers about how much you work at home, use oversized containers to take work home so it looks like more, schedule outside appointments late in the dy so you can just go home, etc. A lot of the book is aimed at helping people take better care of themselves and get their priorities in order, which I applaud. But that isn't what I was looking for in a time management book. I was looking for practical strategies for organizing my work and time, which it is thin on. It has some, and there are some very good ideas in there, but not really much more than a good magazine article.

A very useful book, far superior to others on this subject
I encountered the Dummy's version of Time Management and was of disappointed. It seemed like it was just one ad after and another for the various products that the author was touting. The Idiot's version of Time Management in comparison is devoted to the reader. I didn't detect that the author had any affiliations with any products or services, and even if he does, it doesn't come through in these pages. Instead, I encountered one chapter after another of sound logic, action steps, and encouragement. If the book is lacking in any area it would be on using technology to enhance your use of time. But, you can always make the argument that tools of technology change so fast, that such discussion is better handled in newspaper and magazine articles anyways. The bottom line, this is an excellent book on time management and certainly worth the time it takes to read it.

A humorous, helpful guide
I just finished the 3rd edition of MYT, and was quite impressed. I haven't seen the first two editions, but this one certainly fills the bill, if you're looking for solutions to time-pressure problems. That the book is funny, is a real bonus. It makes it easier to get through every chapter. I found the section found "Thinking Your Way Out of Timetraps" to be the best part of the book. After all, much of what we face on a daily basis is self-induced. You can blame your boss, you can blame other people, but when you really get honest with yourself, as you learn in the book, most of the time pressure you feel is a result of your own activities and beliefs. Do yourself a favor and get this book. ... Read more

Book Description

THE 30 SECOND MESSAGE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. SOUND IMPOSSIBLE? BELIEVE IT. IT'S TRUE!

You can get your point across in 30 seconds. Media research proves it. Television commercials capitalize on it. People are only able to give their full, undivided attention in 30 second "bites."

Milo Frank, former CBS television talent and casting head, who teaches communication skills to the top executives of such Fortune 500 companies as AT&T, IBM and Bank of America, shows you how easy it is to get your point across in 30 seconds -- and get what you want. Whether you are writing a letter or memo, making a speech, asking for a raise or promotion, making a point, or closing a sale, How To Get Your Point Across In 30 Seconds Or Less is an invaluable training tool for both business people and professionals. You will be amazed at your enhanced effectiveness when you discover how to use the 30 second message to get exactly what you want. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Practical and Useful!
One of the most practical and helpful books I have read. I bought it on a whim because of the title. The author soon drew me into his topic and convinced me that if we have something worth saying, we must make sure that people hear it. Concise speach and writing helps that happen. As part of my job, I teach communication, especially public speaking and writing, to future missionaries. This book helped shape my teaching notes AND my delivery. I always recommend it to my trainees. None of them has ever been disappointed. Thank you, Milo O. Frank.

Highly Recommended!
Milo O. Frank shows step-by step how you can improve your communications skills by using a 30-second message. While we all often gab for minutes or hours, you should be able to get your point across within 30 seconds. The rest is simply preparation or follow-through. The techniques of crafting a 30-second message will help you focus your thinking, writing and speaking. Using these techniques, you can also be more effective in conducting meetings or speaking to groups. This skill will give you better all-around results in business. The technique has three main steps: identify your objective, know your listener and find the right approach. The author shows how to build the most effective message and then tells you how to present it to an audience. The last chapter shows how the 30-second message can be used in other forms of communication, from business letters to sales pitches and press conferences. We [...] recommend this clear, concise book for business people or professionals who want to get their ideas across more effectively, particularly in public speaking.

A Required Skill In This Day and Age...
Basically, it's turning your message into a commerical since the average person can only hold their attention for 30 seconds thanks to (M)TV. It's useful in getting a message across to individuals who either don't want to talk to you or are too busy quicky. It can be seen as "brute honesty" if it's news the individual doen't like to hear, especially, regarding personal performance.Could be very useful in sales and retail. The book uses the 3 Ks (KKK). Unfortunately, it's not a good (PC) memory aid. I perfer the 3 Cs. "Catch Em", "Ceep Em", "Convince Em". I love the saying "Talking to many is the same as talking to one."
Worth a look at about 110 pages. You can finish it in one sitting.

