Recommendation

In a world of cognitive overload, constant distraction and fraying boundaries between professional and personal life, busyness has become epidemic – and is triggering burnout, ill health and reduced Productivity. Yet busyness is as unnecessary as it is counterproductive. Leadership coach Zena Everett identifies the sources of busyness, helps readers evaluate how they spend their time, and shares tools for boosting productivity. Although her guide treads well-worn ground, it offers valuable tips for escaping busyness hell. If you’re too busy to read a Book, this might be just the book you need.

Take-Aways

• Being too busy can damage your health and stymie your progress toward your goals.
• Busyness often arises from perfectionism, codependency and other personality traits.
• To become less crazy busy, identify and prioritize your most important goals and tasks.
• Accomplish your priorities by assigning time and focus to them.
• To stay motivated, use short daily to-do lists.
• Keep control over sources of interruptions and distractions.
• Make meetings count – or skip them.
• If you’re a manager, helping your people reduce their busyness will reduce your own.
• Use your newfound time and calm to enjoy your life.

Summary

Being too busy can damage your health and stymie your progress toward your goals.

Humans today are facing cognitive overload, the result of an accelerated lifestyle, cultural busyness in organizations, and digitization. The constant overwhelm leads to feelings of stress, frustration and loneliness. And busyness can have profound impacts on your career. For one thing, overly busy people tend to spend too much time on mundane tasks and not enough time on big-picture thinking; they put excessive effort into tasks that are already in the works rather than creating something new. Moreover, crazy busyness can limit managers’ ability to do their job well, as they lack time to anticipate roadblocks, build relationships with their employees and help their workers develop their careers.

“You should be able to do a great job, in reasonable hours, then go home, have a life and return to work the next day as your very best self. That shouldn’t be a big ask.”

Being “crazy busy” robs you of valuable head space – the time left over after you’ve completed your core duties, necessary administrative work and unexpected but important tasks. Head space gives you a precious window of time for strategizing, innovating, learning and building relationships. Yet many people neglect these activities because busyness inundates their head space.

Perhaps most tragic of all, crazy busyness can damage your social and family life, cause you to lose track of personal needs and desires, and waste large swaths of your life.

Busyness often arises from perfectionism, codependency and other personality traits.

You can step off the crazy busy treadmill, and stop juggling and struggling so much, by finding the root cause of your overwhelm and seeking solutions. Busyness often starts with good intentions, such as a commitment to hard work. That dedication can become detrimental when it combines with four personality traits that can fuel crazy busyness:

1. Perfectionism – If you hold extremely high standards, you might prefer the certainty of doing less important tasks, which you perform well, over the risk of attempting challenging tasks and perhaps performing poorly. Perfectionism often breeds procrastination – a subconscious tactic to avoid the risk of failure.
2. Failure to delegate – If you resist delegating work to colleagues and direct reports, you’ll end up with mountains of work. A strong preference to do things yourself can stem from a need for control or a lack of trust.
3. Codependency – If you focus too much on caring for others, you might neglect your own needs. Other times, having too much on your plate results from equating being crazy busy with being valuable. Like perfectionists, codependent people feel uncomfortable receiving critical feedback and have difficulty tolerating failure.
4. Disorganization – Some people become crazy busy because they lack the skills to manage their time and tasks. Frequently, people set priorities but tend to less important items on their agendas first and consequently end up spending more time at work. Some people process information in ways that limit their ability to stay organized, on task or on time. For these people, changes in their practices – such as using a timer, a whiteboard or a specialized app – can alleviate their busyness.

To become less crazy busy, identify and prioritize your most important goals and tasks.

The temptation to address small tasks first in order to gain a sense of progress can be difficult to resist. But resist you must. Like a prowling lion, pursue the “antelopes” – the big-ticket items that will really make a difference – instead of the “field mice.” Tend to the most important things – then relax.

“Being more productive doesn’t mean working longer hours. It means choosing tasks with the greatest impact and then eliminating interruptions so that you can get on with them.”

Define your most important activities by considering all your goals and tasks and evaluating which matter most. Which jobs offer you the biggest opportunity to make the greatest contribution? Identify your “game changer” – the single area of focus that will make the most difference to you professionally. Clarify your top values, too, and consider whether they align with your actions. Make relationships a priority – particularly, if you’re a manager, those with your employees. To feel more comfortable focusing on priorities, consider how much you earn per hour and assess which of your activities justify that rate. Focus on those, and delegate the rest.

Accomplish your priorities by assigning time and focus to them.

To ensure you tackle and complete your most important tasks, use the PIMP process:

• “Priority” – Identify a priority and decide how much time you’ll need to complete it. Aim for accuracy; try not to overestimate or underestimate the time you’ll need.
• “Insert” – Place the task in your calendar. Use your calendar primarily to schedule tasks, and fit meetings and routine work around your tasks.
• “Mean” – When you reserve time for the task, make a definite commitment to use the time that way. Stick to that commitment by protecting the time from other demands. Let people know you’ll be unavailable during the time you’ve blocked out.
• “Prompt” – Use a prompt, such as an alarm, to remind yourself to start the task. Turn off distractions, and move to a different location if necessary to focus on your priority.

Though the design of the PIMP system is intended for scheduling and accomplishing antelope tasks, but you can use it to manage your field mice, too. By scheduling them, you’ll get them off your mind and free up mental bandwidth.

For each task, map out in advance how you’ll approach it. When the time comes to tackle the task, focus on it. Multitasking is impossible. When you attempt to perform multiple tasks at once, in reality you switch back and forth between the tasks. Refocusing your attention each time you switch costs you valuable time and energy, so you lose efficiency and productivity.

“One of the major causes of project failure is people multitasking rather than making concerted progress on their priority task.”

Always aim for a state of flow – the state that psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described as the feeling of complete absorption in a task, when time seems to expand and you feel lost in the activity. The state of flow can be instrumental to accomplishing priorities, as it offers high productivity and enjoyment. To achieve flow, choose a time of day when you can best focus, and eliminate any distractions that could compete for your attention while you work. Ignore any negative self-talk. Be clear on your starting point, and have a plan. Take breaks when you feel fatigued, but make them short, and don’t allow yourself to become distracted. Start with weekly flow sessions, and work your way up to a daily schedule.

To stay motivated, use short daily to-do lists.

To-do lists boost motivation by giving you a hit of dopamine every time you cross off a task. A to-do list can also help you avoid procrastinating, work more productively (because you always know your next move), and stay on task. To create a to-do list, create an inventory of your goals, and itemize the steps required to achieve each of them. But don’t try to use this complete to-do list to plan your work. Instead, allow it to serve as a reference. Select items from the list to slot into your calendar, and create short daily to-do lists. Each day, identify one must-do item, or antelope, and prioritize it. Then add your field mice, such as administrative tasks. Keep the daily list to a manageable length: Your to-do list should give you a sense of control, not overwhelm. Update the master list weekly.

“It’s not easy to resist the siren song of work that’s below your pay grade.”

Even with a prioritized to-do list, you might be tempted to address low-priority items first, or to wait to be “in the mood” before you begin a task. Perfectionism and fear of failure might cause you to procrastinate. Instead, get on with your most important work, and let good enough be good enough. If you have a tendency to allow tasks to exceed their allotted time, set a timer.

To maintain motivation, review your progress regularly, and check items off your to-do list as you complete them. At the beginning of each work week, review what went well the previous week. Identify your most important tasks for the week ahead, pinpoint any potential obstacles to achieving them, and decide on how you will overcome them. Prioritize planning: Whatever time you allot to planning, you’ll recoup much more in increased productivity.

Keep control over sources of interruptions and distractions.

Email is a notorious time waster. Emptying your inbox may give you a quick sense of achievement, but it distracts you from more important tasks. To prevent email from contributing to your busyness, check it at scheduled times, and respond to each message as soon as you read it. Consider making a phone call instead of sending an email.

In-person interruptions also create distractions and can prevent you from reaching a state of flow. Unplanned conversations can have value, but try to limit them to predetermined blocks of time. Schedule brief one-on-one meetings to catch up with your direct reports, and provide specific times – similar to professors’ office hours or doctors’ surgeries – when you make yourself available. Be fully present during those times.

“The workplace is no respecter of martyrs: Assertiveness and negotiation skills are far more highly valued than a boundless capacity for being a doormat.”

Beware of social media’s power to waste your time and disorder your life. App developers have tapped into deep psychological drives to make their apps addictive. Phones waste your time by constantly grabbing your attention and reducing your ability to think clearly about the task at hand. Social media platforms can facilitate some work connections, but don’t let them substitute for in-person contact.

Make meetings count – or skip them.

Poorly planned and managed meetings consume many wasted hours. Meetings should focus on making decisions, not sharing information. For every meeting you organize or attend, clearly identify the meeting’s purpose, process (that is, the contribution expected from each attendee), and payoff or outcome. Refuse to attend any meeting with more than three attendees that lacks an agenda.

“Well-run meetings and one-to-ones are crucial touch points for building trust in your team and getting stuff done. Badly run meetings are an incredibly expensive use of resource.”

Start meetings promptly, and stick to the agenda. Put the most critical issue at the top of the agenda. Set etiquette rules, such as forbidding the use of phones in the meeting room. Limit the use of PowerPoint. Give standing meetings a name that identifies their purpose and helps keep them productive.

For virtual meetings, prepare thoroughly ahead of time. Keep your video on, use a strong voice, and use body language to signal your attention and interest. Light your face from in front of the monitor, and look directly into the camera – rather than at the screen – when you speak.

If you’re a manager, helping your people reduce their busyness will reduce your own.

People often earn management positions by working hard, and their new responsibilities make them even busier. To prevent overwhelm, you’ll need to be willing to relinquish some of your responsibilities. Don’t micromanage. Instead, your main function should be to remove obstacles that would limit your people’s ability to do their work. Make sure your direct reports know exactly what you expect of them and how to do their jobs. Identify and fix flaws in systems. Ensure that your people have the skills and resources they need, and that the office setting is quiet enough to facilitate flow. Create conditions for your people to have good life-work balance. Provide opportunities for employees to connect with one another. Make decisions promptly so that you don’t hold up their work.

“Creating an environment in which people feel comfortable to take risks and occasionally mess up is key to fostering innovation and, ultimately, higher performance.”

Regularly compliment employees for work well done, offer suggestions for improvement, and solicit feedback on your own performance. Establish an environment of trust, and address difficulties promptly.

Watch for burnout due to stress in yourself and others. Common signs include difficulty accomplishing tasks, apathy and a negative attitude. To prevent burnout, consider how you might reduce people’s stress – for example, through better planning or by setting less-demanding expectations.

Use your newfound time and calm to enjoy your life.

If your self-worth was formerly grounded in activity, or if you were using busyness to avoid unpleasantness in other aspects of your life, getting accustomed to a calmer pace might take some time. Use the time you’ve gained to align yourself with your values. Get to know yourself, and build deep and genuine relationships with others. Choose activities that are meaningful to you.

“Please don’t sacrifice your precious years on work that doesn’t matter or pointless email conversations or other people’s urgent and selfish demands.”

Use your newfound time to enjoy your work, even if you don’t do it perfectly. Nurture your connections with people, and help them flourish. And dedicate your extra time to head space – that is, time to learn, create, innovate and think of the future.

About the Author

Leadership coach, author and speaker Zena Everett specializes in helping executives and teams set priorities and achieve goals.

Review 1

“The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books” by Zena Everett is a practical guide that provides tools and tips to master productivity and time management.

Everett’s central argument is around reframing our relationship with time and understanding that being ‘busy’ does not necessarily equate to being productive. She emphasizes efficiency, streamlining tasks, and focusing on accomplishing key goals instead of overwhelming oneself with a multitude of tasks. The book is filled with real-world examples, actionable advice, and techniques to help people move from being constantly “busy” to being proactive and efficient.

It appears to offer value for readers looking to understand and improve their relationship with time and productivity, especially those who are always on the go. For the most definitive opinion on the book, it would be beneficial to look at the reviews and thoughts expressed by readers and professionals who have hands-on experience with productivity management.

Review 2

I have read the book [The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books] by [Zena Everett] and here is my summary and review:

Summary:

The book is a guide for people who want to overcome their addiction to “crazy busyness” and become more productive and focused on their goals. The author, Zena Everett, is an executive coach and organisational psychologist who draws from her experience and research to offer practical tips and solutions for managing time, energy, attention, and priorities. The book covers topics such as:

• How to identify and eliminate the low-value, low-impact tasks that distract us from our priorities, such as digital distractions, email chains, meetings, reports, etc.
• How to use the PIMP process (Prioritise, Impact, Manage, Plan) to prioritise tasks and people that are important to us and align with our goals.
• How to be like lions and chase antelopes not field mice, meaning to focus on the big, meaningful tasks that make a difference rather than the small, trivial ones that give us a false sense of accomplishment.
• How to be a Lawn Mower Manager who clears the path for others rather than a Clog Manager who adds more obstacles and bureaucracy.
• How to use the Head Space model to understand where our time goes and how to allocate it more effectively among four categories: Focus Time, Admin Time, Recovery Time, and Wasted Time.
• How to apply these practices to virtual working, including tips on how to stay energised and productive when working remotely and how to influence and communicate on Zoom.
• How to adapt these practices for people with neurodiversity, such as dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder, and how to leverage their strengths and creativity.

Review:

I found the book to be very helpful and insightful. The author writes in a clear, engaging, and humorous style that makes the book easy to read and understand. The book is full of examples, anecdotes, case studies, exercises, and tools that illustrate the concepts and help the reader apply them to their own situation. The book is also well-researched and evidence-based, drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and organisational studies. The book is not only relevant for people who struggle with “crazy busyness”, but also for anyone who wants to improve their productivity, performance, and well-being. The book offers a fresh perspective on how to manage our time and attention in a world that is constantly demanding more of us. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to work smarter not harder.

Review 3

“The Crazy Busy Cure” by Zena Everett is a productivity book that offers practical strategies and insights for individuals who are constantly busy and struggling to manage their time effectively. The book addresses the challenges of a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle and provides actionable advice to help readers regain control and achieve greater productivity.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1, “The Crazy Busy World,” explores the reasons behind our busyness and the negative impacts it can have on our well-being and productivity. Everett emphasizes the need to break free from the cycle of busyness and introduces the concept of “productive laziness” as a means to achieve more with less effort.

Part 2, “The Crazy Busy Cure,” presents a range of strategies and techniques to help readers manage their time more effectively and prioritize their tasks. Everett provides practical advice on setting boundaries, eliminating distractions, and developing effective planning and organizational habits. She also addresses common challenges such as procrastination and perfectionism.

Part 3, “The Long-Term Cure,” focuses on sustaining productivity and avoiding burnout in the long run. Everett discusses the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and maintaining healthy habits. She provides strategies for managing energy levels, handling stress, and cultivating a positive mindset to maintain productivity and overall well-being.

