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Quick and Dirty Tips
Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More: Transform Yourself from Overwhelmed to Overachiever
Want to conquer your e-mail inbox once and for all? Need help getting organized and staying focused? Start reading! Millions of people already benefit from the innovative, time-saving tips that Stever Robbins dispenses each week in his #1 ranked Get-It-Done Guy podcast. Now he's come up with a 9-step plan to transform even the most overwhelmed into an overachiever. You will learn to:
Beat procrastination by speed dating your tasks: You'll face anything if it's just for three minutes; schedule small, finite periods of time for those tasks that seem too overwhelming to get started on.
Give your technology a performance review: Our smart phones, PDAs, and computers often make less work in one area while making much more work in others. Review your technology to make sure it's delivering on its promise.
Cut out the small talk : Small talk builds superficial relationships, which is a grand waste of time. Ask better questions to make instant connections that'll benefit you for years to come.
Written in the uniquely humorous style Stever is known for, Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More will help you break the bad habits slowing you down and holding you back. Work less and do more―your free time is waiting!
Beat procrastination by speed dating your tasks: You'll face anything if it's just for three minutes; schedule small, finite periods of time for those tasks that seem too overwhelming to get started on.
Give your technology a performance review: Our smart phones, PDAs, and computers often make less work in one area while making much more work in others. Review your technology to make sure it's delivering on its promise.
Cut out the small talk : Small talk builds superficial relationships, which is a grand waste of time. Ask better questions to make instant connections that'll benefit you for years to come.
Written in the uniquely humorous style Stever is known for, Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More will help you break the bad habits slowing you down and holding you back. Work less and do more―your free time is waiting!
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2010
32 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 15, 2011
This book was little cheesy at times, but I got some great organization ideas. I learned about Mind Mapping. It's a great way to sort your brainstorming ideas.
December 1, 2010
When a self-help book crosses your path at just the right moment, it can be a happy marriage of serendipity and desperation. Such was the case when I received a copy of Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More. Stever Robbins, thank you for writing this book. I've found it life-changing.
I tend toward organization myself, and I have a few systems working for me, but Stever's advice to put together a "Life Map" resonated. The book is worth its purchase price for this gem alone but it doesn't stop there. Stever doles out advice, encouragement and reality checks in chapters with such subjects as purposeful living, eliminating procrastination, conquering technology, optimizing life and more. Stever's unique brand of encouragement mixed with madcap humor makes for delightful reading.
I highly recommend "Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More" by Stever Robbins for anyone searching for sane living in a crazy world.
©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books
*Thanks to Stever Robbins, who provided a complimentary copy to me for purposes of review.
I tend toward organization myself, and I have a few systems working for me, but Stever's advice to put together a "Life Map" resonated. The book is worth its purchase price for this gem alone but it doesn't stop there. Stever doles out advice, encouragement and reality checks in chapters with such subjects as purposeful living, eliminating procrastination, conquering technology, optimizing life and more. Stever's unique brand of encouragement mixed with madcap humor makes for delightful reading.
I highly recommend "Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More" by Stever Robbins for anyone searching for sane living in a crazy world.
©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books
*Thanks to Stever Robbins, who provided a complimentary copy to me for purposes of review.
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March 28, 2012I LOVE repetitive data! ...no...no I don't.
You see I'm working on a Werewolf army, and have been asking for help along the way. One source of help has been a voice in my head. A voice that has talked to me about once a week for over a year (Let's call him Mr. Robbins the Podcaster).
While the first chapter of this book was FRESH and NEW and joyful as a spring day with Hobbits, the other chapters were largely repetitions of data I'd learned from the podcast....er...voice.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who wants to enhance their efficiency, unless they've had the same voice in their head. Then I just recommend it.
January 16, 2023
Stever Robbins was the host of the Get-It-Done Guy's Quick and Dirty Tips to Work Less and Do More podcast from 2007 to 2020. In the middle of that period, he wrote this book as a physical compilation of the advice from the show. He presents nine steps that organize and maximize work, sometimes by minimizing distractions or re-prioritizing work that really doesn't accomplish anything.
