Personal Productivity Secrets (eBook)

Maura Nevel Thomas is a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant in the areas of productivity, attention, and effectiveness. She founded RegainYourTime.com in 2003 and has worked for nearly 20 years in the productivity training industry. She developed a process for managing life and work details called the Empowered Productivity System, and its success brings regular invitations to speak and lead workshops on the topic.

Read This First xxi

Part I Managing Your Attention 1

Chapter 1 Stop Trying to Manage Your Time 3

Chapter 2 Changing Your Mind: Attention Management 21

Part II The Empowered Productivity System 39

Chapter 3 Empowering Your Productivity 41

Chapter 4 Controlling the Constant Chatter 55

Chapter 5 Supplementing Brainpower with Technology 71

Chapter 6 Clearing Your Mind Now 85

Chapter 7 Capture, Store, Act 95

Chapter 8 Clearing Your Space 115

Chapter 9 Emerging Concepts in Information Management 139

Chapter 10 The T.E.S.S.T. Process 147

Chapter 11 Controlling Your Email 159

Chapter 12 Defending Your Attention Using Technology 179

Part III Tools for Success 197

Chapter 13 Mastering Your Technology 199

Chapter 14 Managing New Communication--Social Media 223

Chapter 15 Implications for Groups and Teams 231

Chapter 16 Modern Conveniences--Reviews and Recommendations241

Part IV Appendices 251

Appendix A Recommended Book List 253

Appendix B Resources 257

Glossary 263

Index 271

"This book is a reference guide for changing your life to beingsane and peaceful and I find myself picking it up time and timeagain to bring another area back into alignment. I have by no meansaccomplished everything that I know this book will help me to dobut I am thrilled with the results so far..."--DaniMeyer, The Adventure Bite blog

"In Personal Productivity Secrets, topics range from howto use an online calendar, address book and e-mail, to how to bestuse an online storage tool, to-do lists and a capture tool, allassisting you with regaining that focus and control, bringing youpeace of mind, success and fulfillment. Whether you feel you needto make a drastic change in your life or you feel you have ittogether for the most part, Thomas can help."--MollyMcManus, Austin Woman Magazine"Thomas' book goes far beyond the 'how' of being productive andprovides a whole lot of 'why,' delving into the nature of moderngadgets, media, software, social networks, and more. Highlyrecommended for those who feel they and their brains aren't on thesame page."
--Kevin Purdy, Writer and former Contributing Editor atLifehacker