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How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything so They Can Achieve Anything
From the editor-in-chief and co-owner of the highly respected self-improvement site Pick the Brain comes an inspirational guide for overscheduled, overwhelmed women on how to do less so that they can achieve more. Women live in a state of constant that we’re not doing enough, that we’re not good enough, that we can’t keep up. If we’re not climbing the corporate ladder, building our side hustle, preparing home-cooked meals, tucking the kids in at night, meditating daily, and scheduling playdates, date nights, and girls’ nights every week, we feel like we’re not living our best lives. Yet traditional productivity books—written by men—barely touch on the tangle of cultural pressures that women feel when facing down a to-do list. Now, Erin Falconer will show you how to do less—a lot less. In fact, How to Get Sh*t Done will teach you how to zero in on the three areas of your life where you want to excel, and then it will show you how to off-load, outsource, or just stop giving a damn about the rest. As the founder of two technology start-ups and one of Refinery29’s Top 10 Women Changing the Digital Landscape for Good, Erin has seen what happens when women chase an outdated, patriarchal model of productivity, and now she shows you how even the most intense perfectionist among us can tap into our inner free spirit and learn to feel like badasses. Packed with real-life advice, honest stories from Erin’s successful career, and dozens of actionable resources, How to Get Sh*t Done will forever reframe productivity so that you can stop doing everything for everyone and start doing what matters to you.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
359 people are currently reading
3909 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 17, 2019
I didn't quite finish this, which makes me giggle a little
April 20, 2018
Best advice from this book? Choosing three focused goals for any particular season of your life: anything more is unmanageable. For an over-committer like me, this advice was both convicting and freeing. Thinking about my time and commitments in light of my "three goals" has given me the freedom to let other things slide without feeling guilty.
January 15, 2019
You want to know how to get shit done? Don't bother picking up this book- that's the best advice I could give you about the waste of time this was.
March 9, 2018
I'm re-listening to this on Audible after hearing it the first time. In the beginning, I didn't feel very connected to this author and her high-flying achievements. I mean, I did really well in school...but since then I've struggled to land big accomplishments. Then I heard the author say that we often don't even recognize our accomplishments, b/c once we hit them, we move on.
I thought about starting my own small business, writing a book (never published it but sent it out to all my friends who read it) and fostered over 50 dogs that got adopted. That's something! It's also why I should remember not to just check things off of my list every year, but really celebrate them. Those were all goals I had that seemed lofty at one time until I broke them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. I did end up relating to this author later in the book, when she described herself as a Capricorn (I love astrology and have a Capricorn moon) and exposed some of her failures though. There is something endearing and relatable about spoiling a vacation with work and worry that I can understand.
I love the advice the author gives about focusing on three things. In my life it's been art, astrology and animal rescue--and since I'm going through a home remodel right now, it was a good time to remember this. Honestly, I think these sorts of productivity books are really created (and bought) by really productive people--that are going through a rough patch of prioritizing. This book didn't really teach me anything new, so much as reaffirm good practices I was already doing--or needed to be more consistent with. Since my energy and time is so scattered right now with my house in disarray (and I work from home) it was more of a reminder to keep doing the best I could right now to keep my mind, life, and energy balanced. Some advice is almost like water and oxygen--things we need like medicine but forget to do when we're so hyper-or scatter-focused.
I sped through the chapters on Audible and didn't do the exercises b/c really, I have done them in some fashion in one way or another plenty of times...but maybe in between waiting for contractors at my house, I may do them again when I re-listen to this. Supposedly, every 7 years everything in our bodies is brand new b/c of cell turnover and we're totally different people--so it's probably best to do things with fresh eyes once more. In any case, I think this book is a little mental boost and reminder that you can do great things, but you can't do everything, and you can't do anything if you don't start, and really break down the very few things you can realistically do--now. It's not meant to kill all the big (and many) dreams--b/c you can go back to those, but you gotta pick a few and start small, and there.
I thought about starting my own small business, writing a book (never published it but sent it out to all my friends who read it) and fostered over 50 dogs that got adopted. That's something! It's also why I should remember not to just check things off of my list every year, but really celebrate them. Those were all goals I had that seemed lofty at one time until I broke them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. I did end up relating to this author later in the book, when she described herself as a Capricorn (I love astrology and have a Capricorn moon) and exposed some of her failures though. There is something endearing and relatable about spoiling a vacation with work and worry that I can understand.
I love the advice the author gives about focusing on three things. In my life it's been art, astrology and animal rescue--and since I'm going through a home remodel right now, it was a good time to remember this. Honestly, I think these sorts of productivity books are really created (and bought) by really productive people--that are going through a rough patch of prioritizing. This book didn't really teach me anything new, so much as reaffirm good practices I was already doing--or needed to be more consistent with. Since my energy and time is so scattered right now with my house in disarray (and I work from home) it was more of a reminder to keep doing the best I could right now to keep my mind, life, and energy balanced. Some advice is almost like water and oxygen--things we need like medicine but forget to do when we're so hyper-or scatter-focused.
I sped through the chapters on Audible and didn't do the exercises b/c really, I have done them in some fashion in one way or another plenty of times...but maybe in between waiting for contractors at my house, I may do them again when I re-listen to this. Supposedly, every 7 years everything in our bodies is brand new b/c of cell turnover and we're totally different people--so it's probably best to do things with fresh eyes once more. In any case, I think this book is a little mental boost and reminder that you can do great things, but you can't do everything, and you can't do anything if you don't start, and really break down the very few things you can realistically do--now. It's not meant to kill all the big (and many) dreams--b/c you can go back to those, but you gotta pick a few and start small, and there.
May 28, 2018
I'll start by saying my boss bought me this book, since it was marketed as a book helping women who aren't feeling productive (a frustration I had expressed to her, not a passive-aggressive message that she was trying to send, lol), so it's probably not a book I would have picked up and bought myself, which might be colouring my opinion. However, it's hard for me to completely rake this book over the coals when I *do* feel like I learned something. So let's start with the positives.
PROS: Like I said, I did learn a thing or two. For one, I LOVED her advice about how to feel your most productive: establish goals in three key areas (personal, professional, relationships) and try to either outsource or stop doing anything taking up your time distracting you from your goals. Don't try to "do it all" and only do what matters to you.
CONS: 1) Falconer began the book by mentioning she was asked to write about this topic by her publisher, not inspired to write about this topic. It showed. There was a LOT of filler and enough here for a blog post at best. If I had bought this book myself, I would have felt like I wasted my money. 2) There were some gimmicky concepts, like the book title for one, and the "POP" acronym at the beginning of the book, which I forgot what it stood for pages later, yet she kept using. 3) There was a lot of repurposing other people's ideas. I didn't pick up this book just for you to tell me about concepts from someone else's book. 4) I liked the idea of completing exercises at the end of each chapter, but she left you to complete them and never referenced them again. I would answer the questions, then think, ok now what? 5) My biggest qualm with the book was the sweeping generalizations she made about how women behave. The siren call of marketing a book towards more than half the Earth's population might make it tempting to try to fit all women into one box, but most of the scenarios didn't apply to me. Again, this could be the "I didn't buy this book for myself" talking, but she kept talking about one specific kind of woman (the ESFJ, if you're familiar with Myers Briggs) as if all women were like that. Feeling like this book wasn't written for me made it easy to put down.
Some parts I really liked, but most of it I skimmed. Everything learnable from this book was in my pros section, so hopefully I helped you get shit done by saving you time from reading this book :)
PROS: Like I said, I did learn a thing or two. For one, I LOVED her advice about how to feel your most productive: establish goals in three key areas (personal, professional, relationships) and try to either outsource or stop doing anything taking up your time distracting you from your goals. Don't try to "do it all" and only do what matters to you.
CONS: 1) Falconer began the book by mentioning she was asked to write about this topic by her publisher, not inspired to write about this topic. It showed. There was a LOT of filler and enough here for a blog post at best. If I had bought this book myself, I would have felt like I wasted my money. 2) There were some gimmicky concepts, like the book title for one, and the "POP" acronym at the beginning of the book, which I forgot what it stood for pages later, yet she kept using. 3) There was a lot of repurposing other people's ideas. I didn't pick up this book just for you to tell me about concepts from someone else's book. 4) I liked the idea of completing exercises at the end of each chapter, but she left you to complete them and never referenced them again. I would answer the questions, then think, ok now what? 5) My biggest qualm with the book was the sweeping generalizations she made about how women behave. The siren call of marketing a book towards more than half the Earth's population might make it tempting to try to fit all women into one box, but most of the scenarios didn't apply to me. Again, this could be the "I didn't buy this book for myself" talking, but she kept talking about one specific kind of woman (the ESFJ, if you're familiar with Myers Briggs) as if all women were like that. Feeling like this book wasn't written for me made it easy to put down.
Some parts I really liked, but most of it I skimmed. Everything learnable from this book was in my pros section, so hopefully I helped you get shit done by saving you time from reading this book :)
October 29, 2018
How to get sh*t done? For me it would include not reading this book. Ugh. So frustrating. This book is geared toward a)women without children, b)women in work situations where they have some control over their time c)women who have time to read this book and do the "homework" to begin with.
I do not fall into any of these categories---sometimes we HAVE to do everything because no one else will or no one else can. This book was a waste of time for me.
I do not fall into any of these categories---sometimes we HAVE to do everything because no one else will or no one else can. This book was a waste of time for me.
January 30, 2019
Paper and Glam January 2019 Book Club Pick
Liked: Self-Discovery in the beginning, Identifies Problems well
Disliked: Poor solutions, Outsourcing ideas/chapters, Poor solutions for when you can’t eliminate things from your life, overemphasize on work as the goal, balancing life means delegating her home life to others
Liked: Self-Discovery in the beginning, Identifies Problems well
Disliked: Poor solutions, Outsourcing ideas/chapters, Poor solutions for when you can’t eliminate things from your life, overemphasize on work as the goal, balancing life means delegating her home life to others
August 5, 2018
" The fastest route to burnout is to spend time on things you don't believe in."
"To change your life, you must stay present in your life."
"Your power comes from the choices you make."
"you have to analyze the people you spend the most time with and critically evaluate whether they're a destructive or constructive force."
"it's about feeling loved and valued by the right people, not by all people"
7 toxic people to watch out for:
1. emotional bully: You never know what you're gonna get from this person. You wonder if you've done something to offend her. Pretty soon you realize you're walking on eggshells during every encounter.
2. the victim: You're likely to feel sorry for them at first and be drawn to their troubles. You'll want to be helpful and supportive. But you soon realize that nothing is ever this person's responsibility. The world is unfair to the victim and if you're going to have a relationship w/ this person you have to be prepared for the constant support they need. It's only a matter of time before they feel victimized by you.
3. the judge: this person's weapon of choice is their disdain. Every idea put forward is dumb, no plan being created will ever work. Don't expect this person to offer their own suggestions. She's not a risk taker and doesn't want you to be either.
4. the envier: this person is a scorekeeper and things are never in their favor enough. In this person's world, there isn't enough to go around. You won't see this person cheering a friend or colleague's success- they're too busy wondering why they didn't get that promotion or opportunity.
5. the passive-aggressive type: If you're working on a project w/ this person and the idea doesn't get chosen, rather than move on or express disappointment, she'll quietly stew and resist progres through being late to meetings or misplacing materials.
6. the gossip: This person takes a little too much pleasure in the misfortune of others. How long until it's your shortcomings being dissected?
7. the pessimist: this person complains. a lot. they express their negativity and paranoia with such confidence you can start to ask yourself if you're seeing things clearly.
"90% of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress."
1."The first step in managing toxic people is to pay attention to your own reactions:
Does someone make you feel uncomfortable or anxious? Do you worry inordinately if a particular person is upset w/ you? Ask yourself what's going on. Take the time to examine a situation on its face. If you generall feel good about yourself but there's a person in your life who brings out your insecurities, pay attention."
2. When you find yourself in the proximity of a toxic person, be purposeful in your thinking.
3. Don't go along just to get along: Refuse to play the role you're being handed. It's easy just to laugh a little uncomfortably when a passive-aggressive person zings us. Call it out.
4. Learn to disengage: Don't be affected by their behavior. Rather than being pulled into the drama these kinds of people create, set boundaries for yourself. Remind yourself it's about them, not you.
The American Psychiatric Association defines burnout w/ 3 factors:
1. emotional exhaustion: fatigue is part of burnout, and feeling tired even when you're not at work, but this chronic state means you're feeling low in energy consistently.
2. Lost sense of self: when you find yourself having negative thoughts about yourself and others, being quicker than normal to criticize, and struggle to find empathy.
3. Sense of failure: you're doubting yourself and your abilities and feeling under-appreciated.
"To change your life, you must stay present in your life."
"Your power comes from the choices you make."
"you have to analyze the people you spend the most time with and critically evaluate whether they're a destructive or constructive force."
"it's about feeling loved and valued by the right people, not by all people"
7 toxic people to watch out for:
1. emotional bully: You never know what you're gonna get from this person. You wonder if you've done something to offend her. Pretty soon you realize you're walking on eggshells during every encounter.
2. the victim: You're likely to feel sorry for them at first and be drawn to their troubles. You'll want to be helpful and supportive. But you soon realize that nothing is ever this person's responsibility. The world is unfair to the victim and if you're going to have a relationship w/ this person you have to be prepared for the constant support they need. It's only a matter of time before they feel victimized by you.
3. the judge: this person's weapon of choice is their disdain. Every idea put forward is dumb, no plan being created will ever work. Don't expect this person to offer their own suggestions. She's not a risk taker and doesn't want you to be either.
4. the envier: this person is a scorekeeper and things are never in their favor enough. In this person's world, there isn't enough to go around. You won't see this person cheering a friend or colleague's success- they're too busy wondering why they didn't get that promotion or opportunity.
5. the passive-aggressive type: If you're working on a project w/ this person and the idea doesn't get chosen, rather than move on or express disappointment, she'll quietly stew and resist progres through being late to meetings or misplacing materials.
6. the gossip: This person takes a little too much pleasure in the misfortune of others. How long until it's your shortcomings being dissected?
7. the pessimist: this person complains. a lot. they express their negativity and paranoia with such confidence you can start to ask yourself if you're seeing things clearly.
"90% of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress."
1."The first step in managing toxic people is to pay attention to your own reactions:
Does someone make you feel uncomfortable or anxious? Do you worry inordinately if a particular person is upset w/ you? Ask yourself what's going on. Take the time to examine a situation on its face. If you generall feel good about yourself but there's a person in your life who brings out your insecurities, pay attention."
2. When you find yourself in the proximity of a toxic person, be purposeful in your thinking.
3. Don't go along just to get along: Refuse to play the role you're being handed. It's easy just to laugh a little uncomfortably when a passive-aggressive person zings us. Call it out.
4. Learn to disengage: Don't be affected by their behavior. Rather than being pulled into the drama these kinds of people create, set boundaries for yourself. Remind yourself it's about them, not you.
The American Psychiatric Association defines burnout w/ 3 factors:
1. emotional exhaustion: fatigue is part of burnout, and feeling tired even when you're not at work, but this chronic state means you're feeling low in energy consistently.
2. Lost sense of self: when you find yourself having negative thoughts about yourself and others, being quicker than normal to criticize, and struggle to find empathy.
3. Sense of failure: you're doubting yourself and your abilities and feeling under-appreciated.
December 29, 2017
I have to admit, this book really does make you think about certain topics. It is what I needed for a more open minded view of the way I spend my time. I find myself doing a lot of unnecessary things on a daily basis, which is truly heartbreaking for me, because time is everything. I am so glad that I got to read this book, it was truly great, thanks so much for giving me an ARC of this.
The construction of this book was very well put together, making it more accessible to readers.
I aspire to be like you one day, Erin Falconer. (also, you better believe that I constantly check the website Pick the Brain).
The construction of this book was very well put together, making it more accessible to readers.
I aspire to be like you one day, Erin Falconer. (also, you better believe that I constantly check the website Pick the Brain).
May 7, 2018
There were some interesting/useful tidbits in here but the world view from which the book was written (middle class/upper middle class) was limiting.
April 15, 2019
How to Get Shit Done? Avoid this book.
I read the book as part of a book club, but it took me three months to completely get through the story. While each person is entitled to an opinion, I do not appreciate Erin Falconer’s bashing of the male population. I agree that women have not always been on the same playing field as men, but in today’s society women tend to abuse men verbally and physically in retaliation for past inequalities. Just stop the hate on both sides! She spends many pages complaining about men.
I did thoroughly enjoy her section (pages 176-190) about the people that influence your life. While she described each personality type, I was going through my friends and family to match them to a corresponding personality. I whole heartily believe toxic people prevent others from living their best life.
There is some valuable advice, but it could be stated in less than 100 pages.
I read the book as part of a book club, but it took me three months to completely get through the story. While each person is entitled to an opinion, I do not appreciate Erin Falconer’s bashing of the male population. I agree that women have not always been on the same playing field as men, but in today’s society women tend to abuse men verbally and physically in retaliation for past inequalities. Just stop the hate on both sides! She spends many pages complaining about men.
I did thoroughly enjoy her section (pages 176-190) about the people that influence your life. While she described each personality type, I was going through my friends and family to match them to a corresponding personality. I whole heartily believe toxic people prevent others from living their best life.
There is some valuable advice, but it could be stated in less than 100 pages.
October 2, 2020
If ever there was a book to give a woman a good kick in the pants, this is it. I thoroughly felt seen. Yes, I've been the woman who has thought too much of what others think and how others feel, often resulting in worse scenarios for myself. I now know what I say, do, think, feel matters and I need to value that, act on it and get sh*t done.
May 6, 2019
I didn't like this book. I just couldn't get into it. Its hard to describe, but the only word I could come up with to describe this book is vapid.
January 25, 2024
Do you want to know how to get sh*t done? Save yourself the 6+ hours it takes to read this book and literally do ANYTHING ELSE. Go fold your laundry, put a dish in the dishwasher, or get the mail. Bam. You got sh*t done and didn't waste your time listening to this author. Who I often found annoying and sometimes a bit insufferable. She says at the beginning of the book there will be work for the readers to do - tasks like answering questions about your habits and things you've learned (????) that will help your focus or productivity. Maybe it's because I listened to the audible version, I found these tasks rattled off quickly and then I quickly forgot them. Perhaps a physical copy of this would have been better, but only marginally. Take the author's advice and learn to say no. Starting with with this book.
October 11, 2023
This book's out on my half inch list for a really long time, even though it was pretty easy to read. I felt like it was a very simplified rehashing without a lot of research of well-known psychological phenomenon like how making sure your target tasks of the day are aligned with your personal goals and values. How setting boundaries and saying no actually is better for you than saying yes to everything.
Also it was a little bit too heavy-handed with how women have it so much harder than men. The feminism angle didn't seem to have much legitimate research behind it at all, was pretty anecdotal, and I don't think lent much value to the overall topic.
It was well written, but I feel like there are much better books in this category.
Also it was a little bit too heavy-handed with how women have it so much harder than men. The feminism angle didn't seem to have much legitimate research behind it at all, was pretty anecdotal, and I don't think lent much value to the overall topic.
It was well written, but I feel like there are much better books in this category.
February 11, 2018
Always happy to hear of another Canuck's success, I burned through this book over a work shift.
You might say that some of the stuff is really obvious but I think that's the point. We get so busy in our lives we can't see the forest for the trees and fill our plates just to have them be full.
Included are a few exercises, although subjective, that help you narrow your focus. The "perfect day" exercise was a bust for me as it includes drinking tea, hanging with my dog and heading back to bed.
I always appreciate hearing the stories of success that aren't a straight line.
Perfect length.
Check it out!
You might say that some of the stuff is really obvious but I think that's the point. We get so busy in our lives we can't see the forest for the trees and fill our plates just to have them be full.
Included are a few exercises, although subjective, that help you narrow your focus. The "perfect day" exercise was a bust for me as it includes drinking tea, hanging with my dog and heading back to bed.
I always appreciate hearing the stories of success that aren't a straight line.
Perfect length.
Check it out!
July 12, 2019
really interesting take on how to not burn yourself out by doing everything you can in each community you are a part of. personally what i needed, as i tend to step up and take leadership positions wherever i go and that is honestly not necessary at all. they also have cute little exercises to analyze your situation now and plan out the best way to use your time in the future. great read for women who are aspiring to be successful in their own ways.
October 6, 2024
It’s a productivity guide for women. It has an empowering message for women to break free from the pressure of being perfect and prioritize their own goals. And it offers practical advice on setting priorities, delegating tasks, and saying ‘no’ to unnecessary commitments. For anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, this book can be an inspiration for reclaiming time, energy, and focus on what truly matters.
I liked her personal stories as an example of each life challenge.
I liked her personal stories as an example of each life challenge.
July 15, 2020
A practical book on productivity that I consistently recommend to friends (particularly women) feeling pressure at home, work, and from themselves.
Ultimately, it's about prioritization - really forcing yourself to zero in on what your 3 most important priorities are, and being ruthless about focusing on them, versus all the other directions we get pulled into.
Ultimately, it's about prioritization - really forcing yourself to zero in on what your 3 most important priorities are, and being ruthless about focusing on them, versus all the other directions we get pulled into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2020
Definitely some useful tips, but overall a lot of it felt like filler. The message didn’t always seem well aligned with her anecdotes, but I made notes and felt motivated to dig deeper on a few of her suggestions.
February 28, 2018
Truly inspiring. Inspirational without being intimidating. The author gives concrete steps to implement a simplified and focused life. Will recommend to every woman I know.
May 17, 2018
Tells it like it is: us women run around doing so much we are exhausted and often let our dreams slide. Good advice!
January 7, 2024
I read about half this book and then skimmed the rest just because as a poor, blue collared job woman who wakes up at 4am everyday already I really felt like I couldn’t relate to this at all. Much like a blog post it had a lot of filler, and at points it seemed like she was being forced to write than her writing the book because she genuinely wanted to. No hate to her but unless you were living pretty much the same life as the author (working in an office, having parents that are willing to help you pay for everything or just supportive parents in general, not liking men, etc) this book won’t help you much. I did like some of the points made in this book but they were nothing significant.
December 30, 2020
Not the worst format of things said before by a truly badass woman. Organize yourself to get to where you want to be... or are you already where you want to be? Enjoy it!
March 18, 2019
Finally made time to get the book done.. She makes good points such as eliminating word should from vocabulary, remembering to focus energy towards things that matter, focus on 3 areas, not trying to do everything and monitoring can help avoid burnout.
September 1, 2018
This book is meant for women, and while it’s uniquely suited to the fairer sex, it still works as a productivity manual for anyone looking to better prioritize their life. A lot of it is similar to what has been said elsewhere, but that doesn’t make it any less useful. Some key points include:
-learn to say no
-delegate if you can
-don’t prioritize your schedule, but schedule your priorities
-multitasking is a myth. Don’t convince yourself that it’s not
-sleep
-meditate and practice mindfulness
-get moving
-focus on 3 major projects/goals at one time, not more. Try to have one going for relationships, one for your career, and one for your personal development
And more. My favourite part near the start of the book was the author telling anti-feminist women to STFU and realize they’re the inheritors of centuries of continued effort to give modern women the opportunities they currently have. Right on.
-learn to say no
-delegate if you can
-don’t prioritize your schedule, but schedule your priorities
-multitasking is a myth. Don’t convince yourself that it’s not
-sleep
-meditate and practice mindfulness
-get moving
-focus on 3 major projects/goals at one time, not more. Try to have one going for relationships, one for your career, and one for your personal development
And more. My favourite part near the start of the book was the author telling anti-feminist women to STFU and realize they’re the inheritors of centuries of continued effort to give modern women the opportunities they currently have. Right on.
March 24, 2018
I could not finish reading this book , as it made me very not interested every time I read another page of it. However, I forced myself to read more maybe it will get better, but it did not. I usually cannot wait to come back home to continue reading the book I have at the time. The eagerness to flip the page and read more was non-existent for this one.
Maybe I find my own ways to be productive and enjoy my life at the same time to be much better of the complications the author went through to establish her points on how to do it.
I guess I am not one of the audience that this book is meant to reach.
Maybe I find my own ways to be productive and enjoy my life at the same time to be much better of the complications the author went through to establish her points on how to do it.
I guess I am not one of the audience that this book is meant to reach.
August 12, 2020
The author is totally tone deaf to actual working mothers and lower middle class genre. I got a sense that her parents subsidized her life which is how she is fortunate enough to be in the position where she is right now.
January 25, 2023
This probably should’ve been marketed as an uninteresting, rambling memoir. I could’ve gotten more sh*t done by not reading this book
February 20, 2019
For some reason, I had high expectations for this book. They were not met.
It's an okay book with a lot of fluff I didn't necessarily mind, but it would get boring at times.
As far as practicality goes, the author does make note of a few interesting theories (one in particular, I've found very useful), but nothing revolutionary.
Although she insists on the idea of a personalized definition of productivity, she doesn't really offer a lot of constructive insight. I've noticed a lot of times, she mentions various concepts, only to leave you hanging with no sub-sequential practice of said idea. It felt frustrating.
All in all, I would recommend it as a light read if you're stuck productivity wise and need a few good tips to get you started or keep you moving.
Favorite quotes:
It's an okay book with a lot of fluff I didn't necessarily mind, but it would get boring at times.
As far as practicality goes, the author does make note of a few interesting theories (one in particular, I've found very useful), but nothing revolutionary.
Although she insists on the idea of a personalized definition of productivity, she doesn't really offer a lot of constructive insight. I've noticed a lot of times, she mentions various concepts, only to leave you hanging with no sub-sequential practice of said idea. It felt frustrating.
All in all, I would recommend it as a light read if you're stuck productivity wise and need a few good tips to get you started or keep you moving.
Favorite quotes:
Many of us don't know what makes us happy. Or that we deserve happiness that's worth investigating. [...] We're not taking the time to analyze what course of action is the right one to brin out the best version of ourselves.
Without a purpose, you're just busy.
We may never create a world where our own voices are the only ones we listen to, but where are our voices in the hierarchy of those we listen to?
We can be so many things in the course of a lifetime, but we can't be everything.
LESS IS A LOT MORE
To take control of our life, happiness and productivity we have to no longer react to how others perceive us.
Being in perpetual apology mode undermines your message, and it projects an image that you are powerless over your actions and reactions (an image that often becomes internalized and creates a negative feedback loop).
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