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Juggling Elephants? Be the Ringmaster of Your Work and Life
Juggling Elephants? Be The Ringmaster of Your Work and Life (peanuts not included) Jones Loflin & Todd Musig So, how's your circus? Almost everyone has made the comment that their life is like a three ring circus, but have you ever thought about harnessing the invaluable yet practical principles from the circus to create for yourself and your organization the performance of a lifetime? Juggling Elephants? is a witty and profound parable about one man’s experience with the circus. While watching the performance, Mark chooses to be the “Ringmaster” of his circus. Applying his insights to the professional and personal “acts” in his life, Mark quickly finds that he is more productive, less stressed and better able to lead the individuals in his “lineup”. Written for anyone struggling with “getting it all done,” Juggling Elephants? offers timeless insights you will use again and again -Better focus your two most critical resources of time and energy. -More fully engage the energy of others to accomplish goals and work as a team. -Create a performance that gets a standing ovation from everyone around you, including yourself. After reading Juggling Elephants?”, don’t be surprised when you find yourself saying, “May all my days be circus days!”
117 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2007
34 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Jones Loflin
15 books8 followersJones Loflin is an internationally recognized author, speaker and corporate trainer with 30 years of experience in helping people achieve excellence. He is best known for his unique ability to develop and deliver practical solutions that specifically address the complex needs of an organization. Jones also believes that when people are laughing, they are learning.
You can learn more about him at www.jonesloflin.com
Jones is no stranger to using the power of story with engaging parables, real-life experiences and an exceptional ability to draw individuals into the story line. Jones is the co author of two books; the award-winning book, Juggling Elephants, a witty and profound parable about one man's search for solutions for the struggle of too much to do, and Getting to It, a field guide to accomplishing what is most important. He is also the author of Getting the Blue Ribbon, a unique story offering simple strategies to get better results in your work and life. Always Growing tackles a common leadership challenge: How to successfully motivate, develop, and empower a diverse group of people to work together and achieve remarkable results.
Jones' newest book, Focused As A Bee, addresses how to accomplish what is most important in a world of constant distractions.
Jones lives with his family in North Carolina.
You can learn more about him at www.jonesloflin.com
Jones is no stranger to using the power of story with engaging parables, real-life experiences and an exceptional ability to draw individuals into the story line. Jones is the co author of two books; the award-winning book, Juggling Elephants, a witty and profound parable about one man's search for solutions for the struggle of too much to do, and Getting to It, a field guide to accomplishing what is most important. He is also the author of Getting the Blue Ribbon, a unique story offering simple strategies to get better results in your work and life. Always Growing tackles a common leadership challenge: How to successfully motivate, develop, and empower a diverse group of people to work together and achieve remarkable results.
Jones' newest book, Focused As A Bee, addresses how to accomplish what is most important in a world of constant distractions.
Jones lives with his family in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 5, 2023
If you try to juggle elephants you will get squished! This book helps you become the ringmaster of you own circus...the first step in a life that you can enjoy even as you work hard. So often we get caught up in the 'act' of doing something; even if that does little to get things done. Great gift for someone in their first managerial position.
January 3, 2019
I couldn't sleep. Hence I continued my reading. Despite having an exhausted mental and drained energy, reading a good book really calm me down. I am so happy that I have chosen the right book to read at the right time. To be honest, I do feel like my life is like a three-ring circus and I was trying so hard to juggle the elephants all in at the same time. Which is completely unfair for me to do that to myself. To me, the author has successfully written it in a fictitious narrative where all of the facts were presented well. It led straight to my brain and heart. I really enjoy reading it and will make an attempt of reading it again. A big life lesson learned. Learning to manage and act things right at the right time. My top recommendation for non fiction book. Suitable for all ages. It is never too late to make things right for a better life.
