The Power of Less

November 17, 2008
According to Babauta (Zen to Done
), employing “the power of less” will propel readers from chaos to blissful and productive minimalism. Learning to set limitations, such as penning a three-item “Most Important Task” list every day and restricting e-mails to five lines, is a cornerstone for the author’s plan for increased simplicity and satisfaction. With new boundaries in place, readers can discover “flow,” become wholly absorbed in tasks and live the paradox of doing less and achieving more.

January 15, 2009
What better way to start the New Year than to get rid of the old and start anew? Popular blogger Babauta (ZenHabits.net) advises readers to identify the essential and eliminate the rest, while life coach Blanke ("Between Trapezes") cuts to the chase, ordering her audience to empty that stuffed kitchen drawer. What distinguishes Blanke's book is her advice to let go of not only "stuff" but also regrets, ideas about one's personality type, and the need to be liked by everyone. Babauta, too, advocates five-sentence emails and single-tasking for clearing away mental clutter. Both worthwhile purchases are heartily recommended.

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