Review of Make Every Second Count by Robert W Bly

You must be thinking, "Not another time management book." Yes, I know how you feel.

A few months ago I received an email asking for permission to send me a copy of Make Every Second Count by Robert W. Bly. I said, "Sure" and gave my mailing address but did not pay any attention to who the author was. I shortly received the book and placed it in my stack of books to read, when I noticed that it was written by Robert W. Bly (Bob Bly). I know Bob Bly as a copywriter.

So what does Bob have to say in Make Every Second Count: Time Management Tips and Techniques for More Success With Less Stress? A lot actually, more that what you would expect in a time management book.

One of the things I've noticed with Bob Bly is that he structures his books, at least the ones I have read, in such a way that you can start at any point, and this book has 14 clearly titled chapters.
Chapter 1: Work Habits That Speed You UpChapter 2: Do You Really Want to Be ProductiveChapter 3: Goal-SettingChapter 4: Save Time and Money When You TravelChapter 5: The 10% Solution for Increased Personal EfficiencyChapter 6: Networking OnlineChapter 7: Using Technology to Save TimeChapter 8: Going MobileChapter 9: Delegation and OutsourcingChapter 10: Getting OrganizedChapter 11: Planning Systems and Software to Increase Your ProductivityChapter 12: Maximizing Your Personal EnergyChapter 13: Managing Information OverloadChapter 14: Saving Time at HomeThere were times while I was reading that I had adverse reactions to what Bly was saying, and had to take a step back, and remind myself that that's okay. My responsibility as a reader is to take in information, evaluate it, then decide if the information makes sense for me. And that's something that I recommend. I also have a responsibility to my readers to be honest in my feedback.

I'm sure that there are things that you will not like about the book, but the beauty is that because Bly has done such a great job in laying out the information, you can quickly find what you need.

What I liked about Make Every Second Count.

Bly uses a system where he has three to-do lists: Daily to-do, Projects to-do and Long-term to-do (This could be some personal projects that are important to you, but do not have a definite end date, so allocate a few hours a week working on them), which I think would be very helpful and allow you to carve out the time to do things that are meaningful to you, but will not necessarily earn money in the short term.

I found chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11 most useful. For instance, in Chapter 6, which is Networking Online there is a Networking Grid which would be a welcome to a social media strategy because it allows you to structure the actions you take. There are some helpful tips in the book on how increase personal efficiency, and I was delighted to see a section on how to think faster which uses the creativity model that we have discussed on this blog many times. And very timely, are great tips to deal with email overload.

He offered an example of setting up your folders on your computer, and though some may think that information is basic, I'm glad it was included because so much time can be wasted searching for files on a computer. There is also a very detailed chart, which includes productivity software so you can compare them and determine which is best suitable for your needs.

And for those who love to travel, Chapter 4 has some great tips. I discovered that in addition to Kayak.com, SideStep.com allows you to search multiple websites for deals on hotel, airline and car rental packages. CleverDude.com provides tips on how to get free airline upgrades.

Though I couldn't figure out why some historical information on mobile technology, and other were included, I recommend Make Every Second Count: Time Management Tips and Techniques for More Success With Less Stress but I suggest that you read only the chapters that would be useful to you. Despite my adverse reaction (I think that some of the time saving tips for home are a bit extreme, and takes out some of the joy out of life for people) to some of the content, I'm happy that I read Make Every Second Count because I picked up some tips that will increase my personal efficiency.

Avil Beckford, Chief Invisible Mentor, has over 17 years writing, research and analysis experience. If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe to The Invisible Mentor Blog by email or by RSS Feed.

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Attitude 101: What Every Leader Needs To Know by John C Maxwell

"Attitude 101: What Every Leader Needs To Know" by John C. Maxwell is a small hardcover book of just under one hundred pages of motivating and practical advice on attitude and its importance to leaders of all kinds. In this concise guide, Maxwell shares the basics regarding attitude and its role in succeeding, not only as a leader, but in life itself. While there may not have been anything earth shattering, and by that I mean, much of the information in this book is build around common sense and those lucky enough to have been brought up learning these principles won't find anything new, it doesn't mean this book is not important or a good read. In fact, it is a very good read, and basics are the foundation to build upon, and this book presents that basics of attitude in an easy to read manner, and even if you think you know it all, I bet something in this book touches you in a way you have not thought of before and moves you that much closer to the success you desire and deserve.

The book is divided into three parts. Part One: The Impact of Attitude has chapters on how attitude impacts leadership and how attitude impacts individuals. If you don't already believe attitude is extremely important, read these chapters where Maxwell illustrates just why attitude may be one of the most important elements toward success as a leader and success in general.

Part Two: The Formation of Attitude focuses on topics such as what shapes a person's attitude, how attitude can be changed, and how obstacles actually enhance attitude. These chapters point out that your attitude has been shaped by what happened as you grew up, but also illustrate that you have the power to change your attitude for the better to make your life the life you desire. I also like how Maxwell teaches that adversity motivates.

The final part of the book examines the future with the right attitude. The first chapter in this part focuses on what failure is, and then next on what success really is. And finally, the last chapter briefly discusses how a leader can continue to climb. I liked these chapters and think anyone will benefit by looking at failure and success as Maxwell does here. Additionally, I agree with Maxwell that to lead, you must sacrifice. This is a very good lesson.

Again, this is a short book and a quick read, but one that will motivate you and help you develop the attitude of a successful leader. I agree with Zig Ziglar when he said we bathe every day because a bath or shower wears off, and that's why filling our minds with positive lessons that motivate us every day is equally important. This little book is a nice shot of motivation and contains some very practical ways to look at and improve your attitude.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a writer, speaker, and mediator who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. He is an expert on conflict and mediates and teaches conflict resolution and negotiation. Additionally, he teaches physical conflict skills in his Hapkido and Self-Defense courses, lectures, and seminars. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles and reviews and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/ and http://www.yourwarriorsedge.com/

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Make Every Second Count - Time Management Tips and Techniques by Robert W. Bly - Review

Synopsis of Content:

This book teaches you how to manage and use your time most effectively. He teaches how to use to-do lists, how to manage time, how to handle information overload and gives you some tips about on-line resources you can use.

Bly stresses the need to organize and plan your day, each day. Create a schedule for the day in 15 minute increments and plan your activities. He suggests you refer to your schedule often throughout the day and stick to it. He describes the kinds of to-do lists you should maintain and how to best use them. You will learn the importance of prioritizing your activities and how to avoid procrastination.

Bly advocates using the SMART system of goal setting. He also suggests ways to manage your resources and how to use the best personal habits to achieve the most. He wraps up with some on line resources that can help.

This book is full of good suggestions and tips. This short review cannot begin to list them all. Not everyone will agree with all of Bly's suggestions nor will they all work for every type of person - but everyone will find a great deal here that can help them organize their work and use their time more effectively.

Readability/Writing Quality:

As with all of Bly's writing this book is well organized and easy to follow and understand.

Notes on Author:

Robert Bly is the author of 75 books and an accomplished copywriter and internet marketer. He publishes an internet newsletter called The Direct Response Letter.

Three Great Ideas You Can Use:

1. Time is your most valuable and limited resource. You must manage it effectively to be most effective in your work.

2. The proper use of goals greatly enhances effectiveness. Use a good system of developing and implementing goals such as the SMART system: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-framed.

3. Use your time on those activities that create the most return. Develop sound priorities and stick to them. Avoid common time wasters.

Publication Information:

Make Every Second Count - Time Management Tips and Techniques for More Success with Less Stress by Robert W. Bly

Career Press © 2010

Rating for this Book

Overall Rating for Book: Excellent

Writing Style: Easy to understand.

Usefulness: Highly useful.

Difficulty: Not difficult.

Daniel R. Murphy writes on success and how you can build wealth. Would you like to learn how others have been successful in business and in life? For a free success eBook and much information which can help make you successful and financially independent visit http://www.bookstowealth.com/. Begin your self-education today learning how others have become successful and rich! Do it today!

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