How Did I Get So Busy?

October 22, 2007
Burton, a certified professional coach (What’s Really Holding You Back?), addresses the problem of rushed and overloaded lives in sympathetic, persuasive language, confessing that she, too, was once part of the “busyness epidemic.” She draws a firm distinction between being successful (reaping financial gain or status) and being fulfilled (living, working and loving in a way that brings you emotional and spiritual satisfaction). Above all, she believes busyness is often based in fear and interferes with the primary job of life: making authentic connections with others. Burton pushes the reader to make deep but simple shifts : taking all your vacation days every year and leaving the office for at least a half-hour during the day will allow you to set healthy boundaries. She outlines what she calls a “self-care lifestyle,” which promotes living well and in balance. Exercise, good health habits and pampering are crucial, she says. Each of the 28 short chapters ends with a challenge, a five-minute journal exercise and a one-minute meditation. Burton’s book is a wakeup call, an effective and inspiring plan for change.

November 15, 2007
Rather than offer a quick fix, author and life coach Burton ("What's Really Holding You Back?: Closing the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want To Be" proposes a self-care lifestyle in which adherents will be less busy and more fruitful, well rounded, and productive. She guides readers through an assessment process and suggests self-care tasks such as taking a full hour for lunch and delegating chores. Each chapter offers several pages of personal stories, a daily challenge, a suggested journal topic, and a one-minute meditation. While the information is sound, there's way too much here to be absorbed and completed on a daily basis. Those pressed for time might find relief, but they'd have to work at it. Optional.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.