January 4, 2008
While my iceberg was melting and i was looking for my cheese I found the time to juggle elephants. Enough said
April 15, 2015
I was required to read this for work. This is a very simple story that uses an analogy of a circus to talk about prioritizing, both at work and in life. While all of the points were valid, they weren't anything new. I didn't get much out of it, but I know people who did. Bottom line, it just wasn't for me.
June 1, 2010
My husband brought this home from the library and read it in an hour. One evening I picked it up. I just couldn't pass up the catchy title, and the large print that guaranteed it would be a very quick read that could possibly give me some tools for better life management.
Now that I'm done, my two stars is equivalent to a shoulder shrug. Nothing life changing here. Basically, the concept is this: your life is a circus and you are the ringmaster. Your three rings (for example) are: professional, relationships, and self. Keep things in order by only being in one ring at a time, taking care to only include the most quality acts, making sure you occasionally step out to analyze during an intermission.
AND... that is about the best that I took from it. From there on out, in managing your performers and such, it seemed a little more corporate-business related than I needed. It just felt more and more hoky as the analogy went on and on. I supoose if you are running an organization, this could be a useful thing to share with everyone. Oh so cheesy, just the way that a book like this should be.
Now that I'm done, my two stars is equivalent to a shoulder shrug. Nothing life changing here. Basically, the concept is this: your life is a circus and you are the ringmaster. Your three rings (for example) are: professional, relationships, and self. Keep things in order by only being in one ring at a time, taking care to only include the most quality acts, making sure you occasionally step out to analyze during an intermission.
AND... that is about the best that I took from it. From there on out, in managing your performers and such, it seemed a little more corporate-business related than I needed. It just felt more and more hoky as the analogy went on and on. I supoose if you are running an organization, this could be a useful thing to share with everyone. Oh so cheesy, just the way that a book like this should be.
December 17, 2013
Great little book about putting everything in your life into perspective. Oddly enough, I read the book last night and this morning ended up describing the methods to both my sons this morning. They were overwhelmed and complaining about all the crazy things going on, and the whole idea of changing yourself into the "ringmaster" resonated with both of them. The authors highlight the main ideas or concepts, which are all pretty much common sense, but useful to remember when we get swept up the swirling circus of our lives. This book could be a lifeline to anyone who feels life spiraling out of control, and if they use the tools to focus, place the players to their best advantage and not get caught up in the impossible, it may find themselves sitting back and enjoying the show. Juggling Elephants is a crash course in finding your center and then strengthening it by taking command.
August 31, 2008
This is a book that uses the analogy that your life is similar to a three-ring circus. Each ring represents your work, relationships and self.
The book is a quick read (I read it in about an hour and a half) and does give you ways to think about how you prioritize your life. However, I think the one drawback is that it doesn't give enough meat and, instead, focuses almost entirely on the 3 rings and not enough time, in my opinion, on how to really accomplish everything. You have to connect the dots yourself and while it does a good job making the argument that you do need balance in your life, it doesn't do quite enough to show you how.
Nonetheless, it's a good easy read and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it for anyone who's struggling with balance.
The book is a quick read (I read it in about an hour and a half) and does give you ways to think about how you prioritize your life. However, I think the one drawback is that it doesn't give enough meat and, instead, focuses almost entirely on the 3 rings and not enough time, in my opinion, on how to really accomplish everything. You have to connect the dots yourself and while it does a good job making the argument that you do need balance in your life, it doesn't do quite enough to show you how.
Nonetheless, it's a good easy read and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it for anyone who's struggling with balance.
February 18, 2018
Juggling Elephants by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig
An Easier Way to Get your Most Important Things Done -Now!
Told in the format of a story from within the three rings of a Circus, this business self-help book may have an impact if time is spent on introspective tasks. Some good questions to ask yourself when going through your own priority list.
Includes a couple of good examples in the first half but got a little vague in the last third, specifically about reviewing the “act”.
My mentoring Circle will discuss this book using the Ring tools we found online as well as a list of discussion questions that were forwarded by the author.
