Life Makeovers: 52 Practical & Inspiring Ways to Improve Your Life One Week at a Time

by Cheryl Richardson

Now in paperback, the New York Times bestseller--featuring a powerful program that shows you how to reclaim your life one week at a time.

Cheryl Richardson, the bestselling author of Take Time for Your Life , known to millions for her "Lifestyle Makeover" series on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," recognizes firsthand how tough it can be to juggle the daily demands of living in a fast-paced world, and how easily you can become disconnected from your true self and what makes you happy. In Life Makeovers , she has taken all the know-how and insight she has gleaned from her years as a personal coach and distilled it into a simple, year-long program that shows how making small changes, over time, can have a huge impact on the quality of your life. In fifty-two simple yet profound essays, Richardson provides a plan for both reflecting and taking action, along with specific, practical advice and exercises to help readers gradually and permanently remodel their lives, week by week. Easy to use and fun to read, this workbook is the perfect companion to Take Time for Your Life.
Topics

*The Gift of It's Self-Management, Not Time Management
*Are We Having Fun When Life Gets Too Serious, Here's What to Do
*Give Your Brain a For Finding the Best Ideas, Try This
*Standing in the Whose Talent Are You Hiding Behind?
*Stop Juggling and Start Here Are Some of the Balls to Drop
*Close How to Make a Deeper Connection with Others

Her brief, personal essays will inspire you to make changes, and her Take Action Challenges , which appear with comprehensive resource sections at the end of every essay, will guide you through small steps that will teach you to think, act, love, work, and even laugh in a whole new way. Written in Richardson's signature, heartwarming style, Life Makeovers is the ideal book for anyone looking for a balanced way to stop dreaming about a better life and start living one.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Psychology, How To

209 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2000

About the author

Cheryl Richardson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of several books including: Take Time for Your Life, Life Makeovers, Stand Up for Your Life, The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, The Art of Extreme Self Care, You Can Create an Exceptional Life (with Louise Hay), and her new book, Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife. Her work has been covered widely in the media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, New York Times, USA Today, Good Housekeeping, and O Magazine. Cheryl was also the team leader for the Lifestyle Makeover Series on the Oprah Winfrey Show and she accompanied Ms. Winfrey on the "Live Your Best Life" nationwide tour. You can visit her at CherylRichardson.com as well as on Facebook at: Facebook.com/cherylrichardson, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram under the user name: coachoncall.

Reviews

[Heather Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, the advice was sound while reading it but I found it difficult to stretch it out over the year. Reading the book within two days may have taken away from the over all usefulness of the book.

I cannot take full responsibility for this books inability to substantially validate the time it stole from my reading time. Many of the ideas can be found in her previous book about life transformations and I rated that book 3 stars (I believe).

The basic tenants of the book is to identify your priorities, identify your energy suckers, develop a plan to increase time with priorities by decreasing time with your energy suckers. See...I just saved you $ and a few hours of reading.

Happy Reading!
Heather

[Scout Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Life Makeovers is a unique self-help book that I really like the concept of. It's a one-year "life makeover"; a weekly thing you can do to improve your life. The content covers all areas of your life, such as work-life balance, relationships, financial health, emotional health, physical health, organization and more.

The book is in bite size chapters for each week, of no more than 3 pages, so if you're not into long, complicated self help books and you like something practical, points for this book.

Not all the suggestions are doable for everyone (some of them you have to have money for), but the point of this is to take what you like and you can ignore the rest! It was worth the read for me.

Little Notes from the Book
A few notes of highlights from the book that I'd like to remember (can help you get a sense of it)

Week 6: What's Draining You?
"I dedicated a chapter to identifying and eliminating energy drains as a way to replenish our energy and renew our enthusiasm for life." Sum: Dealing with things you've put off for a long time feels really good. "When you let go of the past or handle the items that cause you anxiety, that action alone can have a dramatic impact on your life." (33-35)

Week 12: Give Your Brain a Vacation
Human brain can be in "analytical, thinking mode" or "relaxed, insightful mode". We are in the analytical mode too much, and giving our brain a 'vacation' to go into relaxed mode is important. When the author was writing her first book, "As I was about to begin a new chapter (usually the most difficult part for me), I would ask my brain to begin working on an outline and to have it ready by 3PM. Then I'd go to the beach with a good book and relax." Each time she thought about the chapter, she would remind herself it was being handled. "Sure enough, when I returned to my computer at 3PM, the chapter would start to pour out." (59).

Week 20: Early Warning Signals
Author tells you to look for 'when you're heading for trouble'
Some examples included not getting 8 hours of sleep at night, being too busy to exercise, forgetting things, leaving your office desk a mess, and being too tired to floss. (89).
She recommends looking for YOUR early warning signs so you can be aware when you're too busy/overwhelmed, so you can deal with it. She also suggests asking for help when you need it.

