• You didn’t see the same television show(s) your co-worker did
• You didn’t see the same movie(s) your friends did
• You didn’t read the book your mother thought you should
• You didn’t see the website your brother raved about
• You didn’t follow the American Idol TV show
• You didn’t read your email the nanosecond it arrived (and your boss is at your door asking if you saw it yet)
• You didn’t _______________(fill-in the blank)

It’s enough to make even the most intelligent, efficient and up-to-date individual think "What's wrong with me?!" We are feeling increasingly inadequate, resulting in a strong desire to crawl under a bed, and stay there.

But here are some common-sense perspectives:

• When I was growing up, there were just four television stations: ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. I had a one in four chance of watching the same thing as anyone else. Now there are more than 70 television stations to choose from, even on basic cable, so the chances of you watching the same show as your co-worker is minimally one in 70.
• Movies come and movies go from the theaters. Many of us wait until they come out in DVD before spending our time or money. With the average movie being two hours long, you better hope the movie is good because you can never get those two hours back!
• There are way too many websites on the internet to see or know about them all.
• Although email is instantaneous (remember when you said “I will send that to you” meant putting it in an envelope with a stamp?!), it doesn’t mean it needs to be read the moment it arrives. The user is allowed to use his/her discretion as to when they will check their messages. The email will always be there waiting. Trust that.

BOTTOMLINES:

• YOU CAN'T DO IT ALL OR KNOW ABOUT IT ALL. Do the best you can and be happy.
• Ask others what they saw, heard or read so you can add this information to your database of knowledge.
• Let others comments help you make more informed decisions about what you will do with your time – like get that book your mom wants you to read or rent that movie others are ravving about.
• Choose how you spend your time and don’t let ANYONE make you feel inadequate.
• Feel confident that you are spending YOUR time in ways that make YOU happy.

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

• 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!