Cheaper than college credits!
This book is excellent. It's written for the average Joe; no technical jargon -- it can and should be used by everyone. It's a short and sweet read...brief and to the point, it can be read in approximately 1-2 hours. I'm a radio announcer, and this book is one of the top 5 that I insist other people read ... but get your own copy! In my opinion "How to get your point across in 30 seconds or less" is equal to AT THE VERY LEAST one half semester of a college course in Public Speaking 101.... and it's much cheaper! This book should be required reading for everyone who opens their mouth in public.

Good content - annoying audio production
While the content of the book is excellent, the production of the audio version is annoying. The clock ticking throughout examples, cheezy music, use of various voice-overs split through left right and channels, and other unneccessary audio gimics are really distracting, and actually make it more difficult to follow the dialog. While this type of format has long been the norm in business and non fiction audio productions in the 70's and 80's, I would expect a less annoying and updated format for an item produced in 1999. Read the book. Avoid the audio version. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

This book is like a good piece of advice from Grandpa.
I used to think that Hyrum W. Smith was a rough and tumble, hard line executive type whose first and only lust was the bottom line.

I was so wrong.

This is a pleasant book with a conversational tone, along the lines of Dale Carnegie. I wish my other books were so simple, and were plainly written and plainly taught. Shakespeare mentions "Simple truth miscalled simplicity," (Sonnet 66) and that "Brevity is the soul of wit." (Hamlet, Act 2, sc. ii), and Mr. Smith demonstrates his ability, again and again, to plainly teach the ten natural laws.

In fact, the tone of this book is almost grandfatherly.

The book is divided into two halves, the first half dealing with your time, the second half dealing with your life.

The first laws are (Don't get mad-you could Xerox these from a library copy!):

1. You control your life by controlling your time.
2. Your governing values are the foundation of personal fulfillment.
3. When your daily activities reflect your governing values, you experience inner peace.
4. To reach any significant goal, you must leave your comfort zone.
5. Daily planning leverages time through increased focus.

The laws regarding controlling your life are:

6. Your behavior is a reflection of what you truly believe.
7. You satisfy needs when your beliefs are line with reality.
8. Negative behaviors are overcome by changing incorrect beliefs.
9. Your self-esteem must ultimately come from within.
10. Give more, and you'll have more.

I think that the central principles are first, controlling your life and not being controlled, and second there is an objective reality, despite all the braying and bleating of the relativists. The issue, then is one of organizing and prioritizing, and not just being a forty-year old teenager living from stimulation to stimulation.

As has been observed, this book is geared for the big business executive, but I have found that I can adapt the principles to my less busy and less hectic life. That may be another underlying factor: wanting to want something. You must want the principles to work for them to be effective. "Stick-to-itiveness" I think is the word.

There has also been comment about the values and the similarities of this book to other books, specifically Covey's "Seven Habits." It shouldn't be surprising, since all the arrows of moral laws hit one target. We do not have a male and a female law of gravitation, and the electrons do not drive on the wrong side of the road in the UK. We are all talking about the same thing. C. S. Lewis in "The Abolition of Man," traces the similarity of moral laws across many cultures and time. True, manifestations and understanding of truth may differ; it is all fundamentally the same. You can do math by Roman numerals, but Arabic numerals are far easier.

Moreover, Franklin and Covey merged a few years ago, so the two books have really become one in the hands of the company.

As to the hidden agenda, what can I say? If you are smart enough to spot any hidden agenda, then you are also smart enough to know how to avoid any entanglements.

As always, the hardest part of any self-help book is the implementation of the ideas.

A Quality of Life Book
Hyrum Smith talks about the kind of life that makes one eager to get up in the morning. He talks about tapping into natural laws that are immutable and consistent to achieve this desired level of living. He makes his point by saying "We can get together and vote against the law of gravity, but our vote wouldn't make one bit of difference" (p. 12). He says whether we agree with these laws or not, they govern our lives. The logically thinking person seeks to discover these laws and apply them.
He has a powerful observation on reading. "A man can think no deeper that his vocabulary will allow him to. I read regularly each day...One cannot teach from an empty well" (p. 57).
On emotions we're told "Do not waste time on unproductive feelings" (p. 60).
He advocates using focus as a means of bringing daily energy to bear on the acheivement of long term goals and dreams.
Habit is a power than either we dominate and control or it controls us (p. 124).
This is a book to help one reach one's goals by doing things in order of priority.

First ask yourself this...
Do you want to become more effective and efficient or do you want to feel better and motivated? The problem with so many self help books these days is that the allow a person to simply feel nice and motivated for a little while. These companies don't make money by solving the problems that impede your success, they make money by patching them. This book was nice, but I was looking for something to help people I care about actually become more effective, I find so few books accomplish this. Here is my best advice to people who are tired of patching and want to start enjoying the tasks that lead to success... I believe that you can enjoy everything that you do to meet your goals. I'm going to recommend a book that does not talk cute to you, it does not provide the kind of sappy success stories which at times can seem exaggerated at best such as Hyrum's book. It's a toolbox, a user's manual for your brain. The trick is that you have to spend sometime and apply the tools. When I first was given this stuff by a friend of mine, I thought he had lost it but the stuff works amazingly well. Introduction to NLP by O'connor and Seymore, when you read it, it's not going to tell you what to do to fix your life, it's going to provide you with tools. Here is what you can do with the tools... Allow your actions become congruent with your values, belief, purpose, whatever. I'm not religious myself but I imagine this can make things a little easier. It discusses "congruency" in a clear concise fashion that will be motivating in itself it's called the Dilt's model I believe. Essentially, if you understand what you want (may require some introspection, you maybe surprised how much we can learn by having a little internal dialog with ourselves) and measure all aspects of it's value relative to you, make some goals, short term, mid term and long term. Simple so far? Okay, to begin everyday, spend time planning your day in a way that reflects your values, i.e. your goals. Every time your doing something, anything, understand why your doing it, why it has value. This book will teach you to "anchor" your goal and it's attached value that it has, to everything you do, down to your valuable leisure time and taking out the trash. Done consistently over a period of time, and this may allow you to reframe the way you think about your opportunities to accomplish your goals how easy it is to "feel good" about your daily routine. Once you do this, which may require you step a little outside your comfort zone, you may find how easy it is to begin to be proactive in all aspects of your life leading ultimately to personal success. As far as the 10 natural laws book goes, it maybe worth while to some, I enjoyed the warm fuzzy teachings in the first 7 chapters of 10, Hyrum seems like such a nice guy I hate to criticize but I mean, he wrote a book, so hear goes...

Hyrum is fairly self absorbed and has lost touch with the outside world, his focus is overly concerned with convincing the reader that he has impacted others with his stories that only a few of these are very useful. I do admit that I really liked some of his stories before he began to fall off the deep end later in the book. The book has an underlying religious agenda which can be a great motivator for so many people that it seems appropriate and unobtrusive until he starts taking up large amount of one page space for scripture and devotes an entire chapter toward altruistic behavior. I suppose this wouldn't be offensive if I didn't feel that the author was a lot less than honest with his stories. I will never knock a person to exaggerate or fib to get a point across and motivate people, it's not my style, but none the less the author has good intent. I am concerned however that some of the authors stories seem very unrealistic especially when describing social interaction and in one example, the high school class incident for those of you who have read, showed a lack of respect, understanding, and a clear prejudice with respect to the students who have problems. The weirdest part is when you ponder what type of person would fabricate this type of story. Anyway, that stuff is mostly in the end of the book and up to that point he does an excellent job of framing the reader on things such as "time robbers". An excellent way to view the things that get in your way of spending your time in the way you planned. As long as you buy this book knowing that you will never reference it for time management, it's a nice motivational read to provide fish for a day, if your done with these pep talk books and want solution, maybe you want to give the NLP route a try. Just a thought.

A Life Changer
Before I read this book, my life was out of control. My self-esteem was running really low. I was overweight. My personality was always down in the gutter somewhere. I would stop being myself... I was so insecure about myself that I would actually read my horoscope first thing in the morning and totally believe that astrology was the answer to all my problems...obviously as foolish as I was, astrology was not the answer to happiness. This book does not really guarantee anything because the individual who reads the life-changing information is the one who must make the choice, the choice to change.

But there is something even greater to this book than just prioritizing goals and time managment, and that is happiness. This book offers tools and ultimately a way of thinking that ensures an individuals happiness. Hyrum Smith gives us the formula, and we just pop our own individual life charactersistics and goals into the equation.

The best self-help book out there!!!!!

This is the one.
I bought this book 5 years ago and after my first reading of it I began to call it my "Second Bible." This is by far the best book of its kind surpassing many others in its field including the Anthony Robbins' books and tapes, Stephan Covey's works and many others. I don't mean to put the others down because they are also very good, especially the Anthony Robbins books/tapes/CDs/etc. However I have noticed that when my life was going well it was because I was following the principles in this book, when my life was not going well it was because I was not following the principles in this book. It's that simple. Everybody alive should have a copy of this book. And for the price it's a far better deal than all the workshops, seminars, 10-part development programs etc., that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and they don't come anywhere near the practicality and ease of what is contained in these pages. I cannot highly recommend this enough. Get it, use it, and treat everything else as a supplement if you need more (which you might not). After 5 years with this my title of "Second Bible" still holds. Enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

In this new edition, you'll find updated Web site links, advice on how to work efficiently in virtual offices and off-site locations, and expanded information on computer-safety precautions, e-mail etiquette and electronic timesavers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is it!
I have read at least a dozen books on how to get organized, at work or in general. As a professional with a private office, I have found this book the most helpful, inspirational, and practical among those. The language is neither condescending nor folksy; the principles are clearly stated and summarized; and all advice is eminently applicable. Now I have all my office files in half a drawer and I can produce any document within seconds. The author does not require you to clean up your office in one day: you are allowed to start from today's paper piles and work backwards as needed. We procrastinators are now officially out of excuses.

It worked for me
It takes time but going through the process outlined for filing information has helped. I have organized my files, both paper and computer, so I can find things in seconds instead of hours or days.

I would have given the book 5 stars but I thought there was a little "fluff" added that wasn't neccesary.

Overall a great book for those who tend to need some help getting organized at work.

Barbara Hemphill helped tame my tiger!
I was not near as bad as some of the cases Barbara describes in her books, but I was pretty pathetic! I was over a year behind reconciling my checkbook, paid bills late and my finances were in a mess, because my home papers were in such disarray! I felt so out of control, I didn't know where to start. I finally spent a weekend going through 7 boxes of papers I'd moved around for years, set up files, etc. Then I found Taming the Paper Tiger. Barbara covered things from setting up a workable space to how to organize action and storage files. I now have a terrific credit rating, run the family budget, have NO stacks of unidentifiable papers, mail greeting cards timely, and even get photos mailed out to the inlaws. I have recommended this book to several friends and family members. You simply cannot run your life successfully without managing your papers. God bless Barbara Hemphill!

I would have given it 5, but I misplaced a star.
Some are blessed with amazing organizational abiities.

Some of us are organizationally impaired ... or go through spurts of organization followed by piles of paper and inefficiency.

Hemphill's "Paper Tiger" takes you through the steps of organizing information from the philosophical ("Clutter is postponed decisions") to the practical (setting up filing systems, organizing computer files) to the special circumstances (attending conventions, sharing offices, working on the road or home).

She offers concrete, easy to remember tips for getting started (think F*A*T for each piece of paper), and then provides info on more complex tasks. You can pick up this book, turn to the sections that apply to you, or read it all the way through. Regardless of how you use the book, or the level of your organizational skills, you'll gain valuable tips for getting better organized. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book on time management
This book was an excellent book on the most effective use of time. Since I tend to procrastinate so easily, this book helped me to focus on the tasks at hand. The author,gives great insight into what one needs to get control of our time and therefore have time for those all important things in our lives. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not what I expected
In this book you will find a review of software and office equipment. If this is what you are looking for, great. It's not what I was expecting. I have all the software I need, I just need time management and to stay focused. I didn't find it in this book. ... Read more

Book Description

EXPLORING AND EXPLODING OUR NOTIONS OF WORK

Joanne B. Ciulla, a noted scholar in Leadership and Ethics, examines why so many people today have let their jobs take over their lives. Technology was supposed to free us from work, but instead we work longer hours-often tethered to the office at home by cell phones and e-mail. People still look to work for self-fulfillment, community, and identity, but these things may be increasingly difficult to find in today's workplace. Gone is the social contract where employees and employers shared a sense of mutual loyalty, yet many of us still sacrifice personal time for jobs that we could lose at the drop of a stock price. Tracing the evolution of the meaning of work from Aesop to Dilbert, and critically examining the past 100 years of management practices, Ciulla asks questions that we often willfully ignore at our own peril.

*When you are on your deathbed, will you wish you had spent more time atthe office?

*Why do we define ourselves by our jobs rather than by other activities we do outside of work?

*What can employers and employees promise each other in today's businessenvironment?

Provocative and entertaining, The Working Life challenges us to think about the meaning of work and its impact on our lives.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

A more optimistic 'Nickel and Dimed"
Sciulla's book avoids policy conclusions, and other theoretical certainties as other books like Fogels' 4th Awakening. She notes the interesting point that "Today, clock time measures events" in the past events measured time. For example, in Magadascar a half hour was measured by the time it took to cook rice. She became interested in the nature of work when she subsidised one job teaching philosophy with another as a waitress in a restaurant. Ms. Ciulla is particularly struck by the fact thatt wealth has not brought happiness. People continue to want to earn a living. Even when people have enough to live on, many of them continue to want to work, remaining perplexed at the fact that while life is supposed to be easier, many continue to seek meaning through employment. However, she notes, employment provides a schedule and a rythm for daily life and serves as an outlet ofr greater forms of community participation.

Provocative Overview of What We Often Take for Granted
Joanne Ciulla presents a very well organized, philosophically grounded overview of work -- its varying meanings, its historical evolution, and its paradoxes as found in modern institutions. She is very up front with the reader in her introduction, admitting that this book is not a scientific investigation, but rather a broad interpretation of the meaning of work and how it has come to both bless and curse us in present times. Accordingly, there are succint summaries of some of the major interpretations of work -- from the early Greek philosophers to contemporary management schools.

But this is more than just an overview, too. Ciulla has a way of getting her readers to look at work with unexpected insights every step of the way. She peels away the common sense and taken-for-granted interpretations of work (which are often based on promising the worker some sort of fulfillment, but at the price of surrenduring autonomy). She does a nice job of deflating recent management theories that tout "new" approaches (management theory is woefully a-historical, she asserts, and is always looking at recycled approaches as though they are breakthroughs). There is a tone of leariness here, rooted in a skepticism over those who apply new management theories in order to exert greater control over individuals, and encourage them to shift their focus more and more away from families, community, and individually expressed forms of self-worth.

Overall, if you're skeptical of the latest management promises of creating "fulfilling work" (or if you really think the "Dilbert" cartoon series is right on the mark), you'll like this book. If you are looking for something that offers a new twist to management technique, you will likely find this book impractical and overly alarmist.

Culture of Autonomy
Ciulla places great importance on personal autonomy. She is suspicious of any connection outside of thepersonal that infringrs on that autonomy. She finds difficulty in the fact that people draw at least some of their identity from the world around them and in particular for this book from their occupation or job. Ciulla constantly stresses the implicit danger of betrayal and exploitation in this trust in others for life meaning. She repeatedly draws comparison between this fidning of identity in one's job with that of slavery in which the slaves identity is submerged to the personal interests of teh master.

Ciulla's book is a strong advocacy of her point of view written with an evident extensive background in the subject. It is well worth reading but one must keep in mind that this book is a brief to support one point of view.

As a side note. Ciulla deplores the needs of some people to find their identity in their relationships with others. She calls these people 'other-directed.' This is just the standard extroversion that is highly prized in current culture. It is nice to read a book in which introversion is praised as an ideal rather than being regarded as an ailment to be treated.

Thought Provoking Work
For those of us who truly enjoy our jobs, despite difficulties and challenges, this book is truly enlightening in helping us to understanding the factors that influence our approach to life and its components in general. Whether we work because we must (which indeed is the case for most of us), or because it is stimulating, rewarding or fulfills our inner yearning for depth and meaning is rooted not only in our own psyches, but also in our cultures, traditions, upbringing, etc.