Take Action
During the week notice when you start to get edgy, irritable, frustrated, or overwhelmed. What behaviours trigger this reaction? What do you forget about when you're busy? Write them down and finish the sentence: I know I'm headed for trouble when...
And, list 3 things to help with 'extreme self-care' or strategies to deal with the above problem. (91-92).

Week 26: Throw caution to the wind
Author's story about finally buying a bicycle and what a nice experience it was. "Not only was I able to leisurely take in the wonderful sights and sounds of spring - wisteria-framed doorways, lilacs in full bloom..." (109). Basically, she recommends you try something you might be afraid of or afraid to be judged about.

Week 27: Standing in the Shadow
Author tells a good story about sometimes going in the shadow of someone who you want to be like (usually career-wise).

Take Action
Use your journal to review your past and present circumstances, looking for the clues your soul may have created in your life. Notice the kinds of people in your life. Whom have you admired? What kind of work have you been attracted to?
I have been standing in the shadow of...
The people I admire are... I admire them because...
I have been attracted to the following kinds of work... (114).

Week 33: Spring clean your office
Comforts: comfortable slippers/shoes/socks, music, candles/incense/aromatherapy diffuser, art, bubbling fountain, do not disturb sign, comfortable pillow for chair (140)

Week 34: Stretch Yourself
These things might be affecting your life:
Fear of reactions of others, Fear of failure, Fear of too much responsibility, Inability to ask for help, Inability to receive help, Fear of rejection, Fear of being judged/criticized, fear of disappointment (145).

Week 42: Life accessories
Things that add to your life: Houseplants or herb garden, aromatherapy candles, fireplace, cozy socks, great smelling body products, homemade soup simmering on the stove, your favourite tea, sachets in your bureau/car (171-172).
One thing I didn't like was author recommended watching a sports game while working, which is multitasking and is not a good way to be productive??

Week 46: Great Gift Giving
1. Love letter for your partner. "Take some time to put your feelings down on beautiful paper. Once completed, be sure to wrap it in a gift box. If you're concerned about writing, make it easy - for example, The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love You Are..." (185)
2. Write a book for someone you love. "Choose someone special (spouse, partner, family member or friend), purchase a beautiful journal and for one month write 1 page a day. The letter can be something you admired, loved or respected." This gift will be incredibly special to the recipient - the gift meant "more to him [author's husband] than anything else I'd ever given him." (186).
3. Surprise event/party for someone
4. Give a gift of your time

Would recommend to those looking for an original, quick self-help read. The good thing about this book is that you can choose to do whatever suggestions you like and ignore the rest, and you may find a few good things!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find Cheryl Richardson’s work to be insightful and useful.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

A practical lesson for each week of the year to help you create the life you want.

Some reasonable ideas and others not so reasonable - not everyone can hire an assistant to help them with their work load.

[Denise Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11996956

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a gift from my daughter on my 43rd birthday - many moons ago. It was a lovely gift. I pulled it off my shelf to re-read. I'm glad I reread it because there was so much I didn't remember. And sometimes, it builds the soul and gives ideas to rekindle an authentic life. The author is a life coach and shares ideas and stories about improving one's life one week at a time. She gives ideas on journals, nature, "extreme self-care", as she calls it, giving, love, and even when to say "no." There were many good ideas, but some, like taking a retreat, doesn't fit my budget. She really emphasized the importance of journaling. 3 1/2 stars of 5.

[Sherri]

Read this book as a hardcover and journaled for the 1st half but before I could finish it was due back to the library (even though it was closed for 3 months). I think got and audio copy and finished it. I liked taking it a bit slower and absorbing it by reading and journaling. The audio version is quicker and a nice "pick-me-up/think about that" way to do it but you do miss out on some interesting references included in the book. This book started as a blog in 2000? and it's interesting to see some of the things that have and haven't changed in twenty years.

[Elaine Pinkerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Makeovers-52 Practical & Inspiring Ways to Improve your Life One Week at a Time by Cheryl Richardson is one of the finest self-improvement books I’ve encountered. Ms. Richardson is like your new BFF as she guides you week by week with inspiring thoughts and action plans that help you actualize your intentions.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 52 short personal essays here on a wide variety of topics ranging from time management to gratitude to self-care. Each ends with a take action challenge. They are meant to be completed weekly. I did derive benefit from many of the challenges, they made me stop and think and understand several areas of my life better.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be inspirational. I didn’t want to take a year to read it by completing one chapter a week, thus I didn’t do much of what was suggested. I started out strong with chapter one and trying to list 25 accomplishments of the past year (that was hard!). Overall, I need to focus more on myself. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great notes on areas of my life to change and expand upon. Quick read. Not a book that I'd want to take a year to read through, instead read in two days and decided to go back and make notes and grow from there.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m guessing on the date. We read this in OWLs. In the book, the author is attempting to teach the reader that life is about choices. We choose how to spend time. If we don’t like a book, we don’t have to finish it!! I closed the book right there and then!! Liberation!!!!!!

[Nura Mohammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

قرأت الكتاب لانه موجود بمكتبة ابي ويوجد فيه تحدي ونصائح متفرقه اهمها كتابة المذكرات ولا اعلم ان كنت سأعمل بها او لا ايضاً اعجبني تركيز الكاتبه على تعزيز الثقة بالنفس جداً رائعه .
رحمك الله يا ابي ونفع بعلمك 💔

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although perhaps not super helpful for me I did like the questions that are asked in this book and how things are broken down into ideas for change that can be put into effect into a week. it also covers a great range of issues and ideas.

[Rania Almeheyawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it long time ago when I was 16-17 years old and it helped me significantly at that age and time

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's old, but still has valuable ideas for self care and improvement

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Imagine each morning you're given a pocketful of love to share throughout the day. Your mission is to empty your pocket."

If you haven't noticed, the things I record in this spot are just that, records for me. So you'll forgive me for my notes to me, I hope.

Books and websites she recommended that I want to check out:

Your Heart's Desire: Instructions for Creating the Life You Really Want by Sonia Choquette, Patrick Tully, and Julia Cameron

Tuesdays with Morrie

The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Life, by John Bingham

Organization from the Inside Out by Julie Morganstern

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, By Karen Kingston

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

peacethroughmusic.com
campsark.com
lorettalaroche.com
outwardbound.com
powerquestions.com
assistu.com
selfcare.com
simpleliving.com
simpleliving.net
hungersite.com

Relaxing Music:
David Arkenston Citizens of Time and Island
Enya Shephard Moons and Watermark
Kenny G Breathless and The Moment
Loreena McKennit Book of Secrets The Mask and the Mirror
Yanni Dare to Dream and Devotion The Best of Yanni
Van Sickle Mother Divine

[Emma Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I found it boring. Did have a few helpful tips though

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021: I reread this book every few years. Still keeps me to stay on top of my goal making.

Cheryl gives positive outlook into changing your life one week at a time. She gives you goals to achieve throughout that week, giving you the chance to spread your wings and exit your comfort zone. I enjoyed most of the chapters but, after a period of time the chapters repeated themselves. They had different titles and the wording was different but, the goals were the same. I guess repetition is the best way to perfection. She does have some wonderful ideas though, but I had always been one to focus on my goals on my own.

[Jet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for people wanting to make a change in their life; whether it is a post-divorce situation, post-college or perhaps the empty-nester. Cheryl Richardson takes the reader step by step with a chapter each week to work on a single area of your life. In the end, you have made little changes that add up to big dividends. This is an excellent book for a reading group or a support group. It is much more fun to do this with someone else. So much so that Cheryl offers make-over groups on her website that you can join in your area.

[Susan L. Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a Life Makeover group because of this book years ago and over a two year period we went through the book--I made some great changes in my life and accomplished some goals. I've read the book through about once a year and I purchase this book at thrift stores every time I see it (if it is in excellent condition) and gift them to friends, acquaintances, and co-workers. This book helpfed me create a lot of healthy new life patterns but a lot of time has passed and I'm thinking its time to take things to another level.

[LaSchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cheryl's "Take Time For Your Life" so when she wrote this I was thrilled that she'd broken it down into weekly assignments.

A great way to make changes one week at a time and improve your life without taking elephant steps. Some you are going to be working on for weeks, but the baby steps makes it easier to handle than trying a huge self-improvement project and failing by trying to do everything at once and just giving up.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice by a personal coach on making small changes in your life a week at a time. She includes
ideas for reflection, as well as specific, pratical things to do to improve the quality of your life. I'm a believer that little changes make big differences, so I enjoyed hearing her ideas. Lots of ideas on self management as well as making deeper connections with others.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my life

I bought this book with the intention of starting a group on the meetup site and not only does it focus on a different topic each week but it allows a great discussion between the group.

It has given me a great group of friends who I can trust and divulge all my inner secrets, past hurt & insecurities including my goals, focus and direction

[Yassin Salama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read this book in Portuguese under the title '' Voce Pode Mudar Sua Vida'' which means lireraly ''You Can Change Your Life''.
The book illustrated a lot of activities that we can do in ourlives, but they are many things tha are not put for thr first things of successful people, so I think that selecting few things from the book is more better than choosing all of 'em.

[DaShannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching up on a review. I got this for Christmas in 2001 and read it the next year. I loved The Oprah Show for all the years and Richardson was a regular guest. This one lives up to the hype and lives up to the title: Life Makeovers: Inspiring ways to improve your life one week at a time. Highly recommend.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to help you set small goals and accomplish them. There's a new challenge for each week of the year. It's helped me TONS with projects around our house, journaling, and finding gratitude.

[Yvensong · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some excellent ideas in the book to help create a more balanced life. I can't give this book 4 stars though, because some of the ideas are impracticable for most people in this day and age.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and decisive manner in which to organize and put ourselves in order and lose our personal chaos. Inspire yourself with one method at a time. It is remarkable. Cheryl Richardson never lets me down.

[LaSchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to buy this because I can't find my hardback and I really want to use this to improve my life in 2008.