I have been trying to read the fantastic book, "Gettng Things Done" by David Allen for over a week. I know it is a fantastic book because for the second time I have made it to page 36 and now I am ready to stop reading and get things done. Only problem with that is that I know that there is so much more I can learn if I just finish reading the book. My problem with reading this book is not that it is not interesting or a slow read, but that it is action based motivational. I find that I can't read it at night, my normal book reading time, because I will be up all night thinking about all of my task and how to get them in order as the book suggest. During the day would be the next obvious time to read. Each time during the day that I try to pick up the book, I get distracted by the feeling that I need to be taking some sort of action. I have been contemplating different places I could go to read the book. I need a place free of any distractions. I thought of spending the day in car pool line, but thought that other parents would see me and think that I have lost it. I also considered going to the library, but there are many other books there along with Internet access. If it were summer, I would take this book to the pool and enjoy the afternoon there, but we are in the dead of winter. My final great idea is to download the book, thus paying for the book twice. However, I do think that the download version may work for me. I can go to the Y and listen to the book or stay home and clean house or play Wii tennis. All of which are thoughts that I have while I am attempting to reading this book during the day. However I manage to get this book read, I totally look forward to implementing Mr. Allen's system into my daily life.
Robin, I am not familiar with Mr. Allen's book. However, I am familiar with the pangs of guilt you feel during the day when you feel you need to be DOING something and not reading, the latter of which is perceived by many as an indulgence. I have thought of taking ten minutes in the morning and ten before bedtime to devote to reading. I am ashamed that I do not read more- especially after spending more than 30 years in the field of education. Your dilemma is one that many of us share. Good luck! Let us know when you finish Mr. Allen's book. We would love to hear some great tips on how to improve our organization skills.
Thanks Roseann, It is great to hear that I am not alone. You are so right about the perception of indulgence. There are many important things that we should be doing for ourselves that can be perceived this way... reading and excercise are two of the most important. Guess somewhere in my bringing up these two things were looked upon as a waste of time and became ingrained in me. This gives me even more to ponder.
Dear Robin,
Ot sounds like the author achieved his goal! He made you feel motivated to do things!
So motivated you are paying for the book twice!
Barbara
Robin - I'm adding "Getting Things Done" to my reading list... I only read the first few sentences of your post and wanted to get the book - It's contagious.
Yes, I am in agreement with Roseann....Share the tips, I am subscribing to your blog....and welcome to A.R.
Thank you Jane and Roseann, I downloaded the audio version. Hoping to clean and get to the gym tomorrow and listen to the book. The good thing about having both versions is that I will now have to versions to share with my friends. Thanks for subscribing. Your subscription will furthur motivate me to finish the book, one way or the other... maybe both.
Robin:
That sounds like a great book. I will have to get a copy, I need motivation. ha.
Good luck with finishing your book. Aside from reading Mother Goose to my daughter I can't say that I have finished a book in a long time.
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