Build the Life You Want and Still Have Time to Enjoy It!: How Busy People Can Maximize Their Time in the Real World

Jim Claitor & Colleen Contreras
M2E Press (2006)
ISBN 097762000X
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/06)

“Build the Life You Want and Still Have Time to Enjoy It!” was co-written by the father/daughter duo of Jim Claitor and Colleen Contreras.  Both authors use their expertise to teach us “how to transform how you feel about yourself, your time and your life.”  In it we learn our personal styles and how to best work with them. 
 
This book is divided into three main sections:

  1. How to make time your friend.
  2. Monitoring the E-Factor with six key steps.
  3. Clean Desk/Messy Desk – A Personalized Solution for Mastering Your Work Load.  This includes key steps 7-9.

In the appendix, the book includes two valuable assessments.  The first one is “The Personalized Style Assessment” and the second one is “The E-Factor Self-Assessment:  Gauging the Impact of the Emotional Elements.”  I took these assessments first so that I knew where I fit in to the areas being addressed in the reading.  There are two main types of people--creative types and linear types.  Workable solutions are offered to help each type.  A lot of the valuable information doesn’t rely on a specific type of person; it applies to most of us.  For example, if we get our emotional factors under control and use the organizational tools that work consistently, we all can succeed.

The authors incorporate humor and compassion into “Build the Life You Want.”   The problem is referred to as “The Monster.”  Fun yet meaningful cartoons are included to show the Monster in action and how it affects us.  They also offer a lot of simple questions that promote self-reflection and offer steps to take that are manageable.  Useful charts are included that help sum up what is being said.  
   
I really found this book to be helpful.  It made me aware of where a lot of my stress comes from and how I personally contribute to it.  I am really good at getting caught up in my emotions and see how that slows me down.  I also discovered that I am a “Sticky Tab” addict.  That will be a hard addiction to conquer!  I plan on discussing it on my next team retreat for work.
  
I think that “Building the Life You Want and Still Have Time to Enjoy It!” would make a great gift for someone that you know who is overwhelmed by having a lack of time.  It is less than 150 pages so it will not take up too much of their time!  It is also a great gift to give to oneself. 

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