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SELF-ESTEEM BOOKS
Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning. By New Harbinger Publications.
The regular list price is $16.95.
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5 comments about Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem.
- I cannot speak highly enough of this book. I found it to be absolutely invaluable in developing better self esteem. You do need to actually sit down with a pen and paper and do the exercises it suggests, but I found this process really helped me to understand myself and my thinking patterns better.
For me, what really opened my eyes was the way the authors explained how the inner critic is reinforced. I feel that this is crucial information which is missing from many other books on self esteem. The authors explain a number of different ways in which we reinforce our inner critic and more importantly, they explain why we continue to use these self-limiting behaviours and provide alternatives. A simple example of this is that your inner critic drives you to achieve goals. You may tell yourself that you will be stupid or worthless if you don't achieve a high exam mark, or a good performance review at work. The critic is reinforced because this fear and criticism motivates you to achieve - yet it also sacrifices your self esteem. A healthier alternative is to rebut the inner critic and practice visualization techniques to motive you to achieve success.
The chapters on Compassion and Handling Mistakes also really helped to alter my way of thinking. I, like many other people, had a tendency to continually beat myself up over past mistakes. The book helped me to reframe the way I think about mistakes. More importantly, it helped me to understand the limits of my awareness, at the time of the mistake we are usually attempting to get our needs met in what we deem to be the most effective way. The chapter on Compassion also provided a really simple and powerful exercise which helped me to move past mistakes made by myself and other people.
Another reason I highly recommend this book is the chapter on Core Beliefs. We are usually completely unaware of our negative core beliefs and therefore they continue to have a very profound negative effect on our self-esteem at a deep level. Identifying and testing my core beliefs has been an eye-opening and empowering experience. It does take time as there are no quick-fixes, but the process of building more positive core beliefs has fundamentally changed the way I view myself and the world around me.
Other parts of this book which I found to be helpful were the sections on responding to criticism, healthy and unhealthy values, asking for what you want and the accurate self assessments.
In summary, this book has been instrumental in building my self-esteem. It is written in an easy to understand and relatively entertaining manner. There are plenty of practical exercises to help you apply the information that is given. I strongly recommend it.
- I bought this book about 15 years ago and have read it over and over. It truly did change my life. I kept it by my bed and read a little at a time until it seeped in, I put the teachings into practice little by little and felt better and better. If self esteem is an issue for you, this is the book to read, it explains the subject so well, then gives you practical ways to get there. The authors are experts.
- This book makes sense. It's a must read for everyone, those with and without self esteem issues. You will learn so much about yourself and how your mind works. It really did answer alot of questions for me.
- This is one of the few books on self esteem that covers the inner critic and the outer critic. If all you ever do is reduce the criticism in your life, your self esteem will improve.
As an added bonus, the book also covers risk assessment, and how to identify blockages that prevent you from fully analyzing the risk of any given choice or situation. This is almost more important than self esteem, as the right choices will always lead you to prosperity, and the wrong choices will always lead you to lack. The ability to clearly see the risk associated with any given choice is immense.
- This work provides practical strategies on how to
identify both constructive and non-constructive
criticisms . People need motivation.
As such, considerable things are achieved
when we have the requisite drive.
The critic tends to serve
our guilt with a heaping of criticism. The authors
provide strategies to anticipate the criticism and
deal with it constructively. According to the authors,
we should seek to unmask the criticism to divine its
purpose. In some ways, critics serve us by solving
the fear of failure. Some say that you cannot do
things. Occasionally, they are proven wrong.
Monitoring the critic will help us sort out the
non-constructive criticism from criticism that
helps to make us better people in every aspect.
According to the author, we should look at the rule
structures which are at the heart of our
critics. Are the rules relevant, fair or topical ?
If they aren't, we have a basis to view the
criticism with skepticism.
The authors also remind us to view ourselves
dispassionately. Try to determine how others see you.
Sometimes, your physical appearance or demeanor are
important. How do you relate to other people?
To get answers to these questions, we must learn to
listen in order to receive quality input. The authors
provide a wealth of very pertinent information helpful
in strengthening every aspect of inter-personnel
relations with a plethora of people around us.
i.e. mentors, peers, friends, relevant others etc.
The book is worth the purchase price for the
significant value of the information contained within.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Louise Hay. By Hay House.
The regular list price is $10.95.
Sells new for $5.97.
There are some available for $6.91.
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5 comments about Self-Esteem Affirmations.
- Thank you for sending the CD so promptly. It will help many people.
Sincerely
Lynn
- This cd is very calming, affirming, and sleep-inducing! It truly helps to bring peace and is what I have to come to expect from Louise L. Hay.
Worthwhile investment!
- This cd is a must these days. We tend to put ourselves down, sometimes without even knowing it. This cd will put you back on track with loving affirmations and truthful statements about our true selves. Try it! You can lay down put the cd on listne and relax. It can be considered a self love meditation!
- One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel
LOUISE HAY'S WORK...HELPED ME HEAL MY INNER WOUNDED CHILD in the 80's...TO THIS DAY..WHEN I NEED TO SURRENDER MY FEARS...I PUT ON HER MEDITATION TAPES....HER VOICE..HER WISDOM..CALMS ME...AND PUTS ME RIGHT BACK ON TRACK...
- I just got this yesterday and have listened to it twice so I can't speak on it's effectiveness but I can say, however, that it's hard to believe that there are messages on this tape. The music is really cheesy and so I can't give it fiver stars, but it's all you can hear. So, at least it lives up to it's advert. I found the side where she speaks the affirmations to be too much, but the side where it's the music is very palatable.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Susan Jeffers. By Ballantine Books.
The regular list price is $13.95.
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5 comments about Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway (r).
- I have read this book twice now...and every time i come up with something else to help my way of thinking. i use to be overly negative and i hated it...so when i got this book recommended by my doctor...i feel like i have taken a 180 and have recommended it to several friends.
- My rating is specifically directed at the "audio" version of this book. The narrator's voice is not very pleasing to listen to and can become in fact a little distracting. Rather than listening to a clear professional voice, there's a nasal quality to it and a bit of a lisp. You hear a lot of her tongue, swallowing & spit in her mouth...a bit gross. If you don't need the audio version and you are sensitive to these types of sounds (it can over time become as irritating as listening to someone who makes tons of slurping noises while eating), I recommend you read the paperback book version instead.
- "At the bottom of every one of your fears is simply the fear that you can't handle whatever life may bring you. The truth is: If you knew you could handle anything that came your way, what would you have to fear? The answer is: NOTHING!" ~ Susan Jeffers from "Feel the Fear... And Do it Anyway"
This is one of my Top 10 favorite self-development books. Easily. If you haven't read it yet, I have a feeling it will make it to your Top 10 list as well.
Please (please please) get it. And read it. And mark it all up. And do what Susan suggests. It has the potential to change your life.
- I think that this book is meant for every one of us on this earth.Reason is that we all go through tough times in our lives.Sometimes everything falls on our head all at once.Then we have no breathing space.We cannot see clearly were we are going,and what we should do.We are stressed to the maximum.This book shows us a way to analyze ourselves in different prospectives.How to handle things that are good,bad,overwhelming and at the same time destructive.
We need guidance sometimes,and this book has helped me see the light of many things.Friends that unless you share with them their misery will dump you like a sack of potatoes.They use you and throw you away.
Almost losing a loved one, the desperation of that moment,what can you do, so that you can help your loved one live longer and not die in front of you that such thing does not happen.To extend life for many years more.Is it in our power to do so?I think to a certain extent we can extend it.It happened to me.
How to react when you are not welcomed in a different culture.How to accept defeat and yet move on.
I think that we should really analyze how we interact towards each and NEVER take each other for granted.But see the love that is within all of us, and try to express it in every way we can.With a smile, a caress,and a look.It makes the person that sees it feel happy and wanted.
- "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" conveys that by taking positive control of our lives, letting go of resistance, and ultimately choosing one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, we can begin to realize that "pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the bigger underlying fear that comes with a feeling of helplessness."
From a personal perspective, I have seen too many people walk through life afraid, believing themselves to be a victim and giving away control of their lives to others. In fact, I must admit that I myself spent many years as a prisoner of my own fears, letting that fear control what I did and did not set out to accomplish. Eventually, I decided that I was tired of being afraid. This culminated with a skydive at 11,000 feet. I will never forget the moment that I approached the door, wind in my face, stood on the edge, and said to myself, "I believe." For the first time in my life, I completely let go. It was the most beautiful moment of my existence to date.
Control your fears, don't let them control you. Folks... this one is worth your time.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Hill Harper. By Gotham.
The regular list price is $22.50.
Sells new for $13.32.
There are some available for $14.09.
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3 comments about Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.
- I'm so enthusiastically thrilled at the things Hill Harper is doing and this book will forever put him in a good light to me. I loved that he was writing a book for young guys to use to manuever through this crazy world; but when I heard he was writing a similiar type of book for young ladies, I was thrilled. I read through portions of the book and, honestly, this is something that girls AND women can relate to and learn from. You are never too young or old to learn a lesson and Hill has done a PHENOMENAL job in helping guide young women down the right road. In a day and age where reading hood-books are the norm, I think it would benefit any parent, guardian, friend, etc. to pass this book onto any lady(pre-teen, teenager, older women) who needs a lesson or refresher in the beauty of being a woman. I thank Hill from the bottom of my heart for providing a little bit of knowledge- from a man's perspective- to the younger generation. This book isn't just for African-American girls, either, this is full of knowledge and I'd recommend it to anyone. I purchased two books- one for my household and one for my younger cousin. Hill discusses sex, gossip, the b* and h words and overall respect. I love the tone of the book and how it REALLY seems like this is your older brother giving you a piece of advice. If you don't have it- get it. If you haven't heard of it before now, let this be all the notification you need that THIS can help a young girl see that she's more than a body and face...she has to DeFINE her destiny to see her worth! LOVES IT!
- Hill Harper is a genius! He has started a revolution for young people. First, with "Letters to a Young Brother-MANifest Your Destiny", and now with "Letters to a Young Sister-DeFINE Your Destiny". He is mentoring these young people on paper, or as he's called it a platonic hug on paper. He discusses self-esteem, education, sex, belief system, and other topics in the book.
With his educational background, he could write this book all by himself, but he doesn't. He gets help from his friends(Michelle Obama. Gabrielle Union, Nikki Giovanni,etc). This gives his targeted audience advice from two different perspectives, male and female.
He is not keeping the money. All of the proceeds go to his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. He want to set up a permanent on-line vehicle that mentors young people.
If you have, know, or just see any young women from about 12-24, please but them this book. I bought 8 books the last time. I have have to do the same with this one. Be apart of the revolution.
- I loved this book. As a Big Sister to an 11 year old girl, I found the topics that Hill Harper spoke to "Little Sistah" about was truly what is on a little girl's mind. I loved that he took an active role in the responses AND that he had a variety of women give their responses. I would love every single parent girl to read this book.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
By New World Library.
The regular list price is $39.95.
Sells new for $21.77.
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5 comments about The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.
- This book helps one see themselves in a world of the time bound unconscious ego. Helps one work towards reducing finally removing the ego's subversive tactics so that what is left is NOW & Being Conscious.
- Is a must for everyone that is a seeker of truth and inner development. The concept of "the inner presence" is well explain as to how experience it and with good ways to work with for a life of activity and responsibilities. There is something important to learn here.
- The Power of Now is one of those rare books that can change not only your life but also your mind. And it is precisely mind, according to author Eckhart Tolle, that causes so much of the distress that we see in the world today. Presenting a view that is gaining popularity among New Age thinkers--even as it departs radically from traditional psychology--Tolle explains, with stunning clarity and insight, that it is human beings' excessive identification with their minds that brings them pain and suffering. In Tolle's view, mind and ego are virtually synonymous, and it is only through detachment from the mind, or "watching" the mind at work, that we become "conscious" enough to appreciate the present moment, where true power resides.
Tolle has an uncanny ability to take great mystical insights and serve them up in language perfectly digestible to modern readers. In some respects, what he is offering is not wholly new. For example, continual observation of the mind is a cornerstone of Zen philosophy and meditative practice. Western spiritual thinkers, too, such as Rudolph Steiner, have emphasized the watching of one's own mind at work as a major step toward spiritual enlightenment.
This is the type of book you come back to again and again and derive heightened insight with each rereading. It is also one of those books that you can open to any page and find genuine nuggets of timeless wisdom. Having enjoyed the book so much, I recently decided to purchase the audiotape version of the book. It should come as no surprise that Tolle's mellifluous voice bespeaks the presence of one who has lived his own teaching and achieved profound serenity. He is a great companion for the open road, just as the original book is a must-read for anyone who seeks sanity in an increasingly insane world.
- ...Then he can experience the menstrual cycle firsthand and may not be so enamored of it. There's nothing like getting in touch with your inner goddess while curled into a ball in bed. And agonizing cramps do indeed make you ''present''! Trust me, you don't dwell in the future or the past when the menses descend.
Honestly, can anyone get through this book without laughing aloud at certain points? I do not denigrate the search for spirituality, but never before have I heard it delivered by someone so humorless and pompous. Pass me the Midol...
- The Power of Now hits its mark. People must learn to live in the NOW and not the past or the future if they wish to achieve true happiness. Mr. Tolle explains this so beautifully. This theme reminds me of my favorite book that also deals with the same theme of living in the NOw, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookand is a great workbook tool and follow-up to Mr. Tolle's book.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Louise Hay. By Hay House.
The regular list price is $13.95.
Sells new for $6.98.
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5 comments about Love Yourself, Heal Your Life Workbook (Insight Guide).
- You really should read the book and need the book for the workbook to be successful. That being said, the workbook is a great tool for a person who is dedicated to self-improvement. You really do work in this workbook.
- I bought the whole "Heal Your Life" series, including this workbook. Its selfhelp, an interactive guide to start or continue your healing journey. In this one she tells her story and how she over came her past. My story is similiar, as I am sure most people that buy this book will say. It's a hard read (too many tiggers), but if you are serious about healing your past it's a great tool to have.
- This workbook is filled with awareness exercises that can help a person immensely with their healing process. The exercises are designed to find limiting beliefs so you can create affirmations to clear the past and welcome the future you want. You can also do the exercises more than once and find new insights. I require this book for all my Heal Your Life training students.
- Don't buy this book, if you already have main text. It is not worth it.
All the same info and work sheets are in main text. This is just a duplication.
- This book took over a month to get to me, should have refused it. Will never order from them again. And Amazon did NOTHING!!!!!!Very disappointed on the service I received from both Amazon and seller.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Christopher Hopkins. By HCI.
The regular list price is $22.95.
Sells new for $14.67.
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5 comments about Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45.
- Excellent book for women of any age who are interested in "staging a comeback". I received the book yesterday and basically read it through in one day. The author has a critical and objective eye, and can make artistic judgements that I simply can't see - until he reveals one of the makeover candidates after the makeover. He starts by giving excellent advice on how one should dress for their body type, and just in case you can't be objective about yourself, there are worksheets provided. Devote a few minutes to complete the worksheets, and you are able to both identify your body type and select styles to enhance. Of course the author recommends diet, exercise, and whatever other measures the reader would be comfortable with to enhance body image, but he starts the makeover with what you are today. This is just excellent because the reader recognizes that you don't have to wait until after you've lost X pounds, or had the face lift or whatever before you take steps to enhance your appearance.
Mr. Hopkins discusses cosmetics and how their use changes as we age. Without exception, the makeover candidates looked younger and fresher after he updated their makeup.
The section on hair gave great tips on how choosing the right haircut and shade is so critical to looking one's best. One page of photos demonstrates how angling the hair properly at the neckline works so well to lift the face and eyes. I was very impressed with that page as I might be guilty of one of the "befores" with my haircut.
Most of all, Mr. Hopkins assures the reader that you can revive your appearance and style. He acknowledges that if it were easy, we'd already be doing all the things that make us more chic and stylish. Using his tips, worksheets, and affirmations make the task as simple as it gets. If as a woman looking your best is important to you, and you believe you could use a little help, I highly recommend this book.
- The title of this book caught my attention first--"Staging Your Comeback"...then it says, "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45". Well, I'm only 41, but I'm already feeling the need for the kind of advice that's included in Christopher's book. My children don't understand why I don't want to be in any photos and get upset when they hear me talking badly about myself, so it's definitely time for some repackaging! I haven't been able to put this book down since I bought it a few days ago. His website, www.themakeoverguy.com, is also terrific. I'm putting all the principles in Christopher's book to use immediately so I can find myself again. Thank you, Christopher, for reminding me that the beauty is still in there, waiting to be rekindled. Look out world...my 'second act' is going to be a first rate production!
- I love this book. It came along at a perfect time for me. I am re-entering the workforce after a 20 year hiatus and at sixty something I was at a total loss as to how to dress. In my twenties and thirties it was simple; read a magazine, buy a little suit, understated makeup and I was good to go. With the uneven skin, wrinkles and SAD state of dress in the workplace today I felt terribly out of my element. This book has helped me put it all together again to be the best 'me' possible.
Christopher writes in an easy, breezy style that is makes for a quick read packed with lots of great information. The best part about it is his continuing emphasis that these tips seem to work for most women but we are all inevitably responsible for our own style. Love it.
- This is a fantastic book! Christopher Hopkins presents his topic in a personal, entertaining, factual, and very useable format. He is an extremely talented person in his field and possesses the equally important gift of being able to communicate his skills to his clients and the general public. His makeovers are unbelievable! If you're interested in the topic, you'll love this book!
- I'm way too young for this book (got it for my mom), but it actually had great makeup and fashion tips for us both. It also inspired me to dress "young" while I still can! :)
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by David D. Burns. By Harper.
The regular list price is $7.99.
Sells new for $3.99.
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5 comments about Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and Updated.
- This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from depression. It's not some magic cure-all, but it really helps you identify and actually CHANGE the negative thinking associated with depression. It actually helps you begin to feel better again. It didn't completely cure me, but I can honestly say that without the knowledge I gained from this book I probably wouldn't be here anymore. If you suffer from serious depression: first, find a therapist, then, GET THIS BOOK!
- This book is truly awakening, it made me realize how distorted I view the world. I believe that the learnings I have gained from this book will make me a better wife, mother and friend. Good luck to all in the frustrating battle with depression, I hope you find the book as helpful as I did!
- Good book! Arrived on time and in good condition. This book would help anyone to analyse their thoughts and make corrections in actions and thought toward a better life. I highly recommend it!
- I've read several "self help" books on depression and I got the most out of this one, by far. I think maybe because it was so easy to identify with much of what he said. Like when he is talking about the different types of distorted thinking, "Hey, I do that!" His suggestions are simple and easy to follow. He admits to thoughts you may have as you read and responds to them. Just overall, I really felt like this book spoke to me more than any of the others that I have read.
- This is one of the best books written for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression who are looking for tools that the can use daily to help themselves feel better. The author, who is a psychiatrist, is a pioneer in the field of cognitive behavioral therapy. His premise is simple..." the way you think determines the way you feel"
And he is right.
For the individual who is willing to put the time in and work through this book the rewards will be great.
I have recommended this book to a number of my patients
Dr Alagia
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by Cheryl Richardson. By Free Press.
The regular list price is $14.00.
Sells new for $7.20.
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5 comments about The Unmistakable Touch of Grace: How to Recognize and Respond to the Spiritual Signposts in Your Life.
- This openly honest account of how Grace touched the life of Cheryl and so omany others is both humbling and an inspiration. Grace works in so many ways often unnoticed in our lives and Cheryl makes the recognition of HOW
Grace is working for us and with us so clear. It also gives guidelines on how to easily get in the flow of the harmony of life with Grace and change direction as we sometimes need to do. Helpful tips for living as a full expression of who you really are.
An easy read and good processes and references for further growth. I highly recommend it even if you feel 'new' to the concepts of Grace and effortless living. It will make sense to all.
- For some reason I had a different idea of what this book would be, but found it interesting and thought provoking nonetheless.
- This book has to rank as one of the top life changing books that I have ever read. Cheryl Richardson relays a philosophy and proven life techniques that will give you a completely new perspective on your problems, daily frustrations and goals in life. Reading this will help lay the ground work for leading a fulfilled, purposeful and successful life.
- I love this book and ordered 3 copies which I promptly gave away to my friends. I'm getting ready to order 4 more.
- This book is really amazing. I still use Cheryl's earlier book, Take Time for Your Life, as a great reference for my coaching practice. Her latest book takes you in another direction by showing you how to recognize and follow the signs of grace - "the recognition that everything is connected and sacred". I enjoyed hearing her personal story as well as that of others in their search for grace. It is a great example of how setting your intentions creates your reality. If that wasn't enough reason to read this book - she provides some great book, website and magazine recommendations. I would highly recommend this book. It could change your life... if you are ready for a change.
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Posted in Self-Esteem (Friday, July 4, 2008)
Written by David Allen. By Penguin (Non-Classics).
The regular list price is $15.00.
Sells new for $6.75.
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5 comments about Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.
- This book has helped me so much! I have read it once and am starting to work my way through it again, because it's easy to read but takes real discipline to implement. I am by nature highly disorganized--my desk is perennially piled high and deep, and bills may be found anywhere in my house.
By taking the first steps towards implementing this I've already become more confident in my ability to manage the almost overwhelming amount of responsibilities and tasks that multiply like bunnies.
I think the subtitle is a little bit of exaggerated advertising..."Stress-free" is probably unattainable for most of us; but this book WILL help you lower your stress levels quite a bit if you have trouble managing all your responsibilities, and if you put it into action.
It's chock full of fun and wise quotes, which keep it interesting. And David Allen gives some excellent advice that can improve your personal quality of life and any organization's culture. I recommend it for leaders, managers, and anyone who's naturally not super organized.
- Any information on being more organised and reducing stress in our lives is worth reading. Even people who are generally organised will gain benefits fom this book. We all have areas of our lives that could be more productive, less cluttered and more stress-free. Definitely worth a read.
Real Life Dramas - Volume One
Darren G. Burton
- This book was practical and useful for me at home. I love the "tricks" that Allen teaches in this book and have been using them for about two weeks. I am doing the things I always knew I should be doing. Having it all out of my head has made a big difference for me. I have used many other systems and have kept the big picture parts of those systems because Allen says this system is about the nitty-gritty, actually getting things done, but you still need the big picture tools.
I am starting a new job and I feel as though my life is organized enough NOT to have to worry about what I am leaving undone. After 7 years of full time school, I had 4 garbage bags of paper in my overstuffed file drawer. Now, I remember the lesson, if you have it but can't find it, what's the point of having it? This helps me to know what to keep and what to toss. It is a worthwhile investment even if you only use a few of the tricks that he teaches to increase your organization.
- I got this book at the same time as Getting Organized: Improving Focus, Organization and Productivity in the hope that one or both would help me tame my crazy life as a middle manager in a software company. Both books have something to offer - in my review of Getting Organized, I suggested skimming or reading several books and articles and taking the best suggestions from each.
While "Getting Organized" takes a Cliff's Notes approach with two-page chapters that take about two or three minutes each to digest, Getting Things Done goes more in depth, almost to a fault. I found that the first few chapters of Getting Things Done were much better written than the other book, and also stayed more technology-neutral, leaving it to the reader to decide whether to use paper files, day planners, PDAs, or list management software.
As others have written, the "processing stuff" flowchart that appears early on (page 32) is worthy of being printed, framed and sat on your desk for daily reference. It's the best summary I've seen of the different types of input items we all deal with and the choices we can and should make when dealing with them.
There's also a lot of meaty stuff that encourages you to think about your work habits and how you segment your time: Right now, am I categorizing input items or am I working on individual items? What's my energy level and mood right now and how should that affect what I do next? Do I have five minutes free or a solid hour?
I'm still developing my system, but essentially I use a combination of list management software (the excellent Remember the Milk) and email/calendaring (Gmail and Outlook) to keep track of things. I have one list per major area of responsibility ("Home - Finance", "Home - Medical", "Work - Management", "Work - Project xx", etc.) and I add things to the lists as I think of them. The author of the other book (Getting Organized) kind of pooh-poohs making huge to-do lists, but personally I agree with David Allen that getting that stuff out of your mind and into a list management system is key to being able to relax and pick what area to work next. You don't have to ever *do* every list item - in fact, trying to "finish" all your lists just isn't possible and the last list item is always "die a peaceful death" - but you should at least brainstorm it out once to clear your head. Usually the first time you do this you end up with 200 or so items - that's ok.
Now that I have my lists created, I make sure to spend some time each morning deciding not which items to complete that day, but which list(s) to focus on. I might block out a solid hour using Outlook to work on management or HR items, and another hour to catch up on email. When that "meeting with myself" pops up, I just go to the related list and grab the top priority item from the list - that way no area of focus gets starved.
I also like Allen's rule about Doing It Now if it takes two minutes or less, but I'd add the caveat that it's possible (for me at least) to find enough two-minute tasks to fill a whole day. So I would time-box it: spend 30 minutes doing as many 2-minute items as you can, then do something bigger.
I haven't finished the book yet, as I've already found plenty of things to try and am finding success, but that's ok. If you buy this don't feel duty-bound to read every last word the first week. Just learn, assimilate, test, repeat.
Good stuff overall.
- I bought this book after read some remarks in the Internet and magazines. Part I is the best one, where you get to know the basics and concepts about GTD. Part 2 is how the author does implement these basics and concepts in his day-by-day. Not for everyone. Part 3, just skip it. I wouldn't tell a friend to buy the book.
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