The book has the heart of the show--Stever's personality. He has a fun blend of performance and practicality in his delivery. Listeners will smile as they read the references to his co-worker Bernice and to building a zombie army with Zombie Reanimation Powder. His comic style works well in print as well as in audio.
The advice is some standard stuff. Figure out what you want to do in life and let that guide decision making. Avoid distractions and tasks that do not contribute to your goals. Use technology sparingly and focus that use on productivity. Be organized, that is know where things are and where they should go so you can put them back (so, being organized isn't necessarily neat, just easy to access). Build better relationships. The big principles are supported by action steps that make those principles into reality.
The book was written in 2010, so a few outdated references show up, like PDAs. Those have been replaced by smart phones, which an astute reader can easily recognize. The fundamental ideas and strategies are timeless and thus as relevant today as back then. The light touch (using humor and imagination) sets this apart from more technical and dry self-help books that can be hard to get through.
Recommended--even if you know a lot of this stuff, it's good to refresh the knowledge and the delivery is very refreshing!
The book has the heart of the show--Stever's personality. He has a fun blend of performance and practicality in his delivery. Listeners will smile as they read the references to his co-worker Bernice and to building a zombie army with Zombie Reanimation Powder. His comic style works well in print as well as in audio.
The advice is some standard stuff. Figure out what you want to do in life and let that guide decision making. Avoid distractions and tasks that do not contribute to your goals. Use technology sparingly and focus that use on productivity. Be organized, that is know where things are and where they should go so you can put them back (so, being organized isn't necessarily neat, just easy to access). Build better relationships. The big principles are supported by action steps that make those principles into reality.
The book was written in 2010, so a few outdated references show up, like PDAs. Those have been replaced by smart phones, which an astute reader can easily recognize. The fundamental ideas and strategies are timeless and thus as relevant today as back then. The light touch (using humor and imagination) sets this apart from more technical and dry self-help books that can be hard to get through.
Recommended--even if you know a lot of this stuff, it's good to refresh the knowledge and the delivery is very refreshing!
September 30, 2011
Let me say up front that I have this book in all three editions: paper, Kindle, and audio. Does that give you some idea how well Stever resonates with me?
There really are only so many basic ideas in a time management or personal efficiency book. We even know what they are. Our grandmothers told us. What we don't do is connect the ideas to what we do day-to-day.
Therefore, Stever's 9 steps: Live on purpose; stop procrastinating; conquer technology; beat distractions to cultivate focus; stay organized; stop wasting time; optimize; build stronger relationships; leverage; seem ultimately commonsensical. What Stever does that makes this book worth your time is to use humor and imagery that acts as a mental sticky note to bring the ideas forward to the front of your mind. Zombies, robots, and a cast of demented secondary characters liven the book up and make it fun.
Some of the other reviews ding this book for duplicating material in Stever's blog and podcast. Apparently these people have perfect recall and don't need to use multi-sensory input to reinforce important ideas. But I do!
Added bonus: If you like tables, charts, and worksheets to immediately apply the ideas discussed, the book is full of them. Yes, this is even true of the audiobook -- there's an attached PDF with several documents.
DISCLAIMER: Stever also offers a fee-based program for practicing these ideas intensely. I am a client of that service, but I'm not receiving any kind of compensation for this review.
There really are only so many basic ideas in a time management or personal efficiency book. We even know what they are. Our grandmothers told us. What we don't do is connect the ideas to what we do day-to-day.
Therefore, Stever's 9 steps: Live on purpose; stop procrastinating; conquer technology; beat distractions to cultivate focus; stay organized; stop wasting time; optimize; build stronger relationships; leverage; seem ultimately commonsensical. What Stever does that makes this book worth your time is to use humor and imagery that acts as a mental sticky note to bring the ideas forward to the front of your mind. Zombies, robots, and a cast of demented secondary characters liven the book up and make it fun.
Some of the other reviews ding this book for duplicating material in Stever's blog and podcast. Apparently these people have perfect recall and don't need to use multi-sensory input to reinforce important ideas. But I do!
Added bonus: If you like tables, charts, and worksheets to immediately apply the ideas discussed, the book is full of them. Yes, this is even true of the audiobook -- there's an attached PDF with several documents.
DISCLAIMER: Stever also offers a fee-based program for practicing these ideas intensely. I am a client of that service, but I'm not receiving any kind of compensation for this review.
November 3, 2013
Overwhelmed? Overworked? Don't feel there are enough hours in a day? Or, would you like to learn about how to refine some of your organization skills and work habits? Mr. Robbins has written this to help you work less and do more. It is an easy to read book that contains excellent ideas condensed into nine steps to help you work more efficiently but do less. The book is full of every day examples that help you relate the topic's objective with events in your life. (Well, with the exception of the Zombies. I can't say that I know too many individuals striving to put together a Zombie army.) Mr. Robbins writes with a flamboyant flair to help easily move you through the nine steps. You will find that each chapter ends with an outline of the important skills that correspond to the step being discussed. I like this because it provides me a quick reference list so that I can be sure I am on track and progressing. This book should not gather cobwebs from sitting on the shelf of your personal library. The content is fresh enough that it will appear that way each time the book is read. It is an excellent reference book that is to be used over and over to help you conquer working less, doing more, and enjoying the free time that is will be yours.
February 25, 2011
Really enjoyed this one. First lengthy ebook I've read on my phone, and it was a great experience. I hate highlighting print books, but I made heavy use of iBooks' highlighter for particularly profound passages. Since I've listened to the podcast for years, I read the book in Stever's voice which made it even better. The mix of material I had already heard on the podcast with things that were new to me was good. I expect I will use plenty of his tips in whole or in part. Can't hurt to try it and see what works for me.
January 24, 2013
I'm not sure this book should be an audiobook which is the form in which I consumed it. It was of great practical value but you have to stay committed.
This book shows you the 'how'. The 'what' will be different by individual and the 'why' is probably the reason why most people would be inclined to read a book like this in the first place.
So assuming you already have a strong desire to get your life organized you can actually sit down and study this book ( I really wish I had the hard copy and the time to use it ) carefully. Go through your life's to-do list and become really efficient.
This book shows you the 'how'. The 'what' will be different by individual and the 'why' is probably the reason why most people would be inclined to read a book like this in the first place.
So assuming you already have a strong desire to get your life organized you can actually sit down and study this book ( I really wish I had the hard copy and the time to use it ) carefully. Go through your life's to-do list and become really efficient.
October 28, 2020
People ask me all the time, “what is the best new time management book out there?” My flippant response is typically, “read the one you already have on your shelf, and use what it recommends.”
9 Steps to Work Less and Do MoreI think this book’s author would appreciate the tone of my response. Stever Robbins, host of the very popular Get-it-Done Guy podcast, is the author.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...
9 Steps to Work Less and Do MoreI think this book’s author would appreciate the tone of my response. Stever Robbins, host of the very popular Get-it-Done Guy podcast, is the author.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...
December 21, 2016
Most productivity books are more helpful than fun. You know most of the information, but the 10% new/forgotten/rephrased can be quite useful. GIDG isn't an exception.
Stever brings an over-the-top personality, which at least gives you a few surprises. He speaks intelligently, though some of his advice is dated even after a few years.
This book is more of a catch-all than advocating for one particular system. If the first page of a chapter doesn't interest you, you can safely move on to the next chapter.
Stever brings an over-the-top personality, which at least gives you a few surprises. He speaks intelligently, though some of his advice is dated even after a few years.
This book is more of a catch-all than advocating for one particular system. If the first page of a chapter doesn't interest you, you can safely move on to the next chapter.
April 29, 2016
This was a really great, quick read on actionable steps to make your life more efficient and organized. And Robbins presents his material in a fun, straight-forward, way that is quite relevant to the younger working generation. I've read a number of these types of books and yet found quite a few gem ideas in here that I'd never come across before. Definitely worth the time to read through and implement Robbins' relevant suggestions.
June 15, 2016
Love it! Working less and Doing More
I've been an avid listener of the Get It Done Guy podcast since I was in high school and I've been excited to read Stever's book since I heard of it. Now that I've had the chance, I am glad that I spent my time reading this book. He really breaks down the steps to being efficient at work into bite-sized chunks. It has steps and strategies that I have begun to implement in my own work life with excellent results.
I've been an avid listener of the Get It Done Guy podcast since I was in high school and I've been excited to read Stever's book since I heard of it. Now that I've had the chance, I am glad that I spent my time reading this book. He really breaks down the steps to being efficient at work into bite-sized chunks. It has steps and strategies that I have begun to implement in my own work life with excellent results.
October 12, 2010
I'm always thinking about ways I can improve my work flow and get more accomplished. This book has some excellent points that I haven't come across anywhere else. The author writes with infectious enthusiasm, too: this makes for a fun, exciting read. The topics discussed pertain to both work and personal life.
October 16, 2014
Even if I forget everything else in this book, this tip will change my life: instead of deciding what to do with "stuff," throw it all away and decide what's worth rescuing from the trash. (Obviously you rescue it before it makes it into the trash - please don't rustle through the trash for chocolate and say I told you to do it.)
February 3, 2017
A productivity book that is also fun(ny). Nothing new or earth-shattering, but I like to read these kinds of books to keep me motivated. I appreciated the tip to decide what to take off your plate when you add to it - I usually keep signing up for new projects and then wonder why I get busier and busier!
March 10, 2011
Not your typical organization book. Told with humor and enthusiasm that makes it a enjoyable read. While some of the content is repeated, especially if you are a devotee of his podcast, it is typically information that bears repeating.
July 14, 2011
Really a 3.5. Some great ideas, and Stever Robbins' tone is fresh and funny. A few times I think the funny didn't *quite* translate, but overall the book was a quick read (and I'm a slow reader)and had a lot of good stuff.
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July 7, 2014It is funny interesting and has a few points. Beyond that this book does not leave too much impression. Stever wants to write a book so he writes it. I do not even remember the 9 steps and the many mini-steps in the book.
December 20, 2014
Awesome book with plenty of ways to get more out of life. Not just about how to save time, but also about doing things with purpose. Very cool book, lots of interesting tangents because Stever has a pretty quirky way of communicating, which I love.
June 17, 2018
Great little book about getting things done and streamlining everyday tasks. Stever has a unique way of writing and his humor is hard to miss. A light read with useful tips to as the title says work less and accomplish more.
January 8, 2011
Stever's easy going style made learning, or relearning, various strategies enjoyable. Several of his suggestions have spurred me to take action, and I've achieved positive results.
November 5, 2017
I'm in love with Stever's podcast from Q&D. The book is much of the same stuff so far.
February 24, 2025
Got a few good ideas from this. The tone was goofy and playful which made a change from other books in this genre.
April 2, 2017
some good ideas
July 17, 2011
If you have any common sense you don't need to read this book.
July 1, 2011
Lots of good, simple, practical ideas to help you keep your life organized.
October 11, 2012
Streamlined, easy-to-follow guidance to get things done.
December 28, 2012
Get-It-Done Guy’s 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More is perfect for someone looking to make productivity a priority and need a straightforward book to get them on their way.
March 29, 2013
A must-read book on time management which is a critical competency as you manage your career or startup.
July 26, 2013
Quick and dirty self help book. Its a nice one to pick up now again to re-organize and re-focus the work/life balance. Stever also spoke at a conference I attended and he's fabulous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews