A procrastinator at heart, time management is something I often struggle with, which is why I picked up Time Management Essentials You Always Wanted to Know. This is a very straightforward resource that helps you put your focus where it needs to be, helping you to improve your time management skills if you implement what it teaches.

Though the reading is dry I still found this resource to be invaluable and can see referencing it again and again. The discussion questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter are great at bringing the points brought forth in that chapter home, and are quite thought-provoking.

I did learn that eliminating distractions is a huge part of time management. It’s unreal how many time suckers there are in all of our lives and by putting these wasters into their own designated time frame and not allowing them to overtake other important tasks is a game changer. Though it is something that I knew before reading this text it was still a wonderful reminder, and has again helped me put my focus where it needs to be. Addressing these problems is really what’s been helping me and I feel like just this alone has helped with my time management skills.

Though it will take time to document what you need to get your time under control once you begin to get focused you will be amazed at how much more you will be able to accomplish. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read this text. ( )

In Time Management Essentials, Annamaria Bliven emphasized the importance of time management planning and of starting your plan backward by focusing on the desired result. The steps needed to get that result, and when it’s due, are decided and documented. Those steps require timely accomplished preliminary steps in turn. Preliminary steps must also be analyzed strategically and planned with their respective timelines. Once the steps and the timelines due are put together on a paper chart, you know what needs to be done and when each step is needed for the timely achievement of your goal. This process and fulfillment require intentionality and diligence.

Time blocks should be set aside for accomplishing these tasks. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with the periods established. Incoming emails, phone calls, and social interactions have to be minimized. Time for socializing, doing family chores, and relaxing are not ignored by Bliven but are given their time block for enjoyment on the chart.

Blivin’s process may seem regimented until you realize how much time gets lost without diligent adherence to taking timely steps to get things done. Without a planning chart, goals aren’t achieved when due nor are obligations timely met.

After reading the book, I became determined to get better control of my time by putting together a task management chart. It went well the first day but I got waylaid the second. In self-defense, Bliven did warn that this could happen early on when following her time management guidelines. She had an entire chapter devoted to time lost.

While I haven’t had many time-blocking successes yet, Bliven’s book gave me the steps needed. That is what any of us want when we realize a need to better manage our time but don’t know where to start. ( )

Dr AnnaMaria Bliven teaches a full load of college classes, works full-time as a data analyst, is loving and devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a businessperson, and leader of a non-profit organization. How does she do it? She uses the time-management techniques that she explains in this wonderfully useful book, and you can apply them too.

These strategies include working backwards, priority lists and time-blocking. They are not only useful for work, but also extremely helpful for other plans, such as having a holiday. Dr Bliven explains the relevant technique, and then tells you an anecdote about how not using it affected her work or her plans. She also has quizes at the end of each chapter, so that you can test what you have learned.

I found this really helpful, and I am sure that it will help me make plans, and achieve my goals more easily.

I won this free book at LibraryThing in return for an honest review. ( )

This is a quick, no non-sense guide to productivity. It's all about intentionality, realistic expectations, and backward planning. Dividing your day smartly, and utilizing different time organization techniques depending on the desired outcome.

While reading, I did feel at times "separated" from the author, but the personal stories compensated.

Regardless, this book offers essential information and, for me, a refresher, on how to manage time effectively to balance work, family, and entrepreneurial dreams. ( )

As I read this book for its launch to the public on 07/13/23, I anticipated learning some new tips/skills for effective time management. Annamaria Bliven did a good job with this text and subject, however it served as a review for me. That was good - acted as a refresher course text. . ( )