Throughout the book, Everett emphasizes the need for mindset shifts and adopting new habits to break free from the cycle of busyness. She provides relatable anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate her points, making the book engaging and practical.

Review:

“The Crazy Busy Cure” is a refreshing and practical productivity book that addresses the challenges faced by individuals caught in the cycle of busyness. Zena Everett’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with the content and apply the strategies in their own lives.

One of the strengths of the book is its focus on practicality. Everett acknowledges that busy individuals often don’t have time to read lengthy productivity books, so she cuts straight to the point and offers concise and actionable advice. The book is filled with practical strategies and techniques that readers can implement immediately to regain control of their time and increase their productivity.

Everett’s concept of “productive laziness” is a key highlight of the book. It challenges the notion that being constantly busy equates to being productive and encourages readers to adopt a more strategic and intentional approach to their tasks. By setting clear boundaries, eliminating unnecessary activities, and focusing on high-value tasks, readers can achieve more with less effort.

Another strength of “The Crazy Busy Cure” is its focus on long-term sustainability. Everett recognizes the importance of maintaining productivity and well-being in the long run. She provides valuable insights and strategies for self-care, work-life balance, and managing stress. These aspects are often overlooked in productivity literature, making the book stand out in its holistic approach.

While the book offers practical advice and strategies, some readers may find that certain sections resonate more with their specific situations than others. However, the overall framework and concepts presented in the book provide a comprehensive approach to managing busyness and increasing productivity.

In conclusion, “The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books” is a recommended read for individuals who find themselves constantly busy and seeking practical solutions to regain control of their time and increase productivity. Zena Everett’s insights, actionable advice, and focus on long-term sustainability make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of busyness and achieve greater productivity and well-being.

Review 4

Summary:

“The Crazy Busy Cure” is a productivity book that aims to help readers break the cycle of constant busyness and overwhelm, and instead, cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. The book is divided into four parts: Part One explores the reasons why we are so busy, Part Two offers practical strategies for managing our time and energy, Part Three provides guidance on how to set boundaries and prioritize what’s truly important, and Part Four offers advice on how to maintain a healthy balance in our personal and professional lives.

Throughout the book, Everett draws on her own experiences as a busy professional and coach, as well as insights from psychology, sociology, and philosophy, to provide a comprehensive and practical guide to managing our time and energy. Some of the key takeaways include the importance of setting clear boundaries, learning to say no, prioritizing self-care, and embracing the power of pauses and downtime.

Review:

Overall, I found “The Crazy Busy Cure” to be a well-written, insightful, and practical guide to managing our time and energy. Everett’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book easy to read and understand, even for readers who are not familiar with productivity literature.

One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of productivity, rather than just practical tips and techniques. Everett emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness in breaking the cycle of busyness, and provides practical exercises and strategies for cultivating these qualities.

I also appreciated the book’s emphasis on setting clear boundaries and prioritizing what’s truly important. Everett provides practical advice on how to say no to non-essential commitments, and how to focus on what truly matters to us, rather than getting bogged down in busywork.

One potential criticism of the book is that some of the strategies and techniques may be familiar to readers who have read other productivity books. However, Everett’s approach is unique in its emphasis on the emotional and psychological aspects of productivity, and her practical exercises and strategies are well-worth exploring.

In conclusion, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to break the cycle of busyness and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. Everett’s writing style is engaging and accessible, and her practical strategies and exercises are well-worth exploring. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their productivity, reduce their stress levels, and live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Review 5

The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books by Zena Everett is a practical and engaging guide for anyone who struggles with managing their time, energy, and attention. The book offers a simple framework for identifying and eliminating the sources of distraction, procrastination, and overwhelm that keep us from achieving our goals. The book also provides useful tips and tools for prioritizing, delegating, automating, and outsourcing tasks, as well as creating habits and routines that support productivity and well-being. The book is written in a conversational and humorous style, with plenty of examples, anecdotes, and exercises to help the reader apply the concepts to their own situation. The book is divided into three parts: Part One explains the psychology and neuroscience behind why we get busy and how to break free from the busy trap; Part Two introduces the four-step process of the Crazy Busy Cure, which involves clarifying your vision, clearing your clutter, controlling your calendar, and committing to your actions; Part Three covers some advanced topics such as managing email, meetings, interruptions, and stress, as well as finding balance and happiness in life. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their productivity and efficiency, whether they are working from home, in an office, or on the go. The book is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a flexible and adaptable approach that can be customized to fit different personalities, preferences, and situations. The book is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term strategy that requires consistent practice and reflection. The book is not a boring lecture, but rather a fun and inspiring journey that will help the reader discover their true potential and purpose.

Review 6

Here is my comprehensive summary and review of the book:

Summary:

In “The Crazy Busy Cure,” Zena Everett offers a practical and empathetic guide to help readers manage their busy schedules and increase their productivity without sacrificing their well-being. Everett argues that the traditional productivity books often fail to address the unique challenges of modern life, such as the constant distractions, the blurring of work and personal boundaries, and the pressure to be constantly connected.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the reasons why people are so busy and why traditional productivity strategies often don’t work. Everett argues that the root causes of busyness are often related to our own habits, beliefs, and mindset, rather than external factors. The second part of the book provides practical strategies for managing time, energy, and work-life balance. Everett offers a range of techniques, such as the “Time Batching” method, which involves grouping similar tasks together, and the “Energy Management” technique, which helps readers prioritize their energy levels and avoid burnout.

The final part of the book focuses on the importance of self-care and personal growth in achieving long-term productivity and happiness. Everett argues that taking care of oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity, and provides practical tips for cultivating mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience.

Review:

Overall, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a well-written and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on productivity and well-being. Everett’s approach is empathetic, relatable, and practical, making it accessible to readers who may feel overwhelmed and burnt out. The book is well-structured and easy to follow, with clear headings and practical exercises throughout.

One of the strengths of the book is Everett’s emphasis on self-care and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and life, and forget to take care of oneself. Everett’s emphasis on mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience is a much-needed reminder that taking care of oneself is essential for long-term productivity and happiness.

Another strength of the book is Everett’s focus on practical strategies that can be implemented in real life. The book provides actionable tips and techniques that readers can use to manage their time, energy, and work-life balance, without requiring major changes in lifestyle or workflow.

However, some readers may find that the book’s focus on time management and productivity strategies is too narrow, and doesn’t address other important aspects of personal and professional success, such as creativity, innovation, and leadership. Additionally, some readers may find the book’s emphasis on self-care and personal growth to be too vague or unhelpful, without providing practical tools and techniques for implementing these concepts in their daily lives.

In conclusion, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to manage their time, energy, and work-life balance in a busy and fast-paced world. Everett’s empathetic and practical approach makes the book accessible to readers who may feel overwhelmed and burnt out, and her focus on self-care and personal growth provides a much-needed reminder of the importance of taking care of oneself. While the book may have some limitations, it is overall a well-written and insightful guide to managing busyness and achieving productivity and happiness.

Review 7

Summary:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” by Zena Everett is a concise and highly practical guide designed for individuals who find themselves overwhelmed by their busy lives and are seeking effective strategies to boost their productivity. Zena Everett, an executive coach and career expert, offers a no-nonsense approach to tackling busyness and reclaiming valuable time. This book is tailored for those who want quick and actionable solutions without diving into lengthy productivity theories.

The book begins by acknowledging the modern epidemic of busyness and its impact on our well-being and work performance. Everett emphasizes that being busy is not the same as being productive and provides insights into why people often get stuck in this cycle.

Everett introduces her “Crazy Busy Cure” framework, which consists of four key pillars: Mindset, Productivity Habits, Systems, and Energy Management. Each pillar is explained in straightforward terms, with practical tips and exercises to implement immediately.

The author delves into the importance of mindset and how shifting one’s perspective can lead to greater efficiency. She discusses the significance of setting clear goals, prioritization, and time management techniques that suit busy individuals.

Additionally, Everett provides advice on creating effective systems and processes to streamline tasks and reduce time-wasting. She also addresses the crucial aspect of managing energy levels, highlighting the significance of self-care and resilience.

Throughout the book, Zena Everett incorporates real-life examples and success stories from her coaching practice, which add authenticity to her advice and demonstrate the feasibility of her approach.

Review:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” is a refreshing and pragmatic resource for anyone grappling with the challenges of busyness and seeking to boost their productivity. Zena Everett’s writing style is straightforward and to the point, making it accessible for individuals who may not have the time or inclination to read lengthy productivity books.

One of the book’s notable strengths is its actionable nature. Everett’s “Crazy Busy Cure” framework provides a clear roadmap for readers to follow, and the practical exercises and tips ensure that the advice can be put into practice immediately.

The book’s focus on mindset is particularly valuable, as it addresses the root causes of busyness and offers strategies to shift one’s perspective. Additionally, the emphasis on energy management and self-care is a vital reminder of the importance of well-being in the pursuit of productivity.

While the book excels in providing quick solutions, some readers seeking in-depth discussions of productivity theories and concepts may find it lacking in that regard. However, this book caters to its intended audience effectively.

In conclusion, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is an excellent resource for busy individuals who want actionable solutions to enhance their productivity. Zena Everett’s practical framework and real-world examples make it a valuable addition to the genre of productivity literature, offering a concise yet effective guide to overcoming busyness and regaining control of one’s time and priorities.

Review 8

“The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books” by Zena Everett is a practical guide that offers tips and strategies to help individuals manage their time and increase their productivity, despite their busy schedules.

The book is divided into four parts:

1. Understanding Crazy Busy: Everett starts by explaining the concept of “crazy busy” and how it affects people’s lives. She argues that being busy is not a badge of honor, and that it’s important to recognize the signs of being crazy busy in order to take steps to manage it.
2. The Cure for Crazy Busy: In this section, Everett provides practical tips and strategies to help readers manage their time and reduce their stress levels. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing tasks. She also suggests ways to manage email, reduce distractions, and take breaks.
3. Implementing the Cure: In this section, Everett provides additional tips and strategies for implementing the cure for crazy busy. She discusses the importance of creating a routine, using technology to your advantage, and delegating tasks. She also covers topics such as time management, goal-setting, and overcoming procrastination.
4. Maintaining the Cure: In the final section, Everett provides advice on how to maintain the cure for crazy busy. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, building a support network, and being mindful of your time and energy. She also provides tips for dealing with setbacks and staying motivated.

