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Best-selling
author Elaine St. James’ most recent addition to her
"Simplify" series is entitled "Simplify Your Work
Life." Described as "ways to change the way you work so
you have more time to live," the book challenges readers to
look at the way we work and, more importantly, the way we think
about work.
St.
James wrote the book after reflecting upon her own work life. While
looking at her to-do lists she "realized how complicated and
out of balance my life had become. I decided right then and there
that it was time to simplify."
What
does the author mean when she uses the term "simplify"?
She writes in the introduction that "simplifying is not about
retreating to a cabin in the woods and leading a dull, inactive
existence. Rather, cutting back your hectic work pace gives you more
opportunity to make sure that you’re doing work you love."
The
book is divided into seven parts; each part contains a different
goal to help achieve greater control over your work life.
"Cutting
back on the amount of time you work" suggests leaving your
briefcase at the office, cutting back to 40 hours a week and stop
working weekends. One innovation that is gaining popularity in the
American workplace is taking a sabbatical.
"Learning
to seize time" shows you how to better manage your valuable
time through careful scheduling, selectively giving out your e-mail
address and minimizing your paper glut.
"Being
more productive" refreshes and reinvigorates your mental and
emotional perspective on work. Learn how to laugh out loud, work
with an inner smile, employ all your senses and give yourself a
thump (a stress-relieving physical tap to different parts of the
body).
"Being
more effective with people" goes beyond effectively interacting
with your boss, staff and peers. St. James’ tips include figuring
out why you say yes (when you need to say no), asking people not to
ask you before they ask you, and learning to write it before you say
it (especially when you have something difficult to say to someone).
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this review]
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"Being
more efficient with your money" is an important concept in the
author’s work-simplification process. If people are careful with
their money, the need for additional work to obtain more money is
reduced. Money management includes living within your means,
understanding the tax laws, appreciating the time value of money and
paying yourself first.
All
of these goals set the stage for the most important section in the
book — the goals that encourage you to change the way you work and
think about work.
"Changing
the way you work" advises you to create your own options, sell
your boss on telecommuting and make certain that you’re suited to
work at home.
"Changing
the way you think about work" combines a sense of idealism with
the practical methods necessary to achieve success. Reinventing
yourself, imagining your ideal work life, following the wishes of
your heart and taking the leap to change your work life — these
tips can help you improve the quality of your life through better
management of your work life.
"Simplify
Your Work Life" is an important addition to the growing body of
literature on workers and the changing attitudes toward the American
workplace. The table of contents defines each goal through specific
chapters, making it easy for readers to concentrate on the goal(s)
most appropriate to their circumstances. The goals are realistic
enough that, with some effort and perseverance, success can be
realized. The book is highly recommended to anyone who is trying to
balance personal and work life or bring order and simplification to
job or career.
For
more information visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-8878.
[Richard
Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]
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