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Your Time, Your Way: Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived
This book gives you a complete productivity system and explains how you can avoid common pitfalls many people face. You will have everything you need to build your own system, a system that works for you.
Many productivity systems promise to help you get your work done. New apps appear daily, promising they will make you more productive, and countless blog posts, YouTube videos, and podcasts tell you to try this or that new innovative idea.
The truth is, the only way you will get more done is to do more. No new app, system, or idea will ever replace that simple fact!
But there is a problem with this¬To get more done, you have to do more ¬ in a way, counter to the culture we live in today. We are supposed to take more breaks, be more gentle with ourselves to protect our mental, health, and slow down when we feel tired. All good advice, but it does not help us to be more productive if to be more productive means we have to do more.
In Your Time, Your Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived, Carl Pullein gives you the secrets, tools and processes you need to make more time in your work life and personal life to do more, better.
Many productivity systems promise to help you get your work done. New apps appear daily, promising they will make you more productive, and countless blog posts, YouTube videos, and podcasts tell you to try this or that new innovative idea.
The truth is, the only way you will get more done is to do more. No new app, system, or idea will ever replace that simple fact!
But there is a problem with this¬To get more done, you have to do more ¬ in a way, counter to the culture we live in today. We are supposed to take more breaks, be more gentle with ourselves to protect our mental, health, and slow down when we feel tired. All good advice, but it does not help us to be more productive if to be more productive means we have to do more.
In Your Time, Your Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived, Carl Pullein gives you the secrets, tools and processes you need to make more time in your work life and personal life to do more, better.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
98 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 28, 2024
Carl Pullien's "Your Time, Your Way: Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived" provides a framework for optimizing personal productivity through effective time management. At the heart of Pullien's methodology is the Time Sector System, which organizes tasks based on their timing rather than their nature. This approach addresses common pitfalls in time management, such as trying to fit too much into limited time and underestimating the duration of tasks. By focusing on "when" rather than "what," individuals can better align their schedules with their actual availability, reducing stress and increasing efficiency.
Pullien highlights the significance of identifying one's "Foundations," the core aspects of life that hold personal importance. He outlines eight areas of focus: family and relationships, career/business, finances, health and fitness, spirituality, lifestyle and life experiences, personal development, and purpose in life. By crafting measurable statements for each area, individuals can ensure they remain aligned with their values and can track their progress meaningfully.
A cornerstone of Pullien's approach is the COD (Collect, Organize, Do) system. This method involves collecting all incoming tasks and information into a trusted system, organizing them by relevance and priority, and dedicating the majority of one's time to executing these tasks. This reduces the mental clutter associated with managing multiple tasks and enhances focus on completing meaningful work.
Effective email and communication management is another critical aspect of Pullien's time management strategy. He introduces Inbox Zero 2.0, which categorizes emails into trash, archive, or action folders, ensuring no email lingers in the inbox. Additionally, Pullien recommends time blocking to allocate specific periods for essential tasks and communications, thereby preventing the constant distraction of checking messages. He also emphasizes the use of checklists and calendars to streamline daily routines and prioritize high-value tasks, ultimately fostering a more organized and productive life.
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Time Sector System: This system organizes tasks by their timing (this week, next week, this month, next month) rather than by category, ensuring tasks are completed within their required timeframe and reducing the stress of overcommitting.
2. Foundations and Areas of Focus: Emphasizes the importance of defining personal priorities across eight key life areas, with measurable statements to monitor and maintain balance.
3. COD System: This system encourages a three-step approach to task management: collect all tasks into a trusted system, organize them by importance and relevance, and focus predominantly on executing tasks to achieve goals.
4. Inbox Zero 2.0: Introduces a refined email management strategy that categorizes emails into trash, archive, or action folders, maintaining a clutter-free inbox and enhancing decision-making efficiency.
5. Time Blocking and Boundaries: Advocates for setting specific time blocks for essential tasks and communications and establishing clear boundaries for availability to maintain control over one’s time and prevent burnout.
LESSON LEARNED:
"Your Time, Your Way" joins a long list of productivity books. However, this one is time-focused rather than task-focused. By prioritizing when tasks need to be done rather than simply listing what needs to be done, individuals can manage their time more effectively, avoid over-commitment, and ensure they are dedicating sufficient time to their most important personal and professional priorities. This shift in perspective is fundamental to achieving a balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.
Pullien highlights the significance of identifying one's "Foundations," the core aspects of life that hold personal importance. He outlines eight areas of focus: family and relationships, career/business, finances, health and fitness, spirituality, lifestyle and life experiences, personal development, and purpose in life. By crafting measurable statements for each area, individuals can ensure they remain aligned with their values and can track their progress meaningfully.
A cornerstone of Pullien's approach is the COD (Collect, Organize, Do) system. This method involves collecting all incoming tasks and information into a trusted system, organizing them by relevance and priority, and dedicating the majority of one's time to executing these tasks. This reduces the mental clutter associated with managing multiple tasks and enhances focus on completing meaningful work.
Effective email and communication management is another critical aspect of Pullien's time management strategy. He introduces Inbox Zero 2.0, which categorizes emails into trash, archive, or action folders, ensuring no email lingers in the inbox. Additionally, Pullien recommends time blocking to allocate specific periods for essential tasks and communications, thereby preventing the constant distraction of checking messages. He also emphasizes the use of checklists and calendars to streamline daily routines and prioritize high-value tasks, ultimately fostering a more organized and productive life.
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Time Sector System: This system organizes tasks by their timing (this week, next week, this month, next month) rather than by category, ensuring tasks are completed within their required timeframe and reducing the stress of overcommitting.
2. Foundations and Areas of Focus: Emphasizes the importance of defining personal priorities across eight key life areas, with measurable statements to monitor and maintain balance.
3. COD System: This system encourages a three-step approach to task management: collect all tasks into a trusted system, organize them by importance and relevance, and focus predominantly on executing tasks to achieve goals.
4. Inbox Zero 2.0: Introduces a refined email management strategy that categorizes emails into trash, archive, or action folders, maintaining a clutter-free inbox and enhancing decision-making efficiency.
5. Time Blocking and Boundaries: Advocates for setting specific time blocks for essential tasks and communications and establishing clear boundaries for availability to maintain control over one’s time and prevent burnout.
LESSON LEARNED:
"Your Time, Your Way" joins a long list of productivity books. However, this one is time-focused rather than task-focused. By prioritizing when tasks need to be done rather than simply listing what needs to be done, individuals can manage their time more effectively, avoid over-commitment, and ensure they are dedicating sufficient time to their most important personal and professional priorities. This shift in perspective is fundamental to achieving a balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.
January 13, 2025
Your Time, Your Way has been my favorite read at the end of 2024. I have finally found a practical, no-nonsense productivity book that has helped me build a comprehensive productivity system without feeling overwhelmed. I want to share my notes with all of you, especially those struggling to get out of bed or trying to achieve something greater.
The book begins with the Eight Areas of Life where people typically spend their time. The philosophy is that only by understanding what to focus on can people determine what needs to be done and which projects and tasks they should assign to themselves.
With the Areas of Focus, projects, and tasks in mind, the author recommends three essential tools: a to-do list, a notes app, and a calendar. Each tool serves a distinct purpose, and the combination of these three forms a complete productivity system.
I highly recommend going through the exercises in the book slowly and thoughtfully. By the time I finished reading it, I had outlined my areas of focus, projects, and tasks, blocked time on my calendar for the start of 2025, and organized folders in my notes app. Each tool is customized to align with my personal goals.
Below is the note I took (not word for word), which I plan to revisit regularly. I hope everyone finds this book as helpful as I did.
Eight Areas of Life
Tasks → Projects & processes → Areas of focus
The areas of focus are "things important to you that you want to maintain & improve."
Tasks (top of the pyramid)
Project/goals/processes (middle)
Areas of Focus (base)
The book begins with the Eight Areas of Life where people typically spend their time. The philosophy is that only by understanding what to focus on can people determine what needs to be done and which projects and tasks they should assign to themselves.
With the Areas of Focus, projects, and tasks in mind, the author recommends three essential tools: a to-do list, a notes app, and a calendar. Each tool serves a distinct purpose, and the combination of these three forms a complete productivity system.
I highly recommend going through the exercises in the book slowly and thoughtfully. By the time I finished reading it, I had outlined my areas of focus, projects, and tasks, blocked time on my calendar for the start of 2025, and organized folders in my notes app. Each tool is customized to align with my personal goals.
Below is the note I took (not word for word), which I plan to revisit regularly. I hope everyone finds this book as helpful as I did.
Eight Areas of Life
Tasks → Projects & processes → Areas of focus
The areas of focus are "things important to you that you want to maintain & improve."
Tasks (top of the pyramid)
Project/goals/processes (middle)
Areas of Focus (base)
July 5, 2024
Will come back tomorrow to do a proper review cause I loved this book so much, it goes against everything I hate in "regular" productivity books, so good
The thing I loved the most is the fact that the author advices us to actually not spend money on apps and to not listen to productivity gurus who are changing apps every single weeks. The system is the important part, not the tools you use, and changing tools all the time is actually a good way to waste time.
The advice is incredibly simple and effective cause the end goal is to do better in order to do less.
The thing I loved the most is the fact that the author advices us to actually not spend money on apps and to not listen to productivity gurus who are changing apps every single weeks. The system is the important part, not the tools you use, and changing tools all the time is actually a good way to waste time.
The advice is incredibly simple and effective cause the end goal is to do better in order to do less.
January 15, 2025
Disclaimer 1: I haven't read any similar books that offer a particular productivity system (GTD, project-based etc) so I'm not super familiar with what this book is building on or modifying.
Disclaimer 2: I skipped the last few chapters since they I didn't feel like they were helping me as much as the chapters on the specifics of the Time Sector System did.
Unlike other reviews, I'm not a long-time follower of Carl's. A few days ago, YouTube recommended his 2025 Todoist system to me and I watched it as a way of procrastination :) The TSS that he was using seemed interesting although I had some important questions about it which weren't answered in the video. Upon further research, I found out that Carl has a paid course as well as a book. I started reading this book hoping for a more detailed explanation of the TSS, and it did meet my expectations, although it didn't exceed them. Maybe something for future editions :)
I think it would have been better if the book had a more "technical" description of the time sector system. The system was described somewhat like a "Story" and I usually came across mentions of components in the system that hadn't been described well enough yet. I think a diagram that depicts the interaction between different parts of the system (each task manager folder, the notes app, the calendar) could clear up many gray areas. An overall birds-eye view of the system would have been great.
The examples felt a little bit contrived, and they were all over the place and repetitive. Sticking with a particular "case study" of a real-world worker and explaining their interaction with the system throughout all chapter would have added to the cohesiveness.
I think the system is very interesting. The idea of using the notes app for project management is the most important point of it in my opinion, and it makes perfect sense to me. I have adopted it very recently, but I still have to give it some time. It can be counterintuitive at some times, but it never loses its minimalism.
Disclaimer 2: I skipped the last few chapters since they I didn't feel like they were helping me as much as the chapters on the specifics of the Time Sector System did.
Unlike other reviews, I'm not a long-time follower of Carl's. A few days ago, YouTube recommended his 2025 Todoist system to me and I watched it as a way of procrastination :) The TSS that he was using seemed interesting although I had some important questions about it which weren't answered in the video. Upon further research, I found out that Carl has a paid course as well as a book. I started reading this book hoping for a more detailed explanation of the TSS, and it did meet my expectations, although it didn't exceed them. Maybe something for future editions :)
I think it would have been better if the book had a more "technical" description of the time sector system. The system was described somewhat like a "Story" and I usually came across mentions of components in the system that hadn't been described well enough yet. I think a diagram that depicts the interaction between different parts of the system (each task manager folder, the notes app, the calendar) could clear up many gray areas. An overall birds-eye view of the system would have been great.
The examples felt a little bit contrived, and they were all over the place and repetitive. Sticking with a particular "case study" of a real-world worker and explaining their interaction with the system throughout all chapter would have added to the cohesiveness.
I think the system is very interesting. The idea of using the notes app for project management is the most important point of it in my opinion, and it makes perfect sense to me. I have adopted it very recently, but I still have to give it some time. It can be counterintuitive at some times, but it never loses its minimalism.
December 9, 2025
Shockingly good. It is systematic while pragmatic, comprehensive-ish without unnecessary details, and the right combination of high level and tactical (and how you bridge them).
Since 2012, I've read a looot of productivity books and authors, including the classics like GTD, the newer ones like Ali Abdaal and Tiago Forte (I was a mentor in BASB), and even more underground ones like Mark Forster (AutoFocus/FVP)... And this one is the most effective for me, not only theoretically/conceptually, but in real life.
I started reading and slowly implementing the concepts in Dec 1 (10 days ago), including
- Time Sectors in task manager (TickTick)
- GAPRA in notes app (Craft) (I also have Zettelkasten as a separate top-level folder)
- Processes for Daily Planning, Weekly Planning, and Inbox Zero
There's more to (slowly) implement like defining my Areas of Focus and Core Work.
Time will tell if this is a system I will stick with and continue to develop. Based on how I've worked the system in the last 1.5 weeks, I feel very hopeful.
P.S. Most systems enabled me to get on top of either my own initiatives ("deep work" stuff) OR the more mundane project and client deadlines (GTD) but somehow never both. This one does.
Since 2012, I've read a looot of productivity books and authors, including the classics like GTD, the newer ones like Ali Abdaal and Tiago Forte (I was a mentor in BASB), and even more underground ones like Mark Forster (AutoFocus/FVP)... And this one is the most effective for me, not only theoretically/conceptually, but in real life.
I started reading and slowly implementing the concepts in Dec 1 (10 days ago), including
- Time Sectors in task manager (TickTick)
- GAPRA in notes app (Craft) (I also have Zettelkasten as a separate top-level folder)
- Processes for Daily Planning, Weekly Planning, and Inbox Zero
There's more to (slowly) implement like defining my Areas of Focus and Core Work.
Time will tell if this is a system I will stick with and continue to develop. Based on how I've worked the system in the last 1.5 weeks, I feel very hopeful.
P.S. Most systems enabled me to get on top of either my own initiatives ("deep work" stuff) OR the more mundane project and client deadlines (GTD) but somehow never both. This one does.
October 16, 2024
I liked this book. It offers good tips on time management and living a more organized life. It’s a good read if you’re looking for simple, straightforward, and practical advice without much fluff. I got the Kindle edition, and it's formatted well. The author is also popular on YouTube, and I bought his " course library" and had a couple of personalized coaching sessions with him. he focuses on making a chosen system work for the individual rather than the other way around. In this book, he suggests seeing ourselves as masters of our time, not as prey to our tasks. I used to change my tools & apps constantly, and he helped me accept my current choices and STICK with them no matter how many shiny new methods or apps popped up in my view. His "Time Sector System", in particular, has been the highlight of his approach for me; he advised to organise tasks based on timing rather than nature. I find that approach modern, easy to follow and very effective as I manage my nursing full-time shift work and study for my master's. All while struggling with ADHD, CPTSD & depression," for which I'm medicated," but still need to be super organised.
August 9, 2024
I've read quite a few productivity books and I'd say this is one of the best, a worthy successor to GTD and a more modern, simpler take on the same flavor of approach.
I will say that, like almost all of these types of books, it is padded a bit with repetitive statements of value. This can be useful when you're going back and reading a single chapter, but it can drag you down when reading the novel cover to cover.
I will say that, like almost all of these types of books, it is padded a bit with repetitive statements of value. This can be useful when you're going back and reading a single chapter, but it can drag you down when reading the novel cover to cover.
November 2, 2024
A very interesting book on personal productivity, filled with practical and immediately usable advice. Its concrete, realistic approach sets it apart from other similar books. The style is clear and enjoyable. It doesn't invent any new 'technique' but explains how to build the right habits with the systems we already have. So far, it's the best book I've read on the subject.
July 21, 2024
Good read with a lot of practical insights. As an avid follower of Carl, I did not find too much new information in the book, though. Still it was a good refresher on many things I can and should do better.
February 5, 2025
Great read. Thank you, Carl.
A wonderfully practical system. Not too complex, but powerfully effective (potentially). Worth the read and consideration. I’m glad I found this book.
A wonderfully practical system. Not too complex, but powerfully effective (potentially). Worth the read and consideration. I’m glad I found this book.
February 9, 2025
Fantastic Time Management book, loved the new concepts that I learned. Especially liked the email management system - its a fresh new take for me and I have read heaps of time management books. Definitely will be going through this book again. I will keep referring to it, I'm sure!
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March 12, 2025Clear, simple, and straightforward
I enjoyed the simplicity of his system and how he doesn't pigeon hole you into a particular set of tools. He places emphasis on SYSTEMS and processes that require patientence and refinement over time.
I enjoyed the simplicity of his system and how he doesn't pigeon hole you into a particular set of tools. He places emphasis on SYSTEMS and processes that require patientence and refinement over time.
December 13, 2024
Great nuts and bolts book on time management
December 26, 2024
3.5 stars. Long time fan of Carl. This book is a good addition for anyone who needs to work on their productivity processes.
February 5, 2025
Worthwhile read, but feels like a condensed version of David Allen's Getting Things Done.
August 23, 2025
Really good ides on task/project/goal planning and management. Not complicated
October 8, 2025
great perspective on productivity
Id recommend to anyone with task overwhelm. Great perspective for over active thinkers. Took me about 1/2 week to read
Id recommend to anyone with task overwhelm. Great perspective for over active thinkers. Took me about 1/2 week to read
November 3, 2025
Great and easy to follow book with a lot of common sense tips we've seem to have forgotten.
January 1, 2026
Good book with workable insights
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews