“Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown (Crown Business, $23).
Look at your inbox, to-do-list and calendar. They are filled with things you have to do. McKeown’s research shows that “people don’t believe they have a choice in what opportunity, assignment or challenge to take on.” Instead of talking with the boss about shifts in priorities, or saying “no” to those hijacking their time, they let the work pile up and hope they can do it all. They can’t.
But these victims of “learned helplessness” try. They shift endlessly from this to that and back again. They’re so busy all day — but not very productive. They’re mentally fried and stressed at day’s end. The next day brings another exercise in “rinse and repeat.”
What’s the alternative? Make choices based on focus. “Distinguish between the vital few and the trivial many.” Forget about doing it all; focus on “What problem do I want? What can I go big on?”
You can start separating the vital from the trivial by making yourself unavailable at certain times. No phone, no email, no interruptions. Use the time to think about what’s really important and how you can make important things happen. It’s your time to self-strategize. Think about the “why, what, when and who” of making it happen.
Learn to actively listen, too. Look for the headlines in what’s being said. Write them down, and make time to identify and understand the different perspectives involved. Ask clarifying questions. Then create your action-plan tactics.
Invite your mind to play “If I … .” This allows you to think outside your box by challenging assumptions and exploring options. When your mind plays, the creative juices kick in and excitement replaces stress.
McKeown also believes in protecting the most valuable asset — you. When you’re tired, it’s impossible for your brain to fire on all cylinders. Sleep doesn’t just regenerate the body; it refreshes the mind.
Key takeaway: There’s a difference between activity (i.e. unfocused busyness) and progress (i.e. the business of getting the right things done right).
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“Make Waves — Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life” by Patti Johnson (Bibliomotion, $26.95).
Waves begin as ripples of “What if …” thoughts. The open mind begins creating waves when it defines purpose. With a defined why, the individual can look inward and outward for the knowledge and credibility needed to create impactful change.
Wave makers see change as opportunity, not as a problem or risk. They challenge the status quo because they know you can’t get to Point B with Point A thinking and actions. They know what they don’t know — and find those who can help connect their dots. They also understand that action does speak louder than words. Like the Nike ads state, “Just Do It!”
Why don’t more people make waves? Johnson cites five reasons:
1. Fear. It emanates from thinking about what others may think of your idea.
2. Lack of personal accountability. You think it’s not your job; someone else will do it.
3. Assumptions (i.e. “facts” without validation) create self-imposed obstacles to action.
4. Procrastination always delays action. When you’re breaking trail, it’s often too easy to put off doing the hard work in front of you.
5. Perfectionism makes you think you need to cover all bases before you can make a wave. Because waves create other waves, and waves within waves, finding the solution becomes a fluid process that takes time.
The bottom line: You have two choices — make things happen or let things happen. If you choose to make things happen, get out of your way.
Jim Pawlak is a nationally syndicated book reviewer.
