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A BOOK THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE

October 24th, 2016 Leave a comment Go to comments

books

Okay, I’m an author and I love books, but I was thinking it would be fun to share thoughts on a book that has made a difference to us, whether now or in the past. It could be related to stopping burnout, or tips on how to find your next job. Or, it could be fiction–a story that grabbed you and stayed with you. So here’s mine:

“Singletasking:  Get More Done One Thing at a Time” by Devora Zack. First of all, it’s a riot. Here’s how it starts:

To my dearest reader:

You are hereby released from the temptation to overachieve. Your friend, Devora Zack

P.S. You’re welcome.

That gives you a sense of her tone, but her witty and light hearted approach is backed up by impressive research. She quotes major business leaders as well as neuroscientists–all to support the radical idea that we can only do one cognitive skill at time. (Yes, you can fold laundry and talk on the phone at the same time since the folding is not a cognitive skill.)

So if you want to do yourself a huge favor, read this book. Keep it on the front passenger seat of your car. Reread a paragraph before rushing into work. It could just change your life, and will help you stop burnout and have the best year ever.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

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  1. October 24th, 2016 at 13:33 | #1

    Hello,
    One book that helped me in my employment and with challenges like burnout was The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron. It also lead me to read books like Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. As a sensitive and somewhat introverted person, both books helped me accept my strengths and challenges and teach me how best to avoid burnout by giving myself time for introspection and creative work and avoiding multitasking when it interferes with my work and my health.

    • Jean
      October 25th, 2016 at 09:26 | #2

      Thanks for sharing. Really appreciate it. Jean