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.

A personal development expert offers convincing advice on how to get more out of life by slowing down, planning more carefully, and doing more of the things that please you. Burton's Christian roots give the lesson a values context without weighing it down. Her spiritual foundation and optimistic personality make her ideas sound loving and easy to warm up to. Further, her enjoyable voice and warm reading style contribute to the program's pleasant, helpful tone. She adds meditations in this audio edition and brings to life her 28 recommendations (one for each day of her plan) with positive narratives from her life and those of many of her clients. An uplifting guide for anyone who wants to live with less stress and more personal balance. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine