Book Review: Time Management from the Inside Out

Time Management from the Inside Out,
by Julie Morgenstern

The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule - and Your Life.

I've read a lot of these kind of books, but as I skimmed this one the main thing that was "revolutionary" was the concept of time as a box.

The critique on Amazon.com says,

Morgenstern likens a cluttered schedule to a cluttered closet. For example, a closet is typically "crammed with more stuff than storage," and a schedule is typically "crammed with more tasks than time."

When you look at your time and your schedule as a closet, you can figure out if your closet is organized, stuffed, overstuffed, disorganized, or what have you.

One of the most helpful things in the book was the diagnostic tool to determine what things hold us back. Here are mine:

Tasks Have No "Home"
Your lists do you no good if you don't place a priority on the "to do" item and set aside a time to do them! I love this quote: "If you think you will get to anything in your "spare time," keeping in mind that there is no such thing as spare time!" Again, reminding us to think in more tangible terms - that time is like a closet, or a box.

Your Space Is Disorganized
Need I say more? Space wise, my office needs a total make-over. Or it needs to double in size. Vicki and I are currently seeking out tips from those whose professions require that they juggle multiple tasks and do them often simultaneously! Accountants and others, please leave us your comments! Did you know it takes 3 days to organize an office, and one to organize a room in your home? There's hope for all of us Messies! (I'm getting a desk with drawers next week, which will help correct this diagnostic error!)

You Have and Unrealistic Workload
Yes. Yes I do.

You Are in Transition
Yes. Yes I am.

You are in an Interruption-Rich Environment.
Part of the beauty of my ministry is the variety and excitement the daily mission chaos provides! However, it often means I have to close my door for a while or come in after hours to get things done.

You have a Disorganized Partner.
No comment.