The One-Life Solution

August 4, 2008
The balance of work and personal life can cause a myriad of problems-but they all boil down to a single issue, argues Cloud (Boundaries). Many career-inhibiting problems-from shoddy management skills to unclear focus to slow growth-can be attributed to a breakdown of boundaries necessary to maintain balance between work life and personal life, especially as technology makes it possible for individuals to be on-call every moment of the day. Cloud espouses the virtues of self-definition and self-control, and his series of engaging analogies and examples helps readers conduct an internal self-audit by identifying core values, visions, missions and goals. The authors hones in on common weaknesses-overdeveloped needs for security, approval and perfectionism-and leads readers through a plan for regaining control of themselves, their work and their lives with easy-to-follow activities to implement changes as personal policies. Unfailingly encouraging, Cloud is a fine advocate for the benefit of gaining control and protecting boundaries and his book is a must-have life management bible.