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From Frazzled to Focused: The Ultimate Guide for Moms Who Want to Reclaim Their Time, Their Sanity and Their Lives
It takes more effort to be disorganized than to be organized
Written by a mother of seven with the overwhelmed, stretched-too-thin, sleep-deprived mom in mind, From Frazzled to Focused walks busy readers through the easy-to-follow steps that will help them arrange their lives so they have more time to do what they love each day.
The four components of Caroline’s unique time-management method will help any overextended mother create systems from the chaos of a hectic household:
• Select (help moms determine what that should focus their limited time and attention on)
• Simplify (how to streamline mental and physical space)
• Systemize (create simple systems for everyday life to keep things running smoothly)
• Sustain (maintain those systems and tweak when necessary).
Having these systems in place is the key to a more organized, relaxed life. Readers will learn how to free up space, reduce anxiety, and spend more time on the things that really matter.
Written by a mother of seven with the overwhelmed, stretched-too-thin, sleep-deprived mom in mind, From Frazzled to Focused walks busy readers through the easy-to-follow steps that will help them arrange their lives so they have more time to do what they love each day.
The four components of Caroline’s unique time-management method will help any overextended mother create systems from the chaos of a hectic household:
• Select (help moms determine what that should focus their limited time and attention on)
• Simplify (how to streamline mental and physical space)
• Systemize (create simple systems for everyday life to keep things running smoothly)
• Sustain (maintain those systems and tweak when necessary).
Having these systems in place is the key to a more organized, relaxed life. Readers will learn how to free up space, reduce anxiety, and spend more time on the things that really matter.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
12 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 13, 2013
Many moms tell me they are burned out and worn down. I also hear from these same moms that they do have time to get their job-list done, but don't know how to maximize that time. I strongly suggest this book for moms who want to be more organized and find more time for themselves.
Having read other organizational books, I prefer this one because it is succinct and has sections that are easy to follow.
Having read other organizational books, I prefer this one because it is succinct and has sections that are easy to follow.
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March 21, 2013In From Frazzled to Focus by Rivka Caroline, the author shares many organizational philosophies and techniques on a room by room basis.
By reminding you that you do not to achieve perfection to become focused, she presents the concept of becoming organized as something achievable instead of a daunting, intimidating undertaking. In fact, she says that perfectionism and procrastination are "evil twins." Her philosophy is to simplify and de-clutter your life and home.
In the book, which can be read in parts or cover to cover, Ms. Caroline shows how what you don’t do can actually be more important than what is actually on your to do list. She encourages you to make a TO DON’T list of activities that make you feel overwhelmed and can sabotage your schedule.
When you feel overwhelmed, you often do nothing. She encourages the frazzled person to do something instead of nothing. "A good plan executed now is better than an excellent plan executed never" (Location 105).
The first section of the books discusses her philosophy of simplicity.
Ms. Caroline then takes you into each room of the house and gives many practical techniques for maintaining order. For each room, she reviews:
1. What is your vision?
2. How can you achieve that vision?
3. How can you remember the system?
4. How can you keep the system alive?
Her philosophy in these sections of the book is rooted in a simple concept - routine. the more of a routine you get into, the less decisions have to be made because you are now completing your tasks automatically. For example, brushing your teeth every night is routine for many people. They don't need to give it any thought or make decisions about something so simple that is done so frequently. Therefore, why not have this same approach with making dinner or cleaning the kitchen counter?
The Verdict
Bookshelf for busy people who feel overwhelmed and are ready to just get it done and become organized with some quick tips, tricks and techniques.
However, for those who are disorganized due to a deep seated issue, this book may only be a starting point. The author does not deal with the root of a deeper problem, if one exists. For example, in the case of hoarders, there are more psychological reasons for being disorganized rather than simply needing to get into a routine. For those individuals I would recommend books by Julie Morgenstern. Even so, this book is a good resource with a lot of good takeaways.
Library bag for those who have a good handle on organization but need a refresher or some inspiration.
I know I will be reviewing some of her techniques...just in time for spring cleaning.
By reminding you that you do not to achieve perfection to become focused, she presents the concept of becoming organized as something achievable instead of a daunting, intimidating undertaking. In fact, she says that perfectionism and procrastination are "evil twins." Her philosophy is to simplify and de-clutter your life and home.
In the book, which can be read in parts or cover to cover, Ms. Caroline shows how what you don’t do can actually be more important than what is actually on your to do list. She encourages you to make a TO DON’T list of activities that make you feel overwhelmed and can sabotage your schedule.
When you feel overwhelmed, you often do nothing. She encourages the frazzled person to do something instead of nothing. "A good plan executed now is better than an excellent plan executed never" (Location 105).
The first section of the books discusses her philosophy of simplicity.
Ms. Caroline then takes you into each room of the house and gives many practical techniques for maintaining order. For each room, she reviews:
1. What is your vision?
2. How can you achieve that vision?
3. How can you remember the system?
4. How can you keep the system alive?
Her philosophy in these sections of the book is rooted in a simple concept - routine. the more of a routine you get into, the less decisions have to be made because you are now completing your tasks automatically. For example, brushing your teeth every night is routine for many people. They don't need to give it any thought or make decisions about something so simple that is done so frequently. Therefore, why not have this same approach with making dinner or cleaning the kitchen counter?
The Verdict
Bookshelf for busy people who feel overwhelmed and are ready to just get it done and become organized with some quick tips, tricks and techniques.
However, for those who are disorganized due to a deep seated issue, this book may only be a starting point. The author does not deal with the root of a deeper problem, if one exists. For example, in the case of hoarders, there are more psychological reasons for being disorganized rather than simply needing to get into a routine. For those individuals I would recommend books by Julie Morgenstern. Even so, this book is a good resource with a lot of good takeaways.
Library bag for those who have a good handle on organization but need a refresher or some inspiration.
I know I will be reviewing some of her techniques...just in time for spring cleaning.
June 29, 2013
First of all, I took a lot of teasing from my husband for reading this book. Not that I am never frazzled (believe me, I am), but because he thought it was hilarious that a person that thinks more about organization than any human rightfully should, would be using her time to read more about organization. But I had heard good things about this book and really wanted to read about some of the author's ideas.
I actually liked the book quite a bit, which isn't reflected as well in my three star rating. So I wanted to write a review to say that I would definitely recommend reading this book if you want some great organization ideas, it is just that, like I mentioned, I think about organization too much and so many of these ideas were not as new to me. Which definitely isn't the author's fault, but the reason I had a hard time deciding on a rating. But I guess we each go into every book we read with our own personality and background, so I had to rate it according to my experience with the topic.
All of that being said, with the craziness of the last few months for our family, this book did motivate me to get back to some of our old systems that had taken a backseat to our move and this pregnancy. And it did have a few new ideas that I am really excited to try. So hurray for motivation, as I was worried I had lost it along the way between MA and UT.
I actually liked the book quite a bit, which isn't reflected as well in my three star rating. So I wanted to write a review to say that I would definitely recommend reading this book if you want some great organization ideas, it is just that, like I mentioned, I think about organization too much and so many of these ideas were not as new to me. Which definitely isn't the author's fault, but the reason I had a hard time deciding on a rating. But I guess we each go into every book we read with our own personality and background, so I had to rate it according to my experience with the topic.
All of that being said, with the craziness of the last few months for our family, this book did motivate me to get back to some of our old systems that had taken a backseat to our move and this pregnancy. And it did have a few new ideas that I am really excited to try. So hurray for motivation, as I was worried I had lost it along the way between MA and UT.
April 12, 2013
I'm not someone who is necessarily disorganized or at wit's end with house clutter, but the title caught my attention. I'm a mom! I've lost my sanity!
Unfortunately, I didn't find my sanity with this book. :) I did enjoy the illustrations introducing each chapter name and I thought the author made some good points. I took a valuable lesson away with the idea to strive for 'perfection' with some things and then letting other, less important things pass muster with more lax standards.
I also appreciated how the book was organized (oh, the irony!), most specifically the section on specific rooms--kitchen, laundry rooms, bedrooms, etc. I have read other organizational books that go for a more general approach, but this room-by-room business works for my brain.
While I enjoyed the book and appreciated the ideas, the problem with ANY book on organizing and cutting out the clutter in your home is that the people who need such a book (some of whom are my dear friends) won't ever sit down and pick up a book like this. It's too thick, too wordy, too time consuming.
Unfortunately, I didn't find my sanity with this book. :) I did enjoy the illustrations introducing each chapter name and I thought the author made some good points. I took a valuable lesson away with the idea to strive for 'perfection' with some things and then letting other, less important things pass muster with more lax standards.
I also appreciated how the book was organized (oh, the irony!), most specifically the section on specific rooms--kitchen, laundry rooms, bedrooms, etc. I have read other organizational books that go for a more general approach, but this room-by-room business works for my brain.
