Last year, while searching for sage advice about how to get up earlier in the mornings (and go to bed earlier at night), I stumbled across a blog that I really liked from Laura Vanderkam, a writer, author, and time management specialist. I enjoyed her writing style and candor about life and getting more of the things done that we really want to be known for. I ended up buying her book, Off the Clock, and then – because I didn’t always make time to read self-help books, her audiobook of the same title. I’ve listened to it on work trips or just commuting many times – each time picking up another gem.
One of the most useful exercises that I did, encouraged by Vanderkam’s writings was to track my time. It isn’t as painful as it sounds, and it is revealing. I could no longer ignore my habits of trying to do one more thing before getting out the door only to make me late :), or ignore the fact that no matter how hard I try – it takes a full hour to get out the door in the morning. I have learned that the tasks that feel like are “just a few minutes” are often quite typically 2 hours. The reality check was helpful.
Even if you are the most organized soul around, I do believe you will find this book interesting and inspiring.
Celeste Carmichael is a Program Specialist for CCE Administration and the Communications Chair for the ESP Lambda Chapter.
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