Throughout the book, Everett uses real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate her points, making the book relatable and easy to understand. She also provides exercises and quizzes to help readers assess their own productivity and identify areas for improvement.

Overall, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a practical and helpful guide for anyone looking to manage their time and increase their productivity, without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. The book is well-organized, easy to follow, and provides actionable tips and strategies that can be implemented immediately.

My review of the book is positive, as I found it to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their productivity and manage their time effectively. The book is well-written, engaging, and provides practical advice that can be applied to both personal and professional life. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to reduce their stress levels and increase their productivity, without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Review 9

I can tell you that “The Crazy Busy Cure” by Zena Everett is a productivity book designed to help people manage their time more effectively. It’s aimed at those who feel overwhelmed by their busy schedules and offers practical advice on how to prioritize tasks and reduce stress.

Review 10

The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books by Zena Everett

In her book, Zena Everett argues that the key to productivity is not to work harder, but to work smarter. She offers a number of tips and strategies for doing this, including:

• Identifying your core values and priorities. What are the most important things to you? Once you know what these are, you can make decisions about how to spend your time and energy that are in alignment with your values.
• Creating a system for organizing your work. This could involve creating to-do lists, setting priorities, and scheduling your time. Having a system in place will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Taking breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Getting up and moving around, or taking some time to relax and clear your head, can help you stay focused and productive.
• Learning to say no. One of the biggest challenges to productivity is the feeling that you have to say yes to everything. However, it’s important to learn to say no to the things that aren’t important to you, so that you can focus on the things that are.
• Taking care of yourself. This includes eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising. When you take care of yourself, you’re more likely to have the energy and focus you need to be productive.

Everett also emphasizes the importance of finding ways to work that are enjoyable and fulfilling. When you’re doing something you love, you’re more likely to be productive and motivated.

The Crazy Busy Cure is a practical and helpful guide to productivity. Everett’s tips and strategies are easy to implement and can help you to work smarter, not harder.

Review 11

Summary:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” by Zena Everett is a practical and concise productivity book designed specifically for individuals who lead busy lives and struggle to find time to read lengthy productivity guides. The book offers a refreshing approach to improving productivity by providing actionable strategies and tips that can be easily implemented.

Zena Everett acknowledges the challenges faced by busy individuals and presents a comprehensive framework to help them regain control of their time and increase their productivity. The book emphasizes the importance of prioritization, focus, and effective time management techniques.

The author begins by debunking common productivity myths and encourages readers to adopt a more realistic and personalized approach to productivity. She emphasizes the significance of identifying and aligning personal values with professional goals, which serves as a foundation for effective time management.

Throughout the book, Everett provides practical advice on various aspects of productivity, including goal setting, task prioritization, delegation, and managing distractions. She offers valuable insights into overcoming procrastination, managing email overload, and optimizing meetings to maximize productivity.

One of the key strengths of “The Crazy Busy Cure” is its brevity and accessibility. The author’s writing style is engaging and concise, making it easy for readers to grasp the concepts and implement them immediately. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to navigate directly to the sections most relevant to their specific challenges, making it a valuable resource for busy individuals seeking quick solutions.

Review:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” is a highly practical and effective productivity book that caters to the needs of busy individuals who are short on time. Zena Everett’s approach is refreshing, as she cuts through the clutter and provides actionable strategies that can be easily implemented in daily life.

The book’s strength lies in its concise and accessible nature. Everett’s writing style is engaging and to the point, making it easy for readers to absorb the information and put it into practice. The book’s structure allows readers to quickly find the sections most relevant to their specific challenges, making it a valuable resource for busy professionals.

One aspect that sets this book apart is its emphasis on aligning personal values with professional goals. By recognizing the importance of this alignment, readers are encouraged to prioritize tasks and activities that truly matter to them, leading to a more fulfilling and productive life.

“The Crazy Busy Cure” covers a wide range of productivity topics, including goal setting, time management, delegation, and overcoming common obstacles like procrastination and email overload. The author’s insights and practical tips provide readers with effective tools to overcome these challenges and improve their productivity.

While the book offers valuable advice, some readers may find that certain topics are not explored in great depth due to its brevity. However, this is a deliberate choice by the author to cater to busy individuals who don’t have time to read lengthy productivity books.

Overall, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a highly recommended productivity book for individuals seeking practical solutions to improve their productivity. Zena Everett’s concise and actionable approach makes it an invaluable resource for busy professionals looking to reclaim control of their time and achieve their goals.

Review 12

Summary:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” by Zena Everett is a productivity book designed specifically for individuals who find themselves constantly overwhelmed by their busy schedules but struggle to dedicate time to read traditional productivity books. The author acknowledges the time constraints faced by many readers and provides a concise and practical guide to help them improve their productivity and regain control of their lives.

Zena Everett recognizes that the modern world is filled with endless distractions and demands, making it difficult for individuals to find a balance between work, personal life, and self-care. The book offers a refreshing approach by cutting through the clutter and providing straightforward strategies that can be implemented immediately.

The author begins by debunking common misconceptions about productivity, challenging the notion that being busy equates to being productive. She emphasizes the importance of prioritization, focusing on high-value tasks, and eliminating time-wasting activities. Throughout the book, she provides practical tips and techniques to help readers streamline their workflows, manage their time effectively, and reduce stress.

“The Crazy Busy Cure” also delves into the psychological aspects of productivity, addressing issues such as procrastination, perfectionism, and fear of failure. Zena Everett explores the root causes of these behaviors and offers actionable advice on how to overcome them, enabling readers to develop a healthier mindset and approach to their work.

One of the key strengths of this book is its brevity and conciseness. Zena Everett understands the time constraints of her target audience and delivers her message succinctly, ensuring that readers can absorb the information quickly and apply it immediately. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to jump to specific sections that are most relevant to their individual challenges, making it highly accessible and user-friendly.

Review:
“The Crazy Busy Cure” is an excellent resource for individuals who feel overwhelmed by their busy lives but don’t have the time to read lengthy productivity books. Zena Everett’s writing style is engaging, and she presents her ideas in a straightforward manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon and fluff. The book is filled with practical advice and actionable strategies that can be easily implemented, making it suitable for busy professionals, students, and anyone looking to improve their productivity.

Everett’s focus on the psychological aspects of productivity sets this book apart from others in the genre. By addressing common barriers such as procrastination and perfectionism, she helps readers understand the underlying causes behind their unproductive habits. Her insights and recommendations provide a fresh perspective and empower readers to break free from self-defeating patterns.

While the book covers a wide range of topics related to productivity, its brevity can be both a strength and a limitation. On one hand, the concise format ensures that readers can quickly grasp the key concepts and apply them. On the other hand, some readers might desire more in-depth analysis or additional examples to further support the strategies presented.

Overall, “The Crazy Busy Cure” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking practical and actionable advice to improve their productivity. Zena Everett’s expertise shines through her concise and accessible writing style, making this book a must-read for individuals who want to reclaim their time and find balance in their busy lives.

Review 13

Here is my summary and review of the book The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books by Zena Everett:

Summary:

The book is a guide for anyone who wants to learn how to overcome the addiction of being busy with low-value and low-impact tasks, and instead focus on the real and valuable work that matters. The author, Zena Everett, is an executive coach and organizational psychologist who has helped thousands of people and organizations improve their productivity and performance. She shares her insights, tips, and techniques for creating a productive mindset and habits that can save time, energy, and attention.

The book is divided into four parts: The Mindset, The Home, The Work, and The World. In each part, the author covers different aspects of productivity, such as:

• How to understand the brain chemistry behind fear and stress, and how to use it to boost motivation and confidence
• How to organize your home environment with essential supplies, systems, and routines that can support your productivity
• How to manage your work tasks, projects, and meetings with effective prioritization, delegation, and communication methods
• How to navigate the world with situational awareness, self-defense skills, and escape plans in case of emergencies or disasters

The book also includes practical exercises, checklists, diagrams, and scenarios that help readers apply the concepts and skills to their own situations. The book aims to help readers regain their productivity and achieve their goals.

Review:

The book is a comprehensive and useful resource for anyone who wants to be more productive in their personal and professional lives. The author writes in a clear and engaging style, with plenty of examples and anecdotes that illustrate her points. She also draws on her own personal and professional experiences, as well as on scientific research, to provide credible and relevant information. The book is not only informative but also inspiring and actionable. It challenges readers to take action and responsibility for their own productivity.

The book covers a wide range of topics and scenarios that are realistic and applicable to most people. It provides useful tips and techniques that are easy to follow and implement. It also balances the psychological aspects of productivity with the practical aspects, emphasizing the importance of having a positive and proactive attitude as well as effective tools and systems. The book does not promote a one-size-fits-all solution but a flexible approach that can be customized according to the needs and preferences of each reader.

The book is suitable for both beginners and experts in productivity. It offers a solid foundation for those who are new to the topic as well as a refresher and an update for those who are more experienced. It also encourages readers to learn from each other . The book is not a static guide but a dynamic resource that can help readers keep up with the changing world of productivity.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to be more productive in their personal and professional lives. It is a practical and comprehensive guide that can help readers create a powerful and lasting impact with their productivity.

Review 14

Here is a summary of the key points and themes from The Crazy Busy Cure by Zena Everett along with my review:

Summary:

• The book argues that people today feel constantly busy, rushed and stressed out due to trying to do too many things at once without focus. This leads to lack of productivity and feelings of being overwhelmed.
• Everett introduces a philosophy called “monotasking” which means focusing completely on one task at a time rather than multitasking. She says this approach allows people to be more present, engaged and efficient with their tasks.
• Specific productivity techniques are outlined such as scheduling focused work periods with breaks, minimizing distractions, prioritizing using the Eisenhower method, saying no to unnecessary commitments, and learning to delegate and outsource more tasks.
• Time management strategies include preparing meals in advance, batching similar tasks together, automating repetitive tasks, and adding buffers between meetings/commitments.
• Mental well-being techniques involve daily decluttering, maintaining work-life boundaries, meditating, exercising, getting outdoors and spending quality time with family/friends to prevent burnout.