I expect practice will help prioritize tasks but the concept of separation of work, relationships and self is a good way to juggle it all.
An Easier Way to Get your Most Important Things Done -Now!
Told in the format of a story from within the three rings of a Circus, this business self-help book may have an impact if time is spent on introspective tasks. Some good questions to ask yourself when going through your own priority list.
Includes a couple of good examples in the first half but got a little vague in the last third, specifically about reviewing the “act”.
My mentoring Circle will discuss this book using the Ring tools we found online as well as a list of discussion questions that were forwarded by the author.
I expect practice will help prioritize tasks but the concept of separation of work, relationships and self is a good way to juggle it all.
January 15, 2015
Great and practical Business book
In just a few pages, this book talks about how to prioritize your daily tasks, communicate with your peers, subordinates, also take about employee morale and how to organize your life.
Remember you don't live to work, there's much more in life.
This book gives you a lot of insights to think about.
Very good book.!!
In just a few pages, this book talks about how to prioritize your daily tasks, communicate with your peers, subordinates, also take about employee morale and how to organize your life.
Remember you don't live to work, there's much more in life.
This book gives you a lot of insights to think about.
Very good book.!!
April 8, 2011
This book kind of fits into the "life management" category. It's short, it's something you can relate to, and I think it's going to prove extremely helpful and useful to me. Definitely recommend it to people feeling overwhelmed by life.
August 24, 2013
A simple concept of management resembling a circus that helps to drive home these essential concepts. A quick read, but effective in gaining attention and providing areas for application. I found myself thinking about the concepts and matching my business members.
September 21, 2013
Always nice when you find a book that resets your head at the right time and when needed the most. Ok, maybe not needed the most like the 'leadership and self deception; getting out of the box', was, but a very good story about the circus and how it relates to running your life.
May 15, 2012
Everyone can say their life was a three ring circus at one time or another. This gave me a new perspective on handling (or not) stress. Can't put it down.
May 29, 2012
A very simple concept. Almost overly simplistic. But I just enjoyed the concept and metaphor for life. This is a little but very easy read
January 29, 2016
I really enjoyed the story and illustrations. It brought me insight about balance and how to balance between all the areas of my life.
February 10, 2016
This was a quick read and a reminder of HOW to get things done and be a better manager of my life. It relates it to the circus---three ring circus of life. I recommend it for a quick fun easy book.
August 21, 2018
Easy read. Good metaphor for organization and prioritization. Some printable resources are on the website.
August 25, 2023
Cute concept and story
April 25, 2021
This made me rethink my sparky inner voice that reminds me that I often feel like my life is a 3 ring circus. To me that's a feeling of hopeless chaos but rather anything resembling the fun and amusement of an actual circus. This book did a phenomenal job at objectively addressing just how life IS a three ring circus, composing of: work, relationships/family, and self care. Using this analogy we are the "ringmaster" of our lives and its our responsibility to make use these acts run smoothly, with purpose, and a delight for those around us to observe. Highly recommend for everyone who's forgotten that a circus is full of wonder and delight.
September 30, 2024
Quick read but powerful punch to put into everyday action. Can’t wait to create my 3 rings and line up my acts!
May 9, 2011
Buku ini menceritakan tentang seorang bernama Mark yang kesusahan mengatur hidupnya. Ia begitu sibuk dengan pekerjaannya, akibatnya hubungan pribadinya dengan istri dan anaknya mengalami kerenggangan. Suatu hari pada saat menyempatkan (lebih tepatnya memaksa) dirinya untuk menonton pertunjukan sirkus bersama keluarganya, di tengah pertunjukan Mark bertemu dengan Victor, seseorang memberinya pelajaran berharga tentang menjadi pemandu sirkus kehidupannya sendiri.
Viictor menyebutkan sebuah perumpamaan yang menarik mengenai kehidupan yang Mark jalani, yakni seperti atraksi melempar gajah ke udara. Tentu saja itu adalah sesuatu yang mustahil, "Kamu tidak akan pernah bisa melempar gajah yang berat itu ke udara!" Alih-alih tetap mencoba melempar gajah ke udara, Mark pun kemudian mempelajari dan mempraktekkan Metode Gajah Sirkus yang dipaparkan oleh Viktor. Yakni dengan cara menjadi pemandu sirkus pribadi bagi diri sendiri. Seorang pemandu sirkus adalah orang yang berdiri di tengah-tengah arena pertunjukan dan harus bisa menyatukan seluruh babak dalam tiap-tiap arena dan seluruh atraksi sirkus kehidupan prbadi agar bisa tampil prima secara berkesinambungan.
Terdapat tiga buah arena sirkus pribadi yang dijelaskan dalam buku ini, yaitu: arena profesi (pekerjaan), arena diri sendiri, dan arena relasi (hubungan antar sesama). Poin penting tentang menjadi seorang pemandu sirkus pribadi adalah:
1. Pemandu sirkus tidak mungkin berada di dalam ketiga arena atau kelompok pemain pada waktu yang bersamaan.
2. Pemandu sirkus berkewajiban untuk mengulangi peranan dari para pemain sirkus lainnya sebelum pertunjukan dimulai.
3. Kunci keberhasilan sebuah pertunjukan sirkus adalah menggabungkan setiap atraksi sehingga babak demi babak dapt berjalan secara berkesinambungan.
4. Pemandu sirkus perlu memutuskan pada saat manakah ia harus memasuki arena sirkusnya dengan tepat.
5. Pemandu sirkus perlu memutuskan pada aksi apakah ia harus memusatkan perhatiannya pada saat ini.
Buku ini mengajarkan pada kita tentang cara membagi waktu dan porsi diri kita dalam masing-masing arena kehidupan kita sehingga kita tidak merasa tertekan dalam kehidupan yang kita jalani, seolah kita merasa diri kita tengah melempar gajah ke udara. Dengan jumlah halaman yang tidak terlalu tebal dan dialog yang mengalir antara tokoh Mark, anak perempuannya serta istrinya, dan Victor, membuat buku ini terasa menyegarkan dan tidak terkesan menggurui pada saat membacanya.
Membaca buku ini membuat kita seperti berkaca melihat keadaan diri kita sendiri akan aspek-aspek apa yang telah kita capai dan kita lewati dalam kehidupan ini. Selamat membaca!
http://sihirkata.blogspot.com
Viictor menyebutkan sebuah perumpamaan yang menarik mengenai kehidupan yang Mark jalani, yakni seperti atraksi melempar gajah ke udara. Tentu saja itu adalah sesuatu yang mustahil, "Kamu tidak akan pernah bisa melempar gajah yang berat itu ke udara!" Alih-alih tetap mencoba melempar gajah ke udara, Mark pun kemudian mempelajari dan mempraktekkan Metode Gajah Sirkus yang dipaparkan oleh Viktor. Yakni dengan cara menjadi pemandu sirkus pribadi bagi diri sendiri. Seorang pemandu sirkus adalah orang yang berdiri di tengah-tengah arena pertunjukan dan harus bisa menyatukan seluruh babak dalam tiap-tiap arena dan seluruh atraksi sirkus kehidupan prbadi agar bisa tampil prima secara berkesinambungan.
Terdapat tiga buah arena sirkus pribadi yang dijelaskan dalam buku ini, yaitu: arena profesi (pekerjaan), arena diri sendiri, dan arena relasi (hubungan antar sesama). Poin penting tentang menjadi seorang pemandu sirkus pribadi adalah:
1. Pemandu sirkus tidak mungkin berada di dalam ketiga arena atau kelompok pemain pada waktu yang bersamaan.
2. Pemandu sirkus berkewajiban untuk mengulangi peranan dari para pemain sirkus lainnya sebelum pertunjukan dimulai.
3. Kunci keberhasilan sebuah pertunjukan sirkus adalah menggabungkan setiap atraksi sehingga babak demi babak dapt berjalan secara berkesinambungan.
4. Pemandu sirkus perlu memutuskan pada saat manakah ia harus memasuki arena sirkusnya dengan tepat.
5. Pemandu sirkus perlu memutuskan pada aksi apakah ia harus memusatkan perhatiannya pada saat ini.
Buku ini mengajarkan pada kita tentang cara membagi waktu dan porsi diri kita dalam masing-masing arena kehidupan kita sehingga kita tidak merasa tertekan dalam kehidupan yang kita jalani, seolah kita merasa diri kita tengah melempar gajah ke udara. Dengan jumlah halaman yang tidak terlalu tebal dan dialog yang mengalir antara tokoh Mark, anak perempuannya serta istrinya, dan Victor, membuat buku ini terasa menyegarkan dan tidak terkesan menggurui pada saat membacanya.
Membaca buku ini membuat kita seperti berkaca melihat keadaan diri kita sendiri akan aspek-aspek apa yang telah kita capai dan kita lewati dalam kehidupan ini. Selamat membaca!
http://sihirkata.blogspot.com
August 26, 2017
Required reading for work. There's nothing in this that's new or interesting. The basics boil down to: manage your time better and you won't feel as overwhelmed, which is such a basic concept that it ends up being useless in helping people who are incredibly overwhelmed (the obvious target audience of this book). Without getting into the details of my work environment, believe me when I say this is not going to help with our particular problems.
When it wasn't being obvious, it was being obnoxious: the bit where it makes an analogy between learning the preferences of the animals in your care as an animal tamer and managing employees is just... bad. Nothing like dehumanizing your employees to make you a better manager.
It also seems to make some kind of point along the lines of "when you aren't at work, just don't think about/do work! then you'll be fine!" and I'm pretty sure the author lives in some kind of fantasy world where no one has anxieties about their life and everything fits into nice little boxes.
I guess it was short, at least...? The points about time management might help people who aren't attempting to manage their time/track their to do items each day already? Yeah, that's all I've got.
When it wasn't being obvious, it was being obnoxious: the bit where it makes an analogy between learning the preferences of the animals in your care as an animal tamer and managing employees is just... bad. Nothing like dehumanizing your employees to make you a better manager.
It also seems to make some kind of point along the lines of "when you aren't at work, just don't think about/do work! then you'll be fine!" and I'm pretty sure the author lives in some kind of fantasy world where no one has anxieties about their life and everything fits into nice little boxes.
I guess it was short, at least...? The points about time management might help people who aren't attempting to manage their time/track their to do items each day already? Yeah, that's all I've got.
February 14, 2012
This book is written by folks who were involved in the "Who Moved My Cheese" phenom, and this book is written in the same style - a simple "fable" that uses the circus as a metaphor for juggling the responsibilities of life. Advice is boiled down into a set of adages like "If you try to juggle elephants, no one, including you, will be thrilled with your performance...A Ringmaster can not be in all three rings at once [work, personal, and relationships]...The key to the success of a circus is having quality acts in all three rings...Intermission is an essential part of any good circus." (There are also sets of more specific advice to aid in daily implementation.) I think this book provides a good, working metaphor and a good basic set of rules to help one implement basic productivity / time management / self-management. Probably it's strongest use would be across a workgroup to set common language and standards for how to work more efficiently individually and as a team - because it is so easy to read, digest, discuss, and implement. Again, not my favorite book on the subject, but not my least favorite either - somewhere solidly in the middle.
August 14, 2015
This is a cute little time management parable you can read in an hour or so. A woman whose life is in a shambles goes to visit her father and, hopefully, get some advice. He has a meeting to get to, but he leaves her with a story he wrote about a time when she was little, and the family went to the circus.
The bottom line? Running your life smoothly is like being the ringmaster of a circus. You have to know how many rings you've got going on, what acts should be in the ring, and whether or not they're ready. The narrator, whose life is kind of a wreck, too, learns this from the ringmaster of a circus who happens to be sitting next to him and his family at the circus.
So, it's cute. And if the organizational structure/method Loflin suggests works for you, try it and see what happens. It's interesting enough that I might try it, for science. Not an essential read, but a perfectly acceptable "why the hell not?" one.
The bottom line? Running your life smoothly is like being the ringmaster of a circus. You have to know how many rings you've got going on, what acts should be in the ring, and whether or not they're ready. The narrator, whose life is kind of a wreck, too, learns this from the ringmaster of a circus who happens to be sitting next to him and his family at the circus.
So, it's cute. And if the organizational structure/method Loflin suggests works for you, try it and see what happens. It's interesting enough that I might try it, for science. Not an essential read, but a perfectly acceptable "why the hell not?" one.
March 8, 2016
Although incredibly full of common sense ideas and plans, Juggling Elephants: An Easier Way to Get Your Most Important Thing Done-Now! serves as a gentle reminder of the way various aspects of our lives intertwine and what is the most effective way to accomplish the most important goals.
Written in simplistic, almost childlike words, it, however, gives us a chance (if we choose to accept it) to step back and reflect on troubles, deadlines, and all those competing influences in our lives.
Written in simplistic, almost childlike words, it, however, gives us a chance (if we choose to accept it) to step back and reflect on troubles, deadlines, and all those competing influences in our lives.
May 15, 2009
Very quick read. Simplistic comparison of life to a circus, but effective points. I had trouble resolving how you are supposed to be fully present in the current "ring" and yet have the acts in the other rings ready to go. But, I do like the idea of making sure there is a balance among the main aspects of your life. And, the idea of giving each your full attention while you are there. I pride myself on my masterful multitasking, but maybe that's not always the goal...
August 24, 2010
hidupmu adalah sirkusmu
kirain mau bilang bahwa hidup ini sebenar na adalah sebuah pertunjukan. ternyata tidak. hidup ini adalah mengkoherenkan semua aspek yang ada. manajemen waktu memang kunci utama.
semacam itulah... penyampaian materi yang dipaksakan dengan gaya novel malah berasa menggurui mungkin jika dibandingkan buku ini ditulis sebagai teks book yang memang ditujukan sebagai buku pengembangan diri.
-45-
kirain mau bilang bahwa hidup ini sebenar na adalah sebuah pertunjukan. ternyata tidak. hidup ini adalah mengkoherenkan semua aspek yang ada. manajemen waktu memang kunci utama.
semacam itulah... penyampaian materi yang dipaksakan dengan gaya novel malah berasa menggurui mungkin jika dibandingkan buku ini ditulis sebagai teks book yang memang ditujukan sebagai buku pengembangan diri.
-45-
January 19, 2018
The author's message of the key 3 Rings in life, and the need to carefully balance your time between the three equally will resonate for most people - especially those with full (or overflowing) professional and personal lives.
The weaving of the message into a narrative makes for an easier read (as opposed to other, more dry books I've read), as does the short length of the book.
5 stars for the combination of relevant, useful message and also the ease of reading.
The weaving of the message into a narrative makes for an easier read (as opposed to other, more dry books I've read), as does the short length of the book.
5 stars for the combination of relevant, useful message and also the ease of reading.
September 23, 2015
Mercifully, this book is short. If it had been any longer, I wouldn't have been able to get through it. It's a painfully written business parable about setting priorities in order to maximize your effectiveness. There's nothing earth shattering here, and nothing detailed enough to actually be helpful.
August 24, 2010
Buku hidupmu adalah sirkusmu atau juggling elephants dalam bahasa aslinya ditulis oleh Jones Loflin dan Todd Musig merupakan buku pengembangan diri yang menceritakan tentang seorang pria sukses bernama mark, sukses dalam karier ternyata belum tentu sukses dalam kehidupan pribadi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews