A big goal of mine in 2015 is to read more. I’ve definitely been off to a strong start and finished Manage Your Day-To-Day pretty early in the new year.
This book is the first in a three book series and really breaks down how to stay focused and organized in a crazy 24/7 world. It breaks it down how to create routines (which you know I’m all about) and implementing daily rituals that invite a productive work/life balance. I was all about this book and honestly can’t say enough good things.
When I first stumbled upon the book on Amazon, I was skeptical about reading it. I hadn’t discovered the genius that is Behance’s 99u blog and products and didn’t want another book that suggested a need to organize but didn’t dig deeper.
I definitely got what I was looking for.
After reading this book, I took time to reflect on my own routine and common practices. The fact of the matter is that just because you’re getting things done doesn’t mean your progressing in a way that’s truly beneficial to you. When we’re always connected, wired and working it’s hard to separate work that helps advance towards our creative and professional goals and distraction masked as work.
As a generally busy person, I’m good about scheduling and setting aside time for things that need to be done, but I never put great emphasis on the need to recharge. And a lack of recharging only means assured burn out. (Read another post on blogger burn out here.)
So many of the contributors noted that they schedule recharging time into their calendars like any other event. And they stick to it –treating it like an appointment with a client (because isn’t it, essentially?).
There are about 20 amazing contributors in this book, which made it an even better read for me. There were plenty of new voices and ways of presenting information that kept it fresh. Probably why I devoured it so quickly.
Also, between the sections there were brilliant quotes relevant to what you just read. The one above was one of my favorites.
I’ve already started the second one and I can’t wait to dig into it. You can check out all of the books, and the amazing 99u blog on their site.
I’ll be sharing my full reading list for 2015 soon. Any recommendations?
I absolutely love the 99U book series, all three are fantastic. I read a lot of these “creative self-help” (I guess that’s what you’d call them?) books and the Behance ones are, so far, the best out of all of them.
There are definitely more books from this genre on my to-read list. I just love getting biz/creative insights from other people working towards their creative goals!
I started the second one, but never finished it! I definitely wasn’t expecting their books to be essay style, but I suppose you get more genius-ness from more people that way 🙂
I would definitely recommend Lean In! It’s super inspiring 🙂
I’ve been meaning to read Lean In for a while now. Maybe 2015 is the year to make that happen!
I’ve never come across these before but they sound right up my street. I’ll definitely be looking into them, thank you so much for sharing!
Holly | http://abranchofholly.blogspot.co.uk/
I really enjoyed reading them and hope you check them out!
Fab suggestion! I’m intriuged! I don’t often read none-fiction either so it might be a really interesting read.
You want book recommendations – “A man called Ove” excellent, and an all time classic “Oryx and Crake” 🙂
I’ll definitely look into those! Thanks!
Oh yes! Im most def adding this to my list! Thank you for the suggestion!
Hope you enjoy it! I have a feeling it’s right up your alley!
Sounds like a winner–checking it out now!
Let me know what you think!
I’m also reading this book and that’s true, this book is great! I’ve just read your post on burn out and it sounds helpful. I’m also very often in such a painful situation, because of “never enough”. I will keep your advice preciously… thank you !
I hope this book, and that post, are each helpful to you in any way you need them to be 🙂
Sounds like a good read! I’ll definitely pick up a copy of this! I can’t wait for your reading list either, I noticed in late December that I fell of my reading routine and can’t even sit down long enough to read. Any tips on how to get over that? – Dani
I’ve found the cure to keeping my reading resolutions is to actually schedule a time where I can read (it’s usually Sunday afternoons for me). I put my phone/laptop on the other side of the room and give myself at least 30 minutes to just read. It’s really helped!
This sounds like a must read – I’ll add the first one to my list! I know I could always use more guidance in my routines, I have not been very good at sticking to one lately. Thanks!
The tips this book gives on structuring routines really opened my eyes and helped me put things in perspective. I think you’ll enjoy it if that’s what you’re looking for!
Ah, this book sounds AMAZING. Have you read #GIRLBOSSES? I’m currently reading it now and love it! xo
I’ve scanned #GirlBoss and I don’t think I’ll be adding it to my reading list this year. But I do love some key quotes from it that I’ve seen posted on different blog and Sofia’s story is amazing!
This looks like such a good book, thanks for sharing!
It was seriously amazing!
I am so excited to read this! It is going on my list right now. A book in a similar vein is Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte. I am almost done reading it and will be reviewing it on my blog in a couple of weeks. Spoiler: It’s a good book, and it demonstrates how much free time we really do have… And where it’s all going.
Oh that sounds right up my alley. Thank you for the rec!!
Reading more is definitely on my 2015 new year’s resolutions too.
I will definitely have to check this book out. It sounds great. Thank you for recommending this. 🙂
Love, M.
http://www.prettythingsandwanderlove.loveslife.biz
Hope you enjoy it!
I need to add this book to my list for 2015. This sounds fantastic and something I would love to read.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to report on the second one!
Both are on my 2015 list! Looks like a perfect book for the transition I’m going through right now.
It was a seriously awesome read!
This sounds amazing! I’ll add it to my goodreads 🙂 I really loved the Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg