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Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance
It's not about doing more.
IT'S ABOUT DOING WHAT MATTERS.
As a busy mom with three young kids and a career, #1 national bestselling author Christy Wright knows what it’s like to try to do it all and be stretched too thin. After years of running on empty, she realized she had to do something different. It wasn’t just a matter of saying no to a few things. She had to figure out why she felt overwhelmed, overcommitted, and out of balance.
Here’s what she Life balance isn't something you do. It's something you feel. The great news is you can feel balanced — even in your busy life.
In Take Back Your Time, Christy redefines what balance is and reveals the clear path to actually achieve it. You'll learn how
Identify what balance looks like in your unique situation and season.Find confidence in the choices that are right for you.Feel peace even during chaotic times.Learn how to be present for your life and actually enjoy it!You weren’t created to live busy and burnt out, unhappy and unfulfilled. You shouldn’t be haunted by some elusive idea of balancing it all. There’s more for you right now. Today. And it starts with taking back your time the guilt-free way.
IT'S ABOUT DOING WHAT MATTERS.
As a busy mom with three young kids and a career, #1 national bestselling author Christy Wright knows what it’s like to try to do it all and be stretched too thin. After years of running on empty, she realized she had to do something different. It wasn’t just a matter of saying no to a few things. She had to figure out why she felt overwhelmed, overcommitted, and out of balance.
Here’s what she Life balance isn't something you do. It's something you feel. The great news is you can feel balanced — even in your busy life.
In Take Back Your Time, Christy redefines what balance is and reveals the clear path to actually achieve it. You'll learn how
Identify what balance looks like in your unique situation and season.Find confidence in the choices that are right for you.Feel peace even during chaotic times.Learn how to be present for your life and actually enjoy it!You weren’t created to live busy and burnt out, unhappy and unfulfilled. You shouldn’t be haunted by some elusive idea of balancing it all. There’s more for you right now. Today. And it starts with taking back your time the guilt-free way.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
182 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 19, 2022
Another Christian white lady saying we can all change our lives if we stop doing things. I agree with the general premise - stop doing the things you don’t care about and start doing the things you do care about. However, the privilege demonstrated in a lot of these books gets on my nerves.
June 26, 2022
“My mind was always where my body wasn’t.”
This book is full of little nuggets like the one above that really stuck out to me. How often do we find ourselves on our phones getting sucked into other worlds and other people’s lives, when the most important people are who we’re physically with? I could go on and on about the negatives of social media (I know, ironic I’m posting this on IG 🥴) and the number of times I’ve thought about deleting it all, but I’ll spare you. 😉
This book, contrary to the title, is about more than just struggling with trying to get it all done and having no time for what matters most. That’s discussed in this book of course, but I love that Christy really gets to the heart and discusses how our priorities can get so out of whack. She shares ways she re-prioritized things in her life to achieve better balance (hint: put your phone away is a big one!).
If you know me you know I don’t always love the self-help vibes of books, but this book intertwines priorities with faith, which I loved! Definitely recommend this one if you’re feeling burnt out, disconnected from your closest people, or just looking for a little more balance in your life.
This book is full of little nuggets like the one above that really stuck out to me. How often do we find ourselves on our phones getting sucked into other worlds and other people’s lives, when the most important people are who we’re physically with? I could go on and on about the negatives of social media (I know, ironic I’m posting this on IG 🥴) and the number of times I’ve thought about deleting it all, but I’ll spare you. 😉
This book, contrary to the title, is about more than just struggling with trying to get it all done and having no time for what matters most. That’s discussed in this book of course, but I love that Christy really gets to the heart and discusses how our priorities can get so out of whack. She shares ways she re-prioritized things in her life to achieve better balance (hint: put your phone away is a big one!).
If you know me you know I don’t always love the self-help vibes of books, but this book intertwines priorities with faith, which I loved! Definitely recommend this one if you’re feeling burnt out, disconnected from your closest people, or just looking for a little more balance in your life.
April 10, 2022
This is definitely going on my re-read list. It is full of practical, adaptable, and balanced advice. Reading the book is just the first step—applying it is the process that will benefit the reader most.
September 21, 2021
A short practical book about time management that focuses on figuring out what’s meaningful and aligning yourself with that in practical ways. It starts off by saying that the idea of being “balanced” with your time is BS—a good point—and then goes on to define balance in a different way than it’s been used, a way I found much more helpful and realistic.
More of the examples are women than men (lots of moms who have several kids and a job or other commitments), but all the principles are equally applicable to pretty much anyone. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this to men even though it’s written by a woman.
I like non fiction like this that is short and to the point and makes me feel like I’m not wasting time by reading too much filler. Also this was certainly engaging and written in a breezy and relatable style. Most importantly perhaps, it also included a link to a free set of worksheets that you print off from online that are useful for helping yourself engage more and do some practical work around this stuff.
I recommend it for anyone feeling stressed about time in their life. This isn’t a guide about how to jam pack your schedule even more or how to optimize every minute of your day (things that would add stress). It’s about addressing the real problems we have with time (like identifying the different ways in which we end up doing things that aren’t important out of a sense of obligation for example or misplaced guilt or perceived value, etc) and talking about how to stop doing those things and start doing what’s most important. Which involves also identifying what those most important things are.
Solid book.
More of the examples are women than men (lots of moms who have several kids and a job or other commitments), but all the principles are equally applicable to pretty much anyone. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this to men even though it’s written by a woman.
I like non fiction like this that is short and to the point and makes me feel like I’m not wasting time by reading too much filler. Also this was certainly engaging and written in a breezy and relatable style. Most importantly perhaps, it also included a link to a free set of worksheets that you print off from online that are useful for helping yourself engage more and do some practical work around this stuff.
I recommend it for anyone feeling stressed about time in their life. This isn’t a guide about how to jam pack your schedule even more or how to optimize every minute of your day (things that would add stress). It’s about addressing the real problems we have with time (like identifying the different ways in which we end up doing things that aren’t important out of a sense of obligation for example or misplaced guilt or perceived value, etc) and talking about how to stop doing those things and start doing what’s most important. Which involves also identifying what those most important things are.
Solid book.
January 12, 2022
This is not "just another self-help book." If you learn just 1-2 things to change, it'll be well worth reading.
This book for those who are exhausted with too much to do, for those who are disorganized and have difficulty managing their own lives, and *also* for those who seem to have plenty of time but who feel frustrated that they don't get everything checked off their to-do list. I'm a big list maker. Since I'm mostly retired, I generally have plenty of time, yet I was stuck on checking things off my to-do list (that adrenaline rush -- going so far as to write in things I had already done so I could check them off!). I started to feel put out when I ended up with "too many things to do in a day" -- a problem of my own making. Just a few chapters into this book, I made a big life change -- I chucked my digital to-do list of 2+ decades and created a daily "What I want to get done today" list. Separately, I have a "when you get around to it" list. Voila! I have time to do what matters most to me. Because, really, does it matter if I get the laundry done on Thursdays or brush the dogs' teeth exactly on schedule? No! My priorities in early retirement are to keep the house tidy, yes, and to make sure we have good meals. But more importantly, I am striving to do what really matters to me -- my husband, family, friends, and sports/hobbies.
This book for those who are exhausted with too much to do, for those who are disorganized and have difficulty managing their own lives, and *also* for those who seem to have plenty of time but who feel frustrated that they don't get everything checked off their to-do list. I'm a big list maker. Since I'm mostly retired, I generally have plenty of time, yet I was stuck on checking things off my to-do list (that adrenaline rush -- going so far as to write in things I had already done so I could check them off!). I started to feel put out when I ended up with "too many things to do in a day" -- a problem of my own making. Just a few chapters into this book, I made a big life change -- I chucked my digital to-do list of 2+ decades and created a daily "What I want to get done today" list. Separately, I have a "when you get around to it" list. Voila! I have time to do what matters most to me. Because, really, does it matter if I get the laundry done on Thursdays or brush the dogs' teeth exactly on schedule? No! My priorities in early retirement are to keep the house tidy, yes, and to make sure we have good meals. But more importantly, I am striving to do what really matters to me -- my husband, family, friends, and sports/hobbies.
May 28, 2024
In Take Back Your Time, Christy Wright lays out a 5 step plan for reclaiming balance and building a life that you are proud of, it is titled: "The Path to Balance". The plan goes:
Step 1: Decide what matters
Step 2: Stop doing what doesn't matter
Step 3: Create a schedule that reflects what matters
Step 4: Protect what matters
Step 5: Be present for what matters
She goes over each step, further explaining it and sharing anecdotes to underline her points. I found this book quite easy to read and a lot of her advice seems helpful.
So why not 5 stars? Because I think Christy could have saved herself and all of her readers a lot of time by condensing the book. Essentially you could boil all of it into one chapter and have it be (for me anyway) just as helpful. I especially felt that Wright spent way too much time trying to convince and then re-convince you of your need for balance in life, which felt redundant because I already know that I need balance, that's why I'm reading the book! The chapters would also get kinda repetitive, making me want to skip while sections because it felt like I'd already read them for how repetitive they got.
Overall not a bad book, it's message is one that could be life changing for many people in the world today. So if you're struggling with feeling as though you're wasting your life, and you never have enough time, this book could be perfect for you.
I'll end with my favorite analogy Wright used in the book:
"Our schedule can become like an over-cluttered closet full of clothes that don't fit us, we don't enjoy wearing, or don't work for our lifestyles anymore."
...And that is when you know it's time for a purge.
Step 1: Decide what matters
Step 2: Stop doing what doesn't matter
Step 3: Create a schedule that reflects what matters
Step 4: Protect what matters
Step 5: Be present for what matters
She goes over each step, further explaining it and sharing anecdotes to underline her points. I found this book quite easy to read and a lot of her advice seems helpful.
So why not 5 stars? Because I think Christy could have saved herself and all of her readers a lot of time by condensing the book. Essentially you could boil all of it into one chapter and have it be (for me anyway) just as helpful. I especially felt that Wright spent way too much time trying to convince and then re-convince you of your need for balance in life, which felt redundant because I already know that I need balance, that's why I'm reading the book! The chapters would also get kinda repetitive, making me want to skip while sections because it felt like I'd already read them for how repetitive they got.
Overall not a bad book, it's message is one that could be life changing for many people in the world today. So if you're struggling with feeling as though you're wasting your life, and you never have enough time, this book could be perfect for you.
I'll end with my favorite analogy Wright used in the book:
"Our schedule can become like an over-cluttered closet full of clothes that don't fit us, we don't enjoy wearing, or don't work for our lifestyles anymore."
...And that is when you know it's time for a purge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. MOVING TARGET:
- “Life balance” is a moving target.
— We feel we have to do it all, then shame ourselves when we fail.
— Balance: Doing the right things at the right time, not equal division of time for each activity.
— Identify: doing too many things, not doing enough things, doing the wrong things, or doing the right things.
2. SEASONS:
- Identity what matters MOST to you right NOW.
- You put priorities in your schedule or you allow someone else to put it there.
3. PROTECT YOUR CALENDAR:
- Let boundaries be the bad guy, the answer is consistent (eg sabbath of doing nothing).
- Nobody else is going to protect your time like you.
- You owe it to yourself to say “no”.
- You are not obligated to comply just because someone asked.
4. HONEST “NO”:
- An honest “no” is better than a dishonest “yes”.
- Just because someone needs you, does not obligate you.
— By saying Yes to this request, what will I have to say no to?
- Will your future self want to do this later?
- Is it worth it to them for what it will TAKE from you?
- Which decision will you regret?
- Which decision well help me feel relieved?
5. UNDIVIDED ATTENTION:
- Every human being wants to be seen. This is how true connection happens.
- Be 100% present wherever you are.
1. MOVING TARGET:
- “Life balance” is a moving target.
— We feel we have to do it all, then shame ourselves when we fail.
— Balance: Doing the right things at the right time, not equal division of time for each activity.
— Identify: doing too many things, not doing enough things, doing the wrong things, or doing the right things.
2. SEASONS:
- Identity what matters MOST to you right NOW.
- You put priorities in your schedule or you allow someone else to put it there.
3. PROTECT YOUR CALENDAR:
- Let boundaries be the bad guy, the answer is consistent (eg sabbath of doing nothing).
- Nobody else is going to protect your time like you.
- You owe it to yourself to say “no”.
- You are not obligated to comply just because someone asked.
4. HONEST “NO”:
- An honest “no” is better than a dishonest “yes”.
- Just because someone needs you, does not obligate you.
— By saying Yes to this request, what will I have to say no to?
- Will your future self want to do this later?
- Is it worth it to them for what it will TAKE from you?
- Which decision will you regret?
- Which decision well help me feel relieved?
5. UNDIVIDED ATTENTION:
- Every human being wants to be seen. This is how true connection happens.
- Be 100% present wherever you are.
October 27, 2021
More than a book on how to manage your time. It’s time to define what you have time for and that it’s okay to say no. Good book. Great thoughts. Will be implementing the suggestions.
April 30, 2024
This was a super encouraging read! A great reminder to prioritize and remember to (as much as possible) only say yes to what fits into your current period of life and give yourself grace.
March 6, 2025
I've been reading more books on productivity lately, and I wouldn't mark this as in the Top 5 books on the subject. What makes this book unique, however, is its focus on the seasons of life and how life balance must acknowledge those seasons, rather than push through them as if they don't exist. According to Wright, work-life balance is not about doing all things equally, but rather focusing on the right priorities in the right seasons. This is such a freeing concept to me, and without knowing it I'd already begun to implement this idea in my life. Knowing this really is the smartest way to feel balanced in life is encouraging me to lean even more into each season's priorities, rather than trying to do all the things in equal portions all the time.
January 2, 2023
I thought this book was full of practical advice. I enjoyed it, but I did feel like some parts were redundant.
Since starting to read this book, I’ve been more able to create a life I love by using the strategies Christy shares. It’s a book that I can come back to whenever my life’s season changes.
Since starting to read this book, I’ve been more able to create a life I love by using the strategies Christy shares. It’s a book that I can come back to whenever my life’s season changes.
November 23, 2025
“It’s your job to decide what matters most to you, and to stop doing what doesn’t.”
This book is filled with practical advice to make the most of our time. We all get 168 hours a week. I already utilize a lot of her strategies, but this is a book I needed about twenty years ago… It’s a giant permission slip to say “no,” a big push of encouragement, and an adaptable guide to living life on your own terms.
Minus one star because her free workbook (referenced a million times) isn’t available at the link she says over and over.
She references many other self-help and psychology books/authors that I’ve read, so that was fun. haha 🤗
This book is filled with practical advice to make the most of our time. We all get 168 hours a week. I already utilize a lot of her strategies, but this is a book I needed about twenty years ago… It’s a giant permission slip to say “no,” a big push of encouragement, and an adaptable guide to living life on your own terms.
Minus one star because her free workbook (referenced a million times) isn’t available at the link she says over and over.
She references many other self-help and psychology books/authors that I’ve read, so that was fun. haha 🤗
January 14, 2022
Read this book! Tactical and thought provoking, Christy’s message of doing the right things at the right time has changed how my days unfold and the never-ending guilt of not doing enough is gone. Yes, it takes a bit of effort on your part but you only have one life - have it be one happy and well-lived!
February 24, 2022
Great tool, resource for organizing your life. It is definitely going to be on my re-read list. Lots of great information.
January 11, 2023
Love, love, love this book! It’s one I will be revisiting many times as the seasons I’m in continue to change and priorities change.
September 5, 2024
Read this at a time where I resonated with a lot of what was being said. Minus all the God and Bible mentions, the book was inspiring for me.
February 19, 2023
I just love Christy Wright and her personality, she is honest and fun loving. There is some fantastic advice and practices in this book. I have no doubt I will reread it at different seasons in my life.
June 26, 2024
Easy read, great tips on how to take back your time.
February 2, 2022
A fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or unbalanced! The ideas are simple but, applied in the correct way, incredibly effective. You don't have to learn how to balance it all, you just have to learn how to BE balanced! I was wowed more than once throughout the reading of this book and I found the free workbook incredibly useful and of added value. I highly recommend you complete the workbook if you are serious about applying the principles in the book. Also, look into her YouTube videos if you get stuck in a particular chapter or on a particular idea, you'll probably find a video that further expands on the topic. I did that a few times when I was frustrated or didn't quite understand how Ms. Wright was applying the idea. This book is one of the few I will categorize as life-changing and will remain on my bookshelf for years to come! Thanks for writing this Christy Wright and for allowing God to work through you in such a terrific way! This book has been a very timely and very wonderful blessing in my life and the life of my family!
January 2, 2022
This might be my favorite improvement book…or it was just the absolute right book at the right time :)
I needed a reset on time as well as a tool to help me prepare for starting graduate school in a few months while working full-time and being very much in the midst of parenting…as well as feeling like I was doing the worst job in the areas that matter the most to me. If you pick this up, be sure to at least give yourself the time to write out the answers to the three journal prompts at the end of each chapter; better yet, do the journaling AND print out and use the free e-booklet to do some of the challenges. It took me a few months to read just because I wanted to have uninterrupted time to read a chapter and do the prompts. Reflection is important before making some changes and I am glad I didn’t just rush through as I was tempted to do at times!
I needed a reset on time as well as a tool to help me prepare for starting graduate school in a few months while working full-time and being very much in the midst of parenting…as well as feeling like I was doing the worst job in the areas that matter the most to me. If you pick this up, be sure to at least give yourself the time to write out the answers to the three journal prompts at the end of each chapter; better yet, do the journaling AND print out and use the free e-booklet to do some of the challenges. It took me a few months to read just because I wanted to have uninterrupted time to read a chapter and do the prompts. Reflection is important before making some changes and I am glad I didn’t just rush through as I was tempted to do at times!
March 23, 2024
I like Christy Wright but had never read any of her books before. I listened to this on audio and enjoyed hearing her read it. It was a mix of personal anecdotes as well as quotes from other authors and thinkers to both give permission and give advice about practical ways to prioritize what matters most personally in your life and with your time. Time management is one of my favorite topics to read about it, so none of the ideas in this book were especially novel but I thought her take on the topic was good and it very much aligned with her other content online.
April 2, 2022
Very little new material here. Some recycled ideas that are available from a multitude of other places. The only reason it got 2 stars instead of 1, is because the reminder that many of us are not alone in trying to balance so much in life and that it is HARD, is worthy. I also appreciated the worksheets that came along with the book, rather than the book itself. The prompts and exercises are helpful.
January 9, 2024
Overall I enjoyed this read. The author gives good practical tips throughout the book, and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter are great for applying the content.
My main complaints are that the book is heavily geared towards mothers and the author spends a lot of the book quoting other authors. At times the book felt more like a collection of other people’s thoughts than the author’s. I look forward to checking out some of the other authors referenced.
My main complaints are that the book is heavily geared towards mothers and the author spends a lot of the book quoting other authors. At times the book felt more like a collection of other people’s thoughts than the author’s. I look forward to checking out some of the other authors referenced.
February 14, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up! I loved her insights on how to balance your life. It was what I needed to hear! I listened to the audio, so I was a little disappointed I couldn't find the free workbook that she mentioned in the book, so I can't say if that is helpful. But overall this was a great book!
March 21, 2024
This was a really good book! Really insightful and useful for guiding you towards practically figuring out a better life balance. It comes with a free workbook too which is really helpful. I've read a few books in this area and this one has been one of the best ones!
January 15, 2024
Always awesome to see a driven woman trying to balance her professional, spiritual, and personal life while being a high performer. And giving us tips to do it as well!
January 30, 2024
Kind of repetitive and the some advice of prioritizing etc.
April 1, 2024
"Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance" by Christy Wright is a refreshing and empowering resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. In this insightful book, Wright offers a practical roadmap to reclaiming your time, your priorities, and ultimately, your sense of fulfillment.
What sets "Take Back Your Time" apart is Wright's compassionate and realistic approach to achieving balance. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, she encourages readers to define what balance means to them and to take intentional steps to create a life that aligns with their values and priorities.
One of the most valuable aspects of the book is Wright's emphasis on the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it's learning to say no to excessive commitments or carving out dedicated time for self-care, she provides practical strategies for establishing boundaries that protect your time and energy.
But "Take Back Your Time" is more than just a guide to time management—it's a manifesto for living a life of purpose and meaning. Wright challenges readers to examine their beliefs and assumptions about success and happiness, encouraging them to redefine their priorities and pursue what truly matters to them.
Throughout the book, Wright shares personal anecdotes and insights that make her advice relatable and accessible. From her own struggles with workaholism to her journey toward greater balance and fulfillment, she offers a candid and inspiring perspective that readers will appreciate.
In "Take Back Your Time," Christy Wright has created a timely and transformative guide for anyone seeking to reclaim their time and live with greater intention. Engaging, practical, and empowering, this book is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. Whether you're looking to find balance in your career, relationships, or personal life, "Take Back Your Time" offers invaluable wisdom and guidance to help you create a life that feels truly fulfilling.
What sets "Take Back Your Time" apart is Wright's compassionate and realistic approach to achieving balance. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, she encourages readers to define what balance means to them and to take intentional steps to create a life that aligns with their values and priorities.
One of the most valuable aspects of the book is Wright's emphasis on the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it's learning to say no to excessive commitments or carving out dedicated time for self-care, she provides practical strategies for establishing boundaries that protect your time and energy.
But "Take Back Your Time" is more than just a guide to time management—it's a manifesto for living a life of purpose and meaning. Wright challenges readers to examine their beliefs and assumptions about success and happiness, encouraging them to redefine their priorities and pursue what truly matters to them.
Throughout the book, Wright shares personal anecdotes and insights that make her advice relatable and accessible. From her own struggles with workaholism to her journey toward greater balance and fulfillment, she offers a candid and inspiring perspective that readers will appreciate.
In "Take Back Your Time," Christy Wright has created a timely and transformative guide for anyone seeking to reclaim their time and live with greater intention. Engaging, practical, and empowering, this book is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. Whether you're looking to find balance in your career, relationships, or personal life, "Take Back Your Time" offers invaluable wisdom and guidance to help you create a life that feels truly fulfilling.
May 24, 2023
Let me save you from reading this book:
1) Figure out what's important.
2) Do that.
3) Don't do things that aren't on that list.
4) Unless you think God wants you to. In which case, figure out a way to make it happen.
5) Above all, be privileged before you start all of this.
First things first. I didn't realize what a religious book this was going to be. I hadn't heard of the author, and there is nothing on the cover (front, back, or inside) or in the introduction to make me think it was going to be overtly religious. Yes, I know that Dave Ramsey mostly peddles his wares to Christians, and his forward did mention God. The only person I recognized in the reviews was Emily Ley - whose planners and podcast I love. I know she's Christian, but she doesn't shove it down your throat. But I wasn't expecting the constant discussion of what God wants us to do. Being told that "some seasons just suck," but that the "simple trick to enjoying each season" is prayer...doesn't help if you're not someone who believes that prayer works.
She somehow thinks that people define "life balance" as spending an equal amount of time on everything, and spends a lot of time reiterating that "that's not balance." Well, yeah. Who actually thinks that way? But then she says things like being tired, stressed, and overwhelmed doesn't mean you're out of balance. Funny, because I'm willing to bet that IS the way most people would define it.
There were a few redeeming words of wisdom in the book - most often quotes from other people. But I sat down to this book with a journal and a printed workbook, determined to do each of the activities and challenges as they came up. I literally wrote "this one is dumb" on one of them.
There are SO MANY books out there. This one was not worth the time I spent on it.
1) Figure out what's important.
2) Do that.
3) Don't do things that aren't on that list.
4) Unless you think God wants you to. In which case, figure out a way to make it happen.
5) Above all, be privileged before you start all of this.
First things first. I didn't realize what a religious book this was going to be. I hadn't heard of the author, and there is nothing on the cover (front, back, or inside) or in the introduction to make me think it was going to be overtly religious. Yes, I know that Dave Ramsey mostly peddles his wares to Christians, and his forward did mention God. The only person I recognized in the reviews was Emily Ley - whose planners and podcast I love. I know she's Christian, but she doesn't shove it down your throat. But I wasn't expecting the constant discussion of what God wants us to do. Being told that "some seasons just suck," but that the "simple trick to enjoying each season" is prayer...doesn't help if you're not someone who believes that prayer works.
She somehow thinks that people define "life balance" as spending an equal amount of time on everything, and spends a lot of time reiterating that "that's not balance." Well, yeah. Who actually thinks that way? But then she says things like being tired, stressed, and overwhelmed doesn't mean you're out of balance. Funny, because I'm willing to bet that IS the way most people would define it.
There were a few redeeming words of wisdom in the book - most often quotes from other people. But I sat down to this book with a journal and a printed workbook, determined to do each of the activities and challenges as they came up. I literally wrote "this one is dumb" on one of them.
There are SO MANY books out there. This one was not worth the time I spent on it.
January 6, 2023
3.5/5 stars
Reading reviews for this book and seeing the author is affiliated with Dave Ramsey, I was prepared for a lot of practical time-saving tips if I could wade through a LOT of hustle and shaming mindsets – but I was pleasantly surprised listening to this that there wasn't much, if any, toxicity! Many "seasons of life"s and other buzzwords, but nothing insidious.
Although the author mentions her faith being a core principle in her scheduling strategies and mentions several examples, it is far from the preachy influencer books I have started and stopped. The final chapter is primarily about biblical support for pursuing joy and happiness and how it is virtuous to pursue what makes your heart sing! She offers many affirmations throughout the book that we are not bad people for not being able to do it all. Nobody can, and that was my favorite takeaway from this book.
Her scheduling strategies in this book are ones I will revisit. I did knock one star off for being too anecdotal with how this has worked in her life and people she knows and not much discussion of third parties – studies or other books that are quoted. Some people may prefer this style of writing, but I was looking for something deeper since I don't have toddlers or pregnancies to relate to the examples listed in this book.
There is also a workbook you are supposed to do alongside this, so I did not get the most out of this with just the audiobook.
If you have to pick a self-help-style book to help you manage an overwhelming schedule, this one is not a bad pick!
Reading reviews for this book and seeing the author is affiliated with Dave Ramsey, I was prepared for a lot of practical time-saving tips if I could wade through a LOT of hustle and shaming mindsets – but I was pleasantly surprised listening to this that there wasn't much, if any, toxicity! Many "seasons of life"s and other buzzwords, but nothing insidious.
Although the author mentions her faith being a core principle in her scheduling strategies and mentions several examples, it is far from the preachy influencer books I have started and stopped. The final chapter is primarily about biblical support for pursuing joy and happiness and how it is virtuous to pursue what makes your heart sing! She offers many affirmations throughout the book that we are not bad people for not being able to do it all. Nobody can, and that was my favorite takeaway from this book.
Her scheduling strategies in this book are ones I will revisit. I did knock one star off for being too anecdotal with how this has worked in her life and people she knows and not much discussion of third parties – studies or other books that are quoted. Some people may prefer this style of writing, but I was looking for something deeper since I don't have toddlers or pregnancies to relate to the examples listed in this book.
There is also a workbook you are supposed to do alongside this, so I did not get the most out of this with just the audiobook.
If you have to pick a self-help-style book to help you manage an overwhelming schedule, this one is not a bad pick!
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