“Organized” and “artist” don't usually go together. Creative types are more often seen as sensitive, melodramatic, eccentric, misunderstood, and the like. To those who have been labeled in this way, Sam Bennett says, “Congratulations! You're an artist.” And through the Organized Artist Company, she has coached hundreds of artists to overcome procrastination, lack of focus, and time-sucking habits so that they can get their art done and out into the world. Bennett explains why “procrastination is genius in disguise” and then prescribes dozens of wonderfully revelatory exercises — such as making a “My Heroes” list and “could-do” lists (because Bennett finds to-do lists too dictatorial) — each of which requires only a fifteen-minute commitment. She gives readers practical, real-world tips, such as how to recognize who they should not talk to about their projects and when research has created Analysis Paralysis. Each of the tools she offers shifts the reader's thinking and prompts the kind of insights that have the power to turn underperforming geniuses into accomplished artists.
I hope to use the techniques in this book, especially the 15 minute exercise in my daily routine. As tired as I am, unleashing my perfectionism would do me a world of a difference with respect to my anxiety.
The author's voice was calm to listen and easy to follow when I felt sleepy. I hope to implement this book in every aspect of my life to hopefully see a light at the end of the tunnel and motivate myself further. I can't write the good, long review right now, but I think the words above explain the impact she had on me when she was reading. It definitely introduced me to boosted self confidence and new perspectives.
This is an example of the perfect book showing up at the perfect time. I loved this book so much -- I wish I could give it forty-eleven stars. I started to put sticky notes on the parts that were particularly meaningful, until I realized I was tagging almost every paragraph. This is a book that I'll read many times, whenever I need a friendly reminder, a get-out-there nudge, or a little bit of sympathetic hand-holding.
There's such enthusiasm in Sam Bennett's book, Get It Done, that I was happy to keep reading and following her suggestions. As my intent for this year is to finish projects already started I welcomed her advice and practical solutions.
One of her "short hand" tips is to pick the project that's closest to being done. As with a credit card you're planning to pay off "pick the one that has the highest 'interest' rate and finish that one."
Bennett offers five quick questions pertaining to one of the many projects you're procrastinating on. You can repeat this exercise with five possible projects that matter to you.
The Pure Preference exercise helps you figure out "the project you would choose if money and time were no object, if your results were guaranteed, and if you knew for sure no one's feelings would be hurt in the process."
I definitely had fun listing my projects and going through the exercise. There wasn't an absolutely clear winner and Bennett has five questions to answer in that case.
Each chapter ends with an "Action Step", and right from the beginning the suggestions have to do with "playing around with your favorite project" for fifteen minutes. That's before checking your email.
I've come to follow that practice and it's very wise advice. You connect to your own work first before attending to the demands of others. And as Bennett points out that because you've plunged "into your day knowing that you've already made even a little bit of progress on the work that is dearest to your heart will improve your whole world."
Sam Bennett deals with all the issues that can get in the way of creativity including procrastination, perfectionism and the question: "Who are you to do this anyway?"
Budget is dealt with and as Bennett says: "Knowing exactly what you need allows you to find exactly what you need. Staying vague is staying stuck."
I followed the suggested exercise and wrote down all the ways a sum of money could come into my life. I came up with inventive ideas as well as acknowledged the many ways I'm putting my work into the world right now.
Dealing with time is another challenge and Bennett tackles it by having readers consider what they do now and to put an asterisk beside the tasks only they can do; the other tasks could be assigned to other people. The goal: remove one thing from your schedule, permanently.
Sam Bennett makes anything sound possible if you just give it fifteen minutes a day. There's humor in the book and lots of useful exercises and inspiring examples. Even though we may not know her personally it's reassuring to know Sam Bennett is cheering us on.
by Mary Ann Moore for Story Circle Book Reviews reviewing books by, for, and about women
Not for me. A very chipper, enthusiastic voice that grated a little. Very much about boosting your self-confidence to let you know YOU CAN DO THE THING through activities like;
*listing your heroic qualities and then reading them out loud *drawing a picture of yourself as a hero defeating your dragon of procrastination using a sword of special talents *writing down all the compliments you receive
The practical strategies in the book are ones you've no doubt heard before: learn to say no, commit a non-negotiable 15 mins per day to your project, remove one thing from your schedule by outsourcing or letting it go, organize your space, declutter, set up systems for bill paying etc.
Creative people are wired differently and see the world a bit differently--but the one thing they have in common with every other person is a lack of time to work on projects that are due, projects that sound like fun, and projects that need to be explored.
Sam Bennett created the Organized Artist Company and she wrote a book that is part coaching, part time management, and part kick in the butt. "Get It Done, from Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day" is a book with suggestions, how-to's, and clever ideas to help anyone (but especially artists) choose their work, get their work done in a time frame (by working 15 concentrated minutes a day), and complete their work.
Here's are some chapter titles:
Procrastination is Genius in Disguise Which of Your 37 Projects to Tackle First Overcoming Perfectionism How to Do Your Could-Do List Where Will You Find the Time? Organizing Your Space Why Is It So Awful When Everyone Thinks You are So Wonderful? Do You Quit When You're Almost Done?
When you read Bennett's book, you know she is an artist, has been in your shoes, and can teach you how to dance in them--backwards--to success. Her worksheets are realistic, her steps doable and her process powerful.
The book is a fast read but one you will want to concentrate on to overcome perfectionism and the destructive procrastination that goes hand-in-hand with it. She's knows art is important to culture, supports the necessity for excellent work, but won't let you ruin your success with senselessly chasing perfection.
It's 204 pages that are packed with good advice, success stories, and real help. You can read the full review and participate in the giveaway (till February 16, 2014) here: http://wp.me/p2H1i-3mw
Sam Bennett's Get it Done has transformed my writing life, which had been a bit challenging of late. Get it Done has been instrumental in my developing a consistent writing practice. I'm writing 5 days a week at the same time and sometimes just for 15 minutes. Perhaps the awesomest part is I am writing from my VOICE and not just blah blah blah which i had been doing for a while. Thank you Sam for writing this fabulous book. I've already begun to recommend it to others and bought several copies to give as gifts!
List your Heroes' heroic qualities [people you admire: your key values - creative exercise]: - Your own field: - Literature/writing: - Business: - Fashion: - TV character: - Film character: - Cartoon character: - Music: - Politics: - Cooking/food: - Ancient History: - Modern HIstory: - Myth[ology]: - Sports:
Creative exercises for focusing on what matters are presented by a warm, humanistic observer of people. Listen to the audiobook. A few of the more straightforward but insightful exercises:
Identify which creative projects truly matter to you: 1) Do you think you will learn from and enjoy working on this project? 2) Will completing this project make a difference in your life? 3) Will completing this project make a difference in the world? 4) Does your soul ache to work on it? 5) Ten years from now will it matter whether you done it?
Rename Your Project to reflect your values and desires. Typical names are discouraging or uninspiring. Use fun, silly or sexy names that make you smile, challenge you, or have a mysterious appeal.
Three Daily Habits: 1) Spend the first 15 minutes of each day working on your project - before you check email or the Internet. A timer may help. 2) Use an idea catcher (e.g., index cards, small notebook, voice memo app, journal/datebook, notetaking app, voicemail to yourself, post-its, coupon carrier, tap wrist/forehead/sterum while you repeat the idea out loud). 3) Spend 15 minutes each day doing deliberate daydreaming. A simple repetitive action/task (without language) keeps the left brain busy, while the right brain does intuitive, creative work. Help your brain avoid the negative mental chatter.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. There was lots of practical advice to get over the barriers that prevent you from working on a project. It reminded me of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic that I thoroughly enjoyed, but there was a little too much god talk for my taste or interest which is why it only got 4 stars instead of 5.
I always enjoy a good self-help book and Get It Done... by Sam Bennett was definitely enjoyable. It's full of fun anecdotes, practical exercises and positive tips on getting things done. It's a perfect guide, especially for those who like a step-by-step approach to overcoming procrastination.
This was hands down the best book I've ever read on getting my sh*t together.
No lies.
It's written for those of you out there who are creative (in whatever particular pursuit you do) and it is bang on the money. I play on implementing her techniques into my life because I'm sooooo tired at not ever getting to play with all the stuff I love, but never let myself do.
Get this book if you are frustrated with never setting aside time to do that creative outlet or pursue those dreams. It will be the best money you could ever spend!
I'm fairly sure I keep reading self-help books out of some bizarre masochistic tendency that is constantly at war with my sense of hope. I've been changed by fiction--found more truth in fiction--than I ever have in self-help.
This too suffers from the "Take Away the Anecdotes and There's No Real Content" Syndrome that afflicts the genre.
oh man, just what i needed when i was having a creative rut. i've never really ventured into self-help books before, but i was in a giant creative block and i was struggling to be productive in producing any artistic content (was trying to attempt the pen again). this was a productivity book geared towards the artists - the writers, the designers, the musicians, songwriters, the innovators, the ones that see life in technicolour with infinite possibilities - the ones that want to make things but are held back by some forces (sometimes, themselves). the writer, sam bennett, had great strategies and examples of how creative people can move past their inhibitions, take their goals from whimsical dreams into concrete realities, and produce. loved this book because it felt like a dialogue and it was practical - not to mention impossibly witty and well-written. really would recommend! :)
Very good book on getting organized from both the personal and professional with great tips and visualizations. So many quick ahhs - my favorite was "Get a C" referring to doing something that is ok (C) on time instead of overthinking to get to outstanding but late "A".
I really appreciated that this had so many tips I could use and here I thought I was a productivity guru!
Short on time? Read the gray boxes - often these are nuggets that will stick with you. Lots of worksheets are included, too. You can get it done.
A time management book for folks who like to act, paint, write, etc. filling an under served niche in the business and productivity arena. With a number of practical exercises and insights to help get you off your duff and begin doing the work you want so desperately to create, Sam leads you along the path to greater success with a gentle good humor that makes the book extremely accessible and an easy read. Highly recommended.
This is a different kind of productivity book. It is much more subjective, with plenty of exercises. Although I am not an artist as such, I did enjoy the book and it gave me lots of ideas. My take away was to not be a perfectionist. Sometimes you just have to say what you have done is enough and send it off.
Show up. Do the work. Even if you only do a little at a time. It's Ok to be afraid, but it's not OK to not do the work. This book aims to bust through your excuses and give you the confidence to make whatever art it is you want to make and to get it out there in the world, 15 minutes at a time.
...yeah I couldn't resist. It was an enjoyable read, lots of great exercises & tips, and I can see myself re-reading in the future if I need a kick in the pants.
Maybe this is helpful to folks who've never read other books on getting organized and tackling projects. I found it to be very basic advice you can get anywhere (Eisenhower matrix! Set aside time every day! Break down tasks into smaller tasks!) mixed with a lot of sassy "you got this" positive talk. It's not BAD, but I won't be recommending this one.
I don't give five stars so you know this book was something. You can't be all things to all people and she doesn't try. Instead, she speaks directly to the creative, artist professional and boy does Sam Bennett nail it with this one.
I felt like she had looked into my mind and was speaking directly to me.
Every issue, every insecurity that I have about being a creative professional, she addresses and brooks no argument. Packed with easy and fun exercises I found this book to be inspirational, motivating, and enlightening. It's definitely something I would read again and again. I guess the true merits of the book will be determined by what I get done.
The author has a tendency to use other people's words without attribution. I recognize then because they are some of my favorite quotes.
There is some stuff that doesn't seem to belong in a book about procrastination. Get your finances together? Organize your kitchen? Good advice, I'm just not sure why it's in this book.
Also a lot of you're a precious snowflake type things. I don't mind that to certain extent but she did go over the top. Sometimes I need someone to say I'm special even if it's not true. My favorite exercise? The hero one.
Bennett writes with humor and optimism. She has inspired me to reignite my photo and digital projects and 'get them done' with lots of joy and have fun doing it.
Audiobook: Read by the author, a clear, female voice, medium tone. Suitable for x2 speed.
A good, thought-provoking, inspirational read. Lots of advice but it isn't overwhelming. Speaks to your inner creative genius, who may feel a little trapped sometimes. Would recommend it to other procrastinators out there.
Favourite quotes:
"If you find yourself procrastinating, your project is too big."
"You cannot chase two bunnies."
"The fact of the matter is, right now, you're trying to get some work done and you're stuck. The trick is to give your logical linear left brain something interesting to do while your right brain gets to do its impulsive elliptical intuitive work. You want your hands to be busy so your mind can wander."
"In fishing: The reward isn't the fish."
"Elegant systems have beauty, simplicity, and grace. They are easy to explain and easy to use. They bring peace and, perhaps surprisingly, create space for increased spontaneity and joy."
"No one will appreciate the hard work and courage that it takes for you to get your work out there because everyone thinks that you know how talented you are. It won't seem remarkable to them at all. In fact, they'll probably wonder what took you so long."
I think this is a book that could have been much shorter. I loved the first half of the book but then found myself skimming over parts I felt didn’t apply to me.
Things I want more of in self-improvement books:
More of the personal journey of the author. I feel like understanding the authentic path the author took to where they are helps legitimize the advice they’re giving and not enough Sam in this book for my liking.
In that autobiography I always want the author to acknowledge their advantages and their privilege. Everyone has challenges, but if family money or a wealthy working spouse allows you to pursue your dreams acknowledge it. There’s nothing wrong with having advantages. Life isn’t fair that way, but it always strikes me as disingenuous when an author skips over their obvious advantages over their potential audience.
That said, Sam Bennett has some great advice for creatives, and the book is broken up into manageable sections and I appreciate the workbook format and the idea that you can make some progress with just 15 minutes a Day.
Great quotes sprinkled throughout and plenty to go back and reread. I have a tendency to hate self-help books, so I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
This book is aimed at people with an artistic nature. While that is not me in particular, I did find a couple of useful tips in this book. I think the most important thing I took away is that you can make small changes in your daily schedule to accomplish tasks important to you. You may only be able to carve out 15 minutes from your day, but you will find that time if the task is important enough to you. The author gives examples of people completing novels or other works of art by working on them for 15 minutes each day, in spite of having a job and kids. Also, the author has a good example of and reasoning for suggesting that some tasks need to be done, but not necessarily done "extremely well". For some tasks, maybe a C effort is all that is needed.
I feel that there are other books out there that are better at helping people like myself become more productive, but there were a couple of good tips/insights in this book. If you are more of an artist or artistic type of person, then this book might have some approaches that speak better to you.