Audible Book Review: Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

 

I openly admit from the start that my review of this Audible book will not do the book justice. In Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman, the author outlines a different approach to making the most of the time we have and how to take action on what matters most to you. 

This is the second book by Burkeman I have listened to, and I realize now that I need printed copies to mark up and bookmark. Just like with the first book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, I found tons of helpful and insightful information in Meditations for Mortals, but I can't remember all of it because I was listening to it while driving. 

Here are the two tidbits from Meditations for Mortals that I found the most valuable: 

• Seeing our TBR piles as a river, a flowing stream of possibilities you can dip into and choose what you feel like reading, letting the rest float on by. Doesn't that take the pressure off?
• Creating a Done list instead of a To-Do list. Also, reduces the pressure because you are focusing on what you have done, not the mountain of things left undone. 

The author narrates the book, and he has a great voice to do so. Meditations for Mortals is formatted to be read one day at a time over four weeks, but I listened to multiple days at once. This did not impede the absorption of the material, but I truly wished I could have written down notes. 

Burkeman's books are powerful resources for those looking to make changes in their lives. Blending different influences into a philosophy the author calls "imperfectionism," readers can use Meditations for Mortals to create a more meaningful life. 

Product details

Listening Length	4 hours and 4 minutes
Author	Oliver Burkeman
Narrator	Oliver Burkeman
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	October 08, 2024
Publisher	Macmillan Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B0CW47NDT6

I downloaded this book from Audible with a credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Audible Book Review: Digital Detox for Remote Workers by Dr. Guenter H. Schamel

 

Looking to break away from the remote working world? Are you burnt out by Slack and Zoom and that constantly on feeling? Then Digital Detox for Remote Workers: Reclaim Your Focus, Productivity, and Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age by Dr. Guenter H. Schamel. 

Schamel's helpful resource is a good first step in making a change. For those of us who work remotely, it's so easy to spend more time than the standard workday at your computer. It can be so hard to put down the phone and step away, feeling like you aren't fulfilling your clients' needs or that the one time you break away and attempt balance, you must sacrifice productivity. Meanwhile, your productivity and focus suffer from trying to juggle it all unsuccessfully. 

Digital Detox for Remote Workers is about setting healthy boundaries, avoiding burnout, and resetting your mental energy. Though narrated by Virtual Voice, I did not find it distracting. I feel this is one of those books that is best used in printed format because of how the strategies are outlined and put into practice, but I found it useful in getting me started. Definitely worth the listening time.

Part of series	Thriving in Remote Work
Listening Length	6 hours and 19 minutes
Author	Guenter H. Schamel
Narrator	Virtual Voice
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	November 21, 2025
Publisher	Independently Published
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B0FXDPYCRX

I purchased a copy of this book with an Audible credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Audible Book Review: Time Management Magic by Lee Cockerell

 

Join Lee Cockerell, a retired Executive Vice President of the Walt Disney World Resort, as he shares his tips and tricks on getting more done every day so you can go from surviving to thriving. 

In Time Management Magic, Cockerell brings you through days in the life of a top-producing executive and how he learned the importance of scheduling his days, weeks, months, and years and prioritizing what he needed to accomplish so that he defeated procrastination and that feeling of being overwhelmed.

While I can't say there is anything totally new or surprising within the book's pages, reiterating what needs to be done and how to do it regularly can be helpful in taking control of your time. This book also provides specific tools and where to find them to help you on your path to improving your time management skills.

What I missed with this book is Cockerell's narration. Jody Mayberry did a good job, but I feel Cockerell's delivery, which I heard in Creating Magic, would have been better, more precise. Mayberry didn't pause as much as I would have liked. There are several quotes in the book, but because the narrator kept speaking without a distinct pause, the listener didn't realize those weren't Cockerell's words until Mayberry spoke the person's name the quote is identified with. 

I also have to admit, in audio form it was challenging--like in most audio books--to follow the lists from the book as they were recited. I would need to buy a paperback to reap the full benefits. 

I am glad I read Time Management Magic, but if I hadn't read Creating Magic first, I'm not sure I would continue with Cockerell's Magic series. 

Listening Length	2 hours and 24 minutes
Author	Lee Cockerell
Narrator	Jody Maberry
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	November 26, 2018
Publisher	Lee Cockerell, LLC
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B07KRPGYH3

I used my Audible credits to purchase a copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I haven't been compensated for in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Mar 13

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.     

Happy Monday before the latest storm, everyone! We are due for another storm that starts tonight and will go into Wednesday morning. It won't be too bad around here, and we still aren't sure how much rain versus snow we will get, but the prediction is 3-6" of the white stuff. Much better than in the hill towns, which are expecting between 6 - 18". No thanks. I am ready for spring. 

Not a ton of reading going on lately. I am in the middle of preparing several property listings and working on formatting and editing a series of books, so not a lot of down time. 

My review of this one appeared last week. You can read it here.

In the mornings, I am now reading from this John Maxwell book.

I have broken away from these two for the time being. Not because I'm not interested in them, but because I have other commitments. 

I need to start reading this one for an April 24 review. 

Upcoming virtual book tours:

• Path of Peril by Marlie Parker Wasserman - Mar 13
• The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jamie Jo Wright - Apr 24 (review)

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

My physical mailbox remained empty this week, but I grabbed this one with an Audible credit. I enjoyed Cockerell's book Creating Magic so much that I knew I had to read something else from him. 

Executive time management secrets from a life at Disney. During Lee Cockerell's career at Disney as the Senior Operating Executive of Walt Disney World Resorts, he led a team of 40,000 Cast Members (employees) and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and the ESPN Sports Complex. As you can imagine, Lee had to become a time management expert, first as a means of survival and then as a way to help others make the best use of their time. The time management secrets he developed have become one of his most requested corporate training lectures and are now available to you in this tell-all book.

However, this book is not just about Time Management. It is about Life Management. "Management" is defined as the act of controlling. The executive time management secrets contained in this book will help you keep all parts of your life under control and jump-start your personal and professional growth.

I hope I can get back to participating in Top Ten Tuesday tomorrow and post some First Chapter Reviews soon. Have a great week, everyone!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Apr 19

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Here we are close to the end of a crazy April. After sunny, warm weather, we ended the week with four or so inches of snow. Welcome to spring in New England. It was still an awesome week with two accepted offers, a coming soon listing, and a listing appointment. 

On Tuesday, we will honor my father-in-law on the first anniversary of his death. Our family will be getting together, but I pray one day we will be able to spend some time with the rest of the relatives. I am still waiting on my vaccine appointment. 

On a related note, the MA House passed Bill H.3701 (160-0) to finance the construction of a new Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. This is where my father-in-law resided when he caught COVID. A total of 77 veterans died as a result of the outbreak there. We are cautiously optimistic that the bill will also pass in the MA Senate.

In my reading world, I am happy to report that I finished this book. My review will appear at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection on April 30. 

I also finished this book. I uploaded my review to Goodreads and Amazon. The review won't appear here until June 8. 

I am reading one of my new books.

I am also reading these. 

I just started this one.

These two are next.

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

My books from Christianbook.com arrived on Thursday. Each of these cost me only 99 cents. That's why I like shopping there: they often run great sales. I also bought two bookmarks for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day and picked up ten packs of different bookmarks for my office.

That's it for me this week. I hope all is well with you and that you are getting a lot of reading accomplished.  

Book Review: The Productivity Book by Michael Brecht

Michael Brecht, CEO of Doodle, an online scheduling tool, has created The Productivity Book, where he compiled interviews with experts to provide you with the tips and tools to increase your productivity.

Ever wondered what the secret is to productivity? Here’s a hint: there isn’t just one. Introducing the Doodle Productivity Book! Containing in-depth interviews with 30 of the world’s top productivity & time management experts, this book lifts the lid on the industry’s best kept tips and tricks. The result? An engaging and practical guide that will help you find your natural pace, so you can work smarter—not harder.

Excerpt:

CONCLUSION

Since the questions we asked opened a window into a day in the life of a productivity expert, we wanted our final conclusion to reflect this. So, here’s our summary of what a productive day should look like.

The perfect day starts the night before. Outline your goals. Whether this is a simple to-do list or time blocking, make sure tomorrow’s objectives are clear. Then sleep on it.

Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. Know what works for you and structure your schedule around that. Nearly all of our experts cited adequate rest as essential to maintaining productivity.

Wake up bright and early. Leave enough time to spend at least an hour and a half preparing for the day. Whether it’s reading, yoga, Pilates, running or simply thinking. Follow this with a healthy breakfast and you’re good to go.

Get to work. Now that you’ve prepared mentally, it’s time to take on the day. This period is when you’re at your most productive, so use it wisely. Let the calls go to voicemail, put your cellphone on silent and don’t answer emails. Emails are rarely worth your most energized and motivated moments. Unless it’s a creative meeting, don’t take it.

If you need time constraints, use a timer! Or the Pomodoro Technique.

Once you’re into the afternoon, time block to focus on admin and less important tasks like responding to emails and taking meetings. This will stop you from getting distracted and help you to focus on one thing at a time.

Because your brain is slower, this is the best part of the day to incorporate technology. So, start up your favorite tried and tested apps and use them to help you take notes, see your reminders, book appointments and whatever else is important. And remember, saying “no” can be more productive than “yes”.

By this point, you should have had a highly productive day. So, use the evening to relax with friends or family. But remember: A little planning the night before can go a long way toward having a successful, fulfilling tomorrow.

Review:

The Productivity Book is a helpful resource for those who wish to become more productive by learning how to work smarter, not harder. After a brief introduction, numerous interviews appear with a variety of productivity and time management experts. The book is rounded out with an engaging Afterword and Conclusion.

It's definitely interesting to learn how experts plans their days, what Apps they use, and what their predictions are for the future. As someone who hasn't always used a ton of Apps, I am glad to have a list of new ones to consider to increase my productivity. My slight criticism is that the interviews coming one after the other makes for some monotonous--though easy--reading. I would have liked to have seen more of the author's thoughts interspersed between the interviews. He is CEO of an online scheduling tool and must have a wealth of his own information to share.

The Productivity Book is loaded with great information, so it's definitely worth reading. The low cost of the book makes purchasing it a no-brainer. Pick it up and see what a difference it can make for you.

Links:

http://productivity-book.com/   

https://twitter.com/michaelbrecht?lang=de   

http://michaelbrecht.com/

Buy links:

https://itunes.apple.com/book/the-productivity-book/id1050616645?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4  

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-productivity-book-michael-brecht/1122830470  

https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/the-productivity-book   

http://www.amazon.com/Productivity-Book-Professionals-About-Management-ebook/dp/B016UQV92K/

Book links:

http://www.businesszone.co.uk/decide/productivity/the-four-productivity-hacks-every-entrepreneur-needs#.VnRXHbQzHNM.twitter

http://realbusiness.co.uk/article/32236-seven-time-saving-apps-your-fellow-entrepreneurs-use-to-boost-productivity

https://sliwinski.com/productivity-book/

I received a free digital copy of this book from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Michael Brecht will be awarding 5 Doodle Premium Accounts for Free to randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter

 during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I read this book for the following challenge:

It's About Time by Harold C. Lloyd -- Book Review

How many times have you wished there are more hours in the day? While author, business owner, and professional speaker Harold C. Lloyd can't hold back time, he can show you how to find 5 more hours each week.

In this excellent addition to the numerous books available on time management, Lloyd provides business people with the tools they need to become more productive and efficient, while molding them into better leaders. It's About Time will teach you how to:

* ZAP Distractions

* Make To-Do Lists that work

* Delegate effectively

* Make meetings meaningful

* Recruit more carefully

and more!

By performing a 20-Minute Disappearing Act before starting each day, you'll be in the right frame of mind to tackle the never ending issues you'll face. And this act is not what you might think!

Learn the importance of never accepting an uncompleted task back from one of your subordinates, and what happens when you do. It's About Time will show you how to use progressive discipline, and will discuss the importance of addressing concerns right away. You'll also discover how you should spend the last ten minutes of each day.

I've read more than one book on time management, and I write articles on time management and organization geared toward writers on a regular basis. When Brigantine Media asked if I would be interested in this book, I wasted no time in saying yes. I'm definitely glad I got the chance to read it. I especially enjoyed how each chapter's concepts were explained to the reader using the experiences of two aspiring business people. This helped to show the reader how to apply the concepts from this book to his work routine.

It's About Time will make a difference in the type of business leader you are and it will make a significant impact on how effectively your business runs. Don't be surprised when those around you notice the change and begin wondering how they can find their five extra hours each week.

I highly recommend It's About Time by Harold C. Lloyd. Businesses of all sizes can learn a great deal from Lloyd's experience.


Title: It's About Time
Author: Harold C. Lloyd
Publisher: Brigantine Media
ISBN-10: 0971154295
ISBN-13: 978-0971154292
SRP: $19.95

Time Management in an Instant by Karen Leland and Keith Bailey - Book Review

Do you have too much to do and not enough time to do it in? Are distractions and interruptions making you lose focus? Do you wish you could be a productive, effective leader?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's time to invest in Time Management In an Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day (In an Instant (Career Press)).

The winning team of Karen Leland and Keith Bailey, partners in Sterling Consulting Group, come together again with this new book to help your life and your business run smoothly, effectively and productively.

I discussed some of the things I liked about Time Management in an Instant when I hosted the authors last month. Now that I've gone through the book cover to cover, I can expand upon some of my thoughts and provide more information.

Time Management in an Instant is not a quick fix to your time management issues. It is a lifestyle change that will help you overcome that chronic feeling of being overwhelmed that leads to procrastination and diminished productivity. Beginning with how to assess your time management skills, Leland and Bailey show you how to achieve your goals every day, create to-do lists that motivate you, enjoy your vacation and avoid chaos when returning from vacation, plan productive meetings and manage day-to-day tasks while reducing stress.

Having specialized in time management and organization for three years now, I've made some of the same suggestions to my readers and use those tips myself; so I know they work when applied religiously.

With assessment quizzes, exercises and examples, Time Management in an Instant will put you on track and help you stay on track. And best of all, it shows you how to apply these concepts to both your professional and personal life so that you gain a better overall balance.

Every business in America should have at least one copy of Time Management in an Instant.

Title: Time Management in an Instant
Authors: Karen Leland and Keith Bailey
Publisher: Career Press
ISBN: 978-1-60163-014-8
SRP: $11.99 (U.S.)

Time Management In An Instant by Keith Bailey and Karen Leland

Time Management In an Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day (In an Instant (Career Press))


In today’s hurly-burly work environment many business people find it challenging to avoid distraction, stay focused, use their time and energy to maximum benefit, and gain ground on important goals and outcomes. One study by the Families and Work Institute found that one-third of Americans are overworked and more than 50 percent of those surveyed say they are either doing too many tasks at the same time or are frequently interrupted during the workday - or both. In short, we are overloaded!

Time Management In An Instant helps you to overcome this feeling of overload and avoid the traps that lead to an unproductive relationship with time. It offers field-tested time habits and expert advice based on the latest research that will help you better manage, create and spend your time with more satisfaction and results.

Based on the authors’ popular Time Management workshop, given to Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike, Time Management In An Instant outlines the best practices for improving your everyday work situations including:

* Harness the power of completion
* Link your core values to key projects
* Find the power of mini-tasks
* Master the art of time planning
* Play the 80/20 game of accomplishment
* Cut your meeting times in half
* Get a procrastination inoculation
* Arrest the biggest time crimes
* Take back your time - Just Say No
* Go for your goals - everyday
* Fight distraction and find your focus

My thoughts:

In case you haven't heard, time management and organization is my thing. I am a contributor to Writer2Writer, an online magazine geared toward assisting writers generate cash from their passion. My articles help our readers increase productivity through time management and organization.

When I read this book was going on tour, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. It just came in on Monday, so I haven't had time to get too much into it yet, but here's what I can tell you I like so far:

* Its Size - At around 150 pages and in paperback, this book is easy to tuck into your briefcase and will make excellent reading material during lunch hour or while waiting for a doctor's appointment.

* The Content - The subtitle is "60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day", and those 60 things cover a lot of ground, so don't let its size fool you. From assessing your time-management skills to achieving your daily goals, and from determing what to delegate to getting a good night's sleep, I see a lot of topics I mention in my articles, and they can never be stated often enough for those who struggle with time managment.

* Its Cover - I absolutely love this cover! Covers sell books, and cover designer Howard Grossman did an excellent job in putting together a cover that is not only attractive, but speaks to the content of the book.

* The Format - With exercises, charts, tables and step-by-step instructions, this book will make learning how to manage your time easier.

Look for my full review of Time Management In An Instant, coming soon!


In 1986, Karen Leland and Keith Bailey founded Sterling Consulting Group, Inc. and shortly thereafter made history by being chosen over more than a dozen European competitors to become the first American consulting company to win a major contract for communication and service training within the British government.

Inc. Magazine chose Keith and Karen as their primary judges for the Inc. Magazine Positive Performer Award, which honors companies that have achieved an outstanding level of business excellence. For a period of five years, Karen and Keith were responsible for selecting the winning finalists from among 500 applicants.

Today, after having worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the world, they are internationally acclaimed experts on increasing productivity through the people side of business, whose speaking and consulting talents have brought them such clients as American Express, Oracle, AT&T, Marriott Hotels and IBM.

Their unique ability to make their research accessible, humorous and practical has led to a thriving business that takes them throughout North America, Southeast Asia and Europe, giving them the chance to both learn and teach world-class best business practices.

Karen and Keith are highly sought after keynote speakers and have presented to a wide range of audiences including: Young Presidents Association, American Management Association, American Marketing Association, The Bakersfield Business Conference and countless corporate meetings.

They are the best selling authors of seven books which have sold over 350,000 copies including Customer Service For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons), Watercooler Wisdom: How Smart People Prosper in the Face of Conflict, Pressure and Change (New Harbinger Publications), Customer Service In An Instant, Public Speaking In An Instant, Email In An Instant and Time Management In An Instant (Career Press). In addition to distribution within the US, their books have been translated into ten other languages.

Karen and Keith are regularly featured in the news media and have been interviewed by the New York Times, Newsweek, Fortune, Inc. Magazine and Time among others. They also have extensive on-air experience and have been interviewed on The Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America, Fox News and Oprah.