Cool Down: Getting Further by Going Slower

by Steve Prentice

Tap into the power that cool thinking generates—learn how going slower can actually help you get more done, faster. Before you check your wireless e-mail for the fourth time this hour, ask yourself, is this truly helping you get further ahead? Or is the pressure to address the immediate actually pushing you backwards? Cool Down takes a look at our innate and powerful addiction to high-speed activity, and shows how it is robbing us of the ability to think creatively and to connect with others (clients, colleagues, managers, and even family) just when we need to the most. Cool Down offers a provocative look at the value of slowing down in many aspects of our lives and demonstrates clearly that to get further ahead, faster, people do actually need to cool down. It's not about doing less; it's about achieving more by slowing down. Cool Down highlights the harmful effects of speed on productivity and reveals the value of slow in helping us to think clearly and prioritize more effectively. Cool Down is a fascinating look at the world of work, revealing how and why slow is the next tool of strategic advantage. A complete approach to managing the pressures of life in a fast-paced world, Cool Down allows you to slow down so you can get ahead--and stay there.

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2007

About the author

Steve Prentice is an author and speaker who specializes in at-work productivity and whose main stomping grounds are the streets and offices of downtown Toronto.

He has published three business books. The first, Cool Time: A Hands-On Plan for Balancing Work and Managing Time, was published by John Wiley and Sons in 2005 and has been translated into three other languages.

His second book, "Cool Down: Getting Further By Going Slower, was published by John Wiley & Sons in 2009 and focuses on the stress management benefits of the "Slow Movement."

His third book, "Work Like a Wolf: Own Your Future," is a handbook for finding and keeping a job in the new economy.

Finally, his novel, "Mouth" came about because Steve's brain desperately wanted him to write something fun for a change.

He is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for the band Absolutely Jack.

Reviews

[Dinah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it rails a bit over-dramatically against the risks & costs of living a too-fast, over-connected lifestyle, the tips and suggested philosophical changes are good. Chapter 7 offers some particularly good observations on how you are perceived by others and how you can improve the impression you make.

Generally recommended.

[Walid Almoselhy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has much more than simply an advise about cooling down. Its holistic approach towards getting your whole life, whether career - or lack off - working out, or family, under control is unique. I enjoyed reading this book more than I expected!

[BeyondDL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should read this book twice.

[Iyad Atuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes we assume we are more effective doing more and being busy all the time. This book argues the opposite. Some topics are repetitive but the tips are useful.