While I enjoyed the book and appreciated the ideas, the problem with ANY book on organizing and cutting out the clutter in your home is that the people who need such a book (some of whom are my dear friends) won't ever sit down and pick up a book like this. It's too thick, too wordy, too time consuming.
April 19, 2013
What mother hasn't become frazzled or lost focus?
Umm, hello mother of four girls here it's almost daily for me. The interesting part of the adventure of being the mother to my daughters is vast ranges of ages they are. I have a three year old, then the eleven, and almost 13 years old as well a 17 year old. So, of course you can see I am all over the place. Even with planning and scheduling but I should note that my one daughter has some Autism and parents with children like this know…
So, when I saw this title being offer for review I requested it.
Many of the ideas that are in the book I already use (and daily I might add).
The author did note some good points in the book but it’s not something that I could personally use for myself, maybe for someone else.
In addition I did find a few sections that seemed a bit too wordy. As I look over the other reviews I am seeing that they also felt this way as well.
I received the book for an honest review. Thank you.
Umm, hello mother of four girls here it's almost daily for me. The interesting part of the adventure of being the mother to my daughters is vast ranges of ages they are. I have a three year old, then the eleven, and almost 13 years old as well a 17 year old. So, of course you can see I am all over the place. Even with planning and scheduling but I should note that my one daughter has some Autism and parents with children like this know…
So, when I saw this title being offer for review I requested it.
Many of the ideas that are in the book I already use (and daily I might add).
The author did note some good points in the book but it’s not something that I could personally use for myself, maybe for someone else.
In addition I did find a few sections that seemed a bit too wordy. As I look over the other reviews I am seeing that they also felt this way as well.
I received the book for an honest review. Thank you.
May 18, 2013
Cute book, but clearly if you are a disorganized and a mom who has no time, certainly you do not go finding a book before wasting time to search for it and then read it. For people like me, who has plenty of time, but not so many rooms to clean up and not so many children to look after, it was interesting and definitely has given me many ideas, tips and tricks.
Libro carino, ma chiaramente se tu sei una mamma disorganizzata e che non ha tempo, di certo non ti metti a cercare un libro perdendo tempo prima a trovarlo e poi a leggerlo. Per chi come me invece ha tanto tempo, ma non cosí tante stanze da ripulire né tanti figli da accudire, é stato interessante e sicuramente mi ha offerto molti spunti.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND GREENLEAFBOOK GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW!
Libro carino, ma chiaramente se tu sei una mamma disorganizzata e che non ha tempo, di certo non ti metti a cercare un libro perdendo tempo prima a trovarlo e poi a leggerlo. Per chi come me invece ha tanto tempo, ma non cosí tante stanze da ripulire né tanti figli da accudire, é stato interessante e sicuramente mi ha offerto molti spunti.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND GREENLEAFBOOK GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW!
April 30, 2013
This is a cute, helpful book about how to organize your life. From organization, to decluttering, to systemizing the way you live, the advice in this book can help you to focus on the things that matter the most in your life. Rivka shares helpful ideas for everything from filing systems to how to set up your laundry room, kitchen, and even your purse. I think that moms will enjoy the illustrations and find useful advice in this book.
April 30, 2013
This book was not what I expected.
Of course, that could be because I failed to read the under-title: "The Ultimate Guide for Moms Who Want to Reclaim Their Time, Their Sanity and Their Lives". Had I read that carefully, I would never have requested to read this at NetGalley. What can I say? I'm frazzled! ;-þ
To read my full review, go here.
Of course, that could be because I failed to read the under-title: "The Ultimate Guide for Moms Who Want to Reclaim Their Time, Their Sanity and Their Lives". Had I read that carefully, I would never have requested to read this at NetGalley. What can I say? I'm frazzled! ;-þ
To read my full review, go here.
September 2, 2016
This is a quick read. I feel like she gave a couple of good ideas: practice 'good enough' rather than perfection, use systems throughout your house, find your vision around each situation and then make a system to fit - and then showed how this played out in various areas.
March 15, 2013
An author puts her/his soul into their books. The soul of this author is clearly caring, focused and lots of fun.
March 30, 2013
Not every parenting and organizing book is right for me. This one is.
I admire her and want to be more like her because she and I both know we are human (not superhuman).
I admire her and want to be more like her because she and I both know we are human (not superhuman).
September 23, 2018
Many good tips but kind of preaching to choir for me. Did give me some other suggestions / encouragement but I was already a full believer in this thinking!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews