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Workday Warrior: A Proven Path to Reclaiming Your Time
Reclaim control of your workday with a proven time-saving method.
Life is busier than ever before. We are working longer hours, with more stress and more priorities, yet we seem to fall further and further behind. Our so-called leisure time is punctuated with interruptions, constantly lulling us back to work. We are led to believe we can prioritize our way out of this, but prioritization is broken.
In Plan. Protect. Pivot., productivity expert Ann Gomez presents a fresh approach that will smash today’s time challenges — too many priorities, too many interruptions, and too much complexity. We don’t need more willpower, discipline, or hours in our day. Instead we need a straight-forward approach to help us reclaim our time and upgrade our work habits. We need to plan our workdays, protect our time, and pivot when required.
Find more time in your day and feel more in control of your time. Your work will never be the same
Life is busier than ever before. We are working longer hours, with more stress and more priorities, yet we seem to fall further and further behind. Our so-called leisure time is punctuated with interruptions, constantly lulling us back to work. We are led to believe we can prioritize our way out of this, but prioritization is broken.
In Plan. Protect. Pivot., productivity expert Ann Gomez presents a fresh approach that will smash today’s time challenges — too many priorities, too many interruptions, and too much complexity. We don’t need more willpower, discipline, or hours in our day. Instead we need a straight-forward approach to help us reclaim our time and upgrade our work habits. We need to plan our workdays, protect our time, and pivot when required.
Find more time in your day and feel more in control of your time. Your work will never be the same
216 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2023
14 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 31, 2023
I’m currently reading my way through a few self-help books in anticipation of my January radio segment, focused on New Years resolutions. It will likely have aired by the time I get around to posting this, but I just finished reading Workday Warrior by Ann Gomez and a few of her tips and tricks are still fresh in my mind, including ‘tackle your core priorities first’. Her advice is in reference to a day-job, first and foremost, but I couldn’t help applying it to my side job of book reviewing too. It got me thinking about what I could pare down in my world of ivereadthis to make more room for what the core priority is, which is if course reading. I’m debating deleting my instagram accounts (both personal and book-related) in an effort to reduce my screen time and keep my mental state focused and happy. This is just one of the many ideas I’ve come away with after reading this book.
Book Summary
Written with a clear audience, Workday Warrior is for those knowledge workers who have the privilege (or burden, depending on your perspective) of sitting at a desk all day, in front of a computer, with email pinging at you, and responsibilities that likely spill over into future days, weeks and months. Gomez is a consultant with four kids, who has written more than one book, so that fact alone will prove she’s a master of productivity! Broken into three parts, she explains we need to a) CLARIFY: map out our core priorities, b) FORTIFY: schedule our days to ensure time to get our core work done is protected and c) SIMPLIFY: delegate, ask for assistance, or eliminate the distractions that prevent us from taking too long to complete our work. Gomez uses case studies of her past clients to demonstrate the different ways in which we can restructure our days, which I found to be most helpful. As a member of the 5am club, I’ve found a way to make more time for myself so I can accommodate my ivereadthis tasks into an already busy life, but Gomez’s goal is to better differentiate between work and personal time, so people’s jobs don’t spill into their precious personal and family time, a goal everyone should aspire to.
My Thoughts
The advice in this book can be applied to both in-office and at-home work. She encourages people to take advantage of a company’s offer to work from home, to simply save time on commuting. With the caveat that sometimes people are more efficient at the office, its also important to choose what’s best for you. She also offers a quick summary of chronotypes, differentiating between night owls, early birds, or somewhere in between. She argues that we should aim to work when we feel our energy peaking, which can vary during the day based on what kind of category we slot ourselves into. This is the main reason I’m a member of the 5am club – I’ve never liked staying up late, so its easy for me to wake up early, and go to bed early too. My husband is the opposite, he’ll do some of his best work at night, and even though Gomez isn’t suggesting you do work at night, simply being aware of your ‘type’ should help you plan your day more efficiently.
Gomez offers easy tips and tricks to streamline one’s day, but its all predicated on the fact that you must be able to identify your core work (i.e. your major goals, or the main expectation of your job) vs. the supporting tasks (i.e. answering emails, submitting expense reports, etc.). She explains how to do this, and its required in order to follow her rules of productivity. Once these priorities have been identified, the reader can build their “MAP” which helps them schedule their day.
In case it isn’t obvious yet, this book is a true deep-dive into productivity, and some real work is required to follow her advice, including her suggestion that you plan your next work day the day before. I can’t see myself following the MAP technique, simply because I’m managing my current workload comfortably, but I’m glad to know I have these tricks up my sleeve should I need them. With this in mind, I’d recommend this book for those who are already busy, but willing to ‘put in the work’. There are general self-help books with more basic advice available, but this is clearly for those high-performing executives who need to squeeze in just a bit more into their day.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivereadthis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
Book Summary
Written with a clear audience, Workday Warrior is for those knowledge workers who have the privilege (or burden, depending on your perspective) of sitting at a desk all day, in front of a computer, with email pinging at you, and responsibilities that likely spill over into future days, weeks and months. Gomez is a consultant with four kids, who has written more than one book, so that fact alone will prove she’s a master of productivity! Broken into three parts, she explains we need to a) CLARIFY: map out our core priorities, b) FORTIFY: schedule our days to ensure time to get our core work done is protected and c) SIMPLIFY: delegate, ask for assistance, or eliminate the distractions that prevent us from taking too long to complete our work. Gomez uses case studies of her past clients to demonstrate the different ways in which we can restructure our days, which I found to be most helpful. As a member of the 5am club, I’ve found a way to make more time for myself so I can accommodate my ivereadthis tasks into an already busy life, but Gomez’s goal is to better differentiate between work and personal time, so people’s jobs don’t spill into their precious personal and family time, a goal everyone should aspire to.
My Thoughts
The advice in this book can be applied to both in-office and at-home work. She encourages people to take advantage of a company’s offer to work from home, to simply save time on commuting. With the caveat that sometimes people are more efficient at the office, its also important to choose what’s best for you. She also offers a quick summary of chronotypes, differentiating between night owls, early birds, or somewhere in between. She argues that we should aim to work when we feel our energy peaking, which can vary during the day based on what kind of category we slot ourselves into. This is the main reason I’m a member of the 5am club – I’ve never liked staying up late, so its easy for me to wake up early, and go to bed early too. My husband is the opposite, he’ll do some of his best work at night, and even though Gomez isn’t suggesting you do work at night, simply being aware of your ‘type’ should help you plan your day more efficiently.
Gomez offers easy tips and tricks to streamline one’s day, but its all predicated on the fact that you must be able to identify your core work (i.e. your major goals, or the main expectation of your job) vs. the supporting tasks (i.e. answering emails, submitting expense reports, etc.). She explains how to do this, and its required in order to follow her rules of productivity. Once these priorities have been identified, the reader can build their “MAP” which helps them schedule their day.
In case it isn’t obvious yet, this book is a true deep-dive into productivity, and some real work is required to follow her advice, including her suggestion that you plan your next work day the day before. I can’t see myself following the MAP technique, simply because I’m managing my current workload comfortably, but I’m glad to know I have these tricks up my sleeve should I need them. With this in mind, I’d recommend this book for those who are already busy, but willing to ‘put in the work’. There are general self-help books with more basic advice available, but this is clearly for those high-performing executives who need to squeeze in just a bit more into their day.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivereadthis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
June 12, 2023
Loved this book! I consider myself good at managing time and as part of my job, I help individuals and teams with time and productivity strategies without added stress or frustration. However, I learned a lot from Ann Gomez’s book and refreshed a number of concepts and strategies that, with time, we tend to forget!
This book is a great resource wether you are a time management novice or an expert.
The tools provided in this book (as well as the multiple
Online resources) will help the reader optimize time, streamline processes and achieve goals as identified in your “MAP”.
I highly recommend this book and following the strategies for a while to see great changes!
This book is a great resource wether you are a time management novice or an expert.
The tools provided in this book (as well as the multiple
Online resources) will help the reader optimize time, streamline processes and achieve goals as identified in your “MAP”.
I highly recommend this book and following the strategies for a while to see great changes!
Read
February 25, 2024When I pick up productivity books, I don’t often think about applying it to my work. I am on the search for ways in which I can continue to be productive at work but also continue to hone my passions of reading and writing. Since starting the blog, it has become such an integral part of my life that I can’t imagine not having it. To sustain it, all I have to do is keep reading and writing!
What I loved about the writing (and Ann)
Ann is a mom of 4 kids and the owner of a successful business. I have coworkers who are amazing at their jobs, have school-going kids, an active social life and a passion for the outdoors. How do they do it?
Workday Warrior is as impactful as it is because of Ann. The experiences that she shares, the jokes she writes, the stories she recalls of her clients and the research cited by her – everything is purposeful. I also loved how she writes for all people no matter how productive they think they may be. Her exercises and questionnaires are inclusive and encompass a wide array of situations. I could always relate to something! This is important because if I can’t relate, I am not likely to ever implement the strategies of the book.
With Workday Warrior, I could not wait to dive in. Seeing advanced examples, I had the freedom to create my Proactive Routine before the chapter that went into it and then compare how I had approached it.
Workday Warrior has an upbeat tone that encourages action. Ann clearly loves her work and her passion comes through in her words. My career journey is still in its early years. I started working full time in 2019 and enough time has passed that I understand the demands and cycles of my work. Workday Warrior was an honest conversation about working life and living. I thought of Abu, my aunt who passed away recently, and I could see her telling me many of these things if we had had the time. A heart to heart that is only possible with a loved one who understands the world and weaves their secrets into your connection.
Being Strategic
Work is not just having the skills to complete the tasks. It has social interactions, time pressures, and context. Our personal life and commitments affect it too. Mentors can be very helpful in succeeding in a career but conversations about productivity and work-life balance are not always comfortable ones. That’s where we need books like Workday Warrior to remind us how we can thrive even when everyday feels the same.
Ann describes a holistic system to make time work for us: clear grasp of priorities, a routine that protects time for things that are important, and the tools with which we can simplify our lives. I have read or heard of many of the books mentioned by Ann and I felt that she took the teachings from them and gave me something that I could apply to my work and home life. There are strategies to identify our core priorities, make time for the supporting tasks, reduce decision fatigue, use energy levels during the day to our advantage – this book is a powerhouse of ideas and if you go into it wanting to learn something, you will come out a winner.
One of my favourite takeaways was the power of language: Workday Warriors are not surprised when things don’t go according to plan. They believe in their abilities and see the ‘unexpected’ as just the ‘unknown’. I am internalising this idea.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy of the book for an honest review.
Check out the detailed review and author interview on my blog. :) Have you read this book?
- Kriti, Armed with A Book | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
What I loved about the writing (and Ann)
Ann is a mom of 4 kids and the owner of a successful business. I have coworkers who are amazing at their jobs, have school-going kids, an active social life and a passion for the outdoors. How do they do it?
Workday Warrior is as impactful as it is because of Ann. The experiences that she shares, the jokes she writes, the stories she recalls of her clients and the research cited by her – everything is purposeful. I also loved how she writes for all people no matter how productive they think they may be. Her exercises and questionnaires are inclusive and encompass a wide array of situations. I could always relate to something! This is important because if I can’t relate, I am not likely to ever implement the strategies of the book.
With Workday Warrior, I could not wait to dive in. Seeing advanced examples, I had the freedom to create my Proactive Routine before the chapter that went into it and then compare how I had approached it.
Workday Warrior has an upbeat tone that encourages action. Ann clearly loves her work and her passion comes through in her words. My career journey is still in its early years. I started working full time in 2019 and enough time has passed that I understand the demands and cycles of my work. Workday Warrior was an honest conversation about working life and living. I thought of Abu, my aunt who passed away recently, and I could see her telling me many of these things if we had had the time. A heart to heart that is only possible with a loved one who understands the world and weaves their secrets into your connection.
Being Strategic
Work is not just having the skills to complete the tasks. It has social interactions, time pressures, and context. Our personal life and commitments affect it too. Mentors can be very helpful in succeeding in a career but conversations about productivity and work-life balance are not always comfortable ones. That’s where we need books like Workday Warrior to remind us how we can thrive even when everyday feels the same.
Ann describes a holistic system to make time work for us: clear grasp of priorities, a routine that protects time for things that are important, and the tools with which we can simplify our lives. I have read or heard of many of the books mentioned by Ann and I felt that she took the teachings from them and gave me something that I could apply to my work and home life. There are strategies to identify our core priorities, make time for the supporting tasks, reduce decision fatigue, use energy levels during the day to our advantage – this book is a powerhouse of ideas and if you go into it wanting to learn something, you will come out a winner.
One of my favourite takeaways was the power of language: Workday Warriors are not surprised when things don’t go according to plan. They believe in their abilities and see the ‘unexpected’ as just the ‘unknown’. I am internalising this idea.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy of the book for an honest review.
Check out the detailed review and author interview on my blog. :) Have you read this book?
- Kriti, Armed with A Book | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
April 25, 2024
Some Notes:
• The greatest victory is that which requires no battle. - Sun Tzu
• One who tries to catch two rabbits, catches neither – Confucious
• Don't accept a task without a deadline.
• Decision Fatigue: Every decision, even the simplest ones consume energy.
• Frog: Feels too hard to accomplish.
• 20 mins of nap in the afternoon > 20 mins of snooze in the morning
• Napuccino: Coffee before nap. 20 mins is approximately the amount of time taken for the caffeine to kick in
• Time Tracking:
o Core Priorities
o Supporting Tasks
Meetings: more senior, more meetings
Informal Communication
• What is your ideal time split?
o Great Performers: 60% Core Priorities
60% Core Priorities:
Supporting Tasks: 3 to 4 hours per day
Distracting Tasks: Important during breaks
Future Priorities: Should be zero
• 7 Pillars of Self-Care
1. Breaks and Relaxation
2. Exercise = Fertilizer for the brain
3. Sleep
4. Nutrition: All diseases begins in the gut
5. Meditation
6. Gratitude: Journaling and Thank you notes
7. Relationships
• 14: Implement your Proactive Routine: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
o What you do everyday matters more than what you do once in a while.
o When we simplify our days, we could amplify our results.
o What got you to where you are won't get you to where you want to go.
• 16: The Simplify Filter: Scale back: Learn to say no to the good so you could say yes to the best.
• Let go of perfectionism
o When there is a degree of subjectivity, perfection is unattainable.
o Done is better than perfect.
• Plan for interim steps
• When organizing, try to use the Real Estate Principle:
o Easy Access: Prime Location: Items you use often
• The greatest victory is that which requires no battle. - Sun Tzu
• One who tries to catch two rabbits, catches neither – Confucious
• Don't accept a task without a deadline.
• Decision Fatigue: Every decision, even the simplest ones consume energy.
• Frog: Feels too hard to accomplish.
• 20 mins of nap in the afternoon > 20 mins of snooze in the morning
• Napuccino: Coffee before nap. 20 mins is approximately the amount of time taken for the caffeine to kick in
• Time Tracking:
o Core Priorities
o Supporting Tasks
Meetings: more senior, more meetings
Informal Communication
• What is your ideal time split?
o Great Performers: 60% Core Priorities
60% Core Priorities:
Supporting Tasks: 3 to 4 hours per day
Distracting Tasks: Important during breaks
Future Priorities: Should be zero
• 7 Pillars of Self-Care
1. Breaks and Relaxation
2. Exercise = Fertilizer for the brain
3. Sleep
4. Nutrition: All diseases begins in the gut
5. Meditation
6. Gratitude: Journaling and Thank you notes
7. Relationships
• 14: Implement your Proactive Routine: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
o What you do everyday matters more than what you do once in a while.
o When we simplify our days, we could amplify our results.
o What got you to where you are won't get you to where you want to go.
• 16: The Simplify Filter: Scale back: Learn to say no to the good so you could say yes to the best.
• Let go of perfectionism
o When there is a degree of subjectivity, perfection is unattainable.
o Done is better than perfect.
• Plan for interim steps
• When organizing, try to use the Real Estate Principle:
o Easy Access: Prime Location: Items you use often
October 25, 2022
This was a well-written and informative book for anyone who is looking to take control of their workday. As someone who has a lot of priorities and work on a daily basis, this book was a helpful guide on how to develop a better system and to "become a workday warrior". Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC!
May 18, 2023
exiting my lazy girl era with this one
August 22, 2023
Practical efficiencies and strategies for your career journey. Get results during your 9-5 and get your life back.
Read
January 16, 2024My company already implements a lot of the focus' of this book. There was one analogy in this book that was useful [three types of balls], and one concept that I can apply to a team retro.
October 27, 2024
Advice is on point. Nothing I didn't know. But it bears reminding. Great for those new to productivity. It does read a little AI-ish
November 25, 2023
I’m a self-proclaimed productivity addict, so of course I had to read this book. This was full of tips and tricks to take control of our time and enhance our efficiency amid distractions, interruptions and complexity.
After reading similar books on the topic, such as Steven Covey’s ‘The Four Quadrant’ and David Allen’s ‘Getting Things Done’, honestly this book didn’t teach me anything new. It pretty much covered similar practices, albeit with different labels.
Having said that, I think it’s important that more books get written about this topic, as the world changes, and the reader group changes. I would recommend this book to people who want to improve their productivity, but find the traditional systems too complicated for their needs.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
After reading similar books on the topic, such as Steven Covey’s ‘The Four Quadrant’ and David Allen’s ‘Getting Things Done’, honestly this book didn’t teach me anything new. It pretty much covered similar practices, albeit with different labels.
Having said that, I think it’s important that more books get written about this topic, as the world changes, and the reader group changes. I would recommend this book to people who want to improve their productivity, but find the traditional systems too complicated for their needs.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews