I am intrigued with how people spend their time; moreover, how they manage their lives in this world of too many choices and information overload. If you are feeling the stress of too much to do and too little time, I recommend you peruse the newly released book called, “Crazy Busy” by Edward Hallowell. He spends the first two-thirds of the book talking about why we might be feeling “overstretched, overbooked and about to snap” and spends the remaining third talking about how to figure out what is most important to YOU and to find ways to spend your time doing those things.

I’d like to share some his (and my) most powerful ideas with you:

• Do What Matters Most to YOU – This seems like a simple concept but many don’t take the time to figure this out. Most time management books or courses are excellent places to help you set your personal goals and priorities.
• Identify and Control Your Distractions – Hallowell lists 26 distractions that can get you off-track and away from where you want to spend your time. Some of them include the telephone, cell phone, Blackberry/Treo, television, email, clutter, office politics, guilt, your mental to-do list, and more.
• Learn to say “NO!” – Saying NO means you are protecting your time and spending it where YOU choose. NO, I won’t check my email every 10 seconds; NO, I can’t help with the dinner dance Saturday night; NO, I can’t join that non- profit board no matter how much they need me; NO, I’m not going to pick up the phone during dinner; NO, I can’t attend that meeting; and so on.
• Avoid Screen-Sucking Activities – This is a modern addiction similar to smoking cigarettes: once you’re hooked, it’s tough to quit. Be aware of and limit how much time you spend watching uninteresting television, checking email, surfing the web, playing computer and hand-held games, etc. You will be amazed about how much more reading, connecting to old friends, or just thinking can be done without a screen in front of you.

Ultimately, what do you want to do more of? What do you want to do less of? Figure that out so you create and live within your personal boundaries . . then do it. You'll be so glad you did!

Rev It Up Reading is our new public workshop that helps busy people get up to speed with what they read. The summer/fall schedule includes:

• Hartford, CT - July 21
• Basking Ridge, NJ - July 27
• Hartford, CT - October 13
• Boston, MA - November 17
• Fairfield, CT - December 1

Register early for our Early Bird Discounts or always get 10% off if you bring a friend (both receive the discount). Please share this with your family, friends and colleagues!