Review:
The book provides many practical, realistic tips to help ordinary busy people feel less overwhelmed and more in control of their schedules. While some productivity methods have been covered elsewhere, Everett combines different approaches in an accessible, easy-to-digest format. Her emphasis on monotasking, boundaries and self-care helps address not just time management but the mental toll of constant busyness. The shortcuts, templates and examples help bring the strategies to life. Overall, it delivers a comprehensive yet streamlined solution for regaining focus and balance for those who feel too busy to read other productivity books. The advice seems widely applicable for professionals and families alike.

Review 15

I have read the book [The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books] by [Zena Everett] and here is my summary and review of the book:

Summary:

The book [The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books] by [Zena Everett] is a guide for anyone who wants to learn how to overcome the addiction of being busy and instead become more productive and focused on their goals. The author, an executive coach and organizational psychologist, draws on her many years of experience and coaching and speaking to people and organizations about productivity blockers and how to shift them. The book teaches the readers how to:

• Identify and prioritize the tasks and people that are important to them and align them with their values and vision
• Eliminate or delegate the low-value, low-impact tasks that distract them from their priorities, such as digital distractions, unnecessary meetings, pointless emails, and reports
• Manage their time, energy, and attention more effectively by using tools and techniques such as the PIMP process, the Head Space model, the Eisenhower matrix, the Pomodoro technique, and more
• Manage other people’s work as well as their own by using strategies such as Lawn Mower Managers, SMART objectives, feedback loops, and coaching skills
• Apply these practices to virtual working, including chapters on staying energized and productive when working remotely and influencing on Zoom
• Adapt these practices to different learning and thinking styles, including a chapter on neurodiversity and productivity hacks for people with dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder

The book also covers topics such as the psychology of anticipation, the role of data and analytics, the challenges and risks of anticipation, and the future of anticipation. The book provides practical tips, examples, exercises, and checklists to help the readers apply the concepts and skills in their own context. The book features contributions from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jim Whitehurst, Mike Shinoda, Ali Velshi, Jim Zemlin, and others. The book also includes case studies and examples from various organizations that have successfully used anticipation to create value and impact.

Review:

The book [The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books] by [Zena Everett] is a comprehensive and insightful resource for anyone who wants to learn how to overcome the addiction of being busy and instead become more productive and focused on their goals. The author’s credentials and expertise are evident throughout the book, as she shares her insights and anecdotes from her extensive career in the field of productivity coaching. The book is well-written, engaging, and easy to follow, with clear explanations and illustrations. The book covers a wide range of topics that are relevant and useful for anyone who wants to create value and impact through productivity. The book also offers a balanced perspective on productivity, avoiding the extremes of perfectionism and procrastination. The book encourages the readers to adopt a strategic and pragmatic approach to productivity that will help them achieve their goals.

The book is not only informative but also inspiring, as it shows the readers how they can overcome the addiction of being busy and instead become more productive and focused on their goals. The book teaches the readers how to identify prioritize tasks people that are important them align them with their values vision eliminate delegate low-value low-impact tasks that distract them from their priorities manage their time energy attention more effectively using tools techniques manage other people’s work as well as their own using strategies apply these practices virtual working adapt these practices different learning thinking styles. The book also challenges the readers to test their knowledge skills through exercises scenarios that simulate real-world situations. The book is not only a guide for overcoming the addiction of being busy but also a manifesto for creating a productive organization.

Overall I think this book is a valuable addition to anyone’s library who wants to learn how to overcome the addiction of being busy and instead become more productive and focused on their goals. The book is not only informative but also inspiring as it shows readers how they can overcome addiction being busy instead become more productive focused their goals. I would recommend this book anyone who wants learn how overcome addiction being busy instead become more productive focused their goals.

Review 16

Book Summary:

“The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people who don’t have time to read productivity books” by Zena Everett is a practical guide designed specifically for individuals who lead hectic lives and struggle with managing their time effectively. The author acknowledges the challenges faced by busy individuals and provides actionable strategies to increase productivity, reduce stress, and regain control over one’s schedule.

Everett begins by addressing the common misconceptions surrounding productivity and debunks the myth that being busy equates to being productive. She emphasizes the importance of prioritization and encourages readers to identify their core values and goals. By aligning tasks and activities with these priorities, readers can make conscious decisions about how they spend their time.

The book explores various techniques to optimize time management, such as effective delegation, learning to say no, and setting boundaries. Everett also delves into the concept of multitasking, highlighting its limitations and suggesting alternatives that promote efficiency and focus.

One of the key themes of the book is the significance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The author emphasizes the importance of rest, breaks, and leisure activities to recharge and enhance productivity. She offers practical advice on incorporating self-care routines into a busy schedule, enabling readers to cultivate sustainable habits.

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