In The Working Life, Joanne Ciulla explores the nature of work, examining the concept the holistic (my word) nature of work from the practical to the philosophical factors that play into our approach to "earning our daily bread."

The author asserts that ours is a society in which we are defined by what we do as much as who we are. We have progressed beyond the traditional Protestant Work Ethic to a point where our jobs often become our primary identity. Whereas some "work to live," more and more of us "live to work" where work is not just a means to an end, but an ultimate end in itself.

Ms. Ciulla, a teacher on leadership, critical thinking and ethics at the University of Richmond, has analyzed the concept of work from the perspective of both management and the managed. Given her diversified work experience, the book is expectedly balanced and even, providing a comprehensive view toward the nuances of the work experience. I particularly enjoyed the wealth of supporting references ranging from philosophers, storytellers, management experts, so-called efficiency experts, modern day management theorists and even cartoon characters to flesh out her concepts, yet she presents these as part of her own creative synthesis.

"The Working Life" is written with and engaging and thoughtful prose, flowing quickly and ending all too soon. It is time well spent and may give the reader additional insight into what makes them "tick" with respect to both the working life and to their whole being.

Ciulla knows more than all the management gurus combined
This is a rare find among books about work. I feel that I cannot recommend it too highly. She looks at work from the perspective of the worker, an individual with the right to consider his/her own interests, not of the manager who tries to convince his subordinates that the company is in right next to God and Country as an institution deserving blind, unselfish loyalty and sacrifice. Ciulla makes assertions that are far too daring for the average management "guru": people are different, managers are not all well-meaning, competent and fair. She reviews the history of attitudes toward work and scathingly points out that many experiments in enlightened management worked very well--right up until the company double-crossed the workers. ... Read more

Book Description

She wants a cozy writing nook. He wants an executive suite. She's into antique collectibles. He prefers Asian minimalism. Can offices attract? Following in the blueprints of Chronicle Book's extremely successful home-style guides, The Color Book and The Kitchen Planner, comes this practical, convenient, and necessary tool for anyone looking to create an office space at home. From the corner of a kitchen to an entire room, The Home Office Planner is the perfect resource for transforming any space into a functional work area. The uniquely designed section of dual-split pages allows for effortless mixing and matching of wall colors, office furniture, and floors. Simply flip the page and go from an oak desk to a laminate one in an instant. Flip again, and the vintage desk lamp turns into a contemporary pendant light. The reusable stickers and layout grid make it simple to experiment with a variety of floor plans. And the informational charts-written specifically for singles, couples, families and people with special needs-can help anyone put together the most user-friendly office space for their particular lifestyle. The Home Office Planner is also packed with color photographs and countless suggestions for a quick touch-up or a total overhaul. So for the freelancer, part-timer, telecommuter, or anyone who has to put in hours at home, this is the too-good-to-be-true guide to creating the ideal space. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Guide to Planning Any Home Office
Many home design guides often assume you have unlimited space and money to design your home. This book contains examples on how to convert not just newly built large spaces, but even small odd shaped spaces, such as under stairwells and in attics into useful home offices. There are also many examples of the different furniture and decorating possibilities. A must have for anyone planning a serious home office. ... Read more

Book Description

Time is the one thing no manager has enough of. Through goal-setting, prioritizing, delegation, and other proven techniques, this guide helps managers maximize their personal productivity and their impact within their organization.

The New Manager's Guide and Mentor

The Harvard Business Essentials series is designed to provide comprehensive advice, personal coaching, background information, and guidance on the most relevant topics in business. Whether you are a new manager seeking to expand your skills or a seasoned professional looking to broaden your knowledge base, these solution-oriented books put reliable answers at your fingertips.

... Read more

Book Description

Modern culture’s worship of "how-to" pragmatism has turned us into instruments of efficiency and commerce—but we’re doing more and more about things that mean less and less. We constantly ask how? but rarely why? We use how as a defense—instead of acting on what we know to be of importance, we wait until we’ve attended one more workshop, read one more book, gotten one more degree. Asking how keeps us safe—instead of being led by our hearts into uncharted territory, we keep our heads down and stick to the map. But we are gaining the world and losing our souls.In The Ans