Before becoming a best-selling author, Elaine St. James was in the business of real estate investing. One day she realized that her life was too complicated. She was out of balance and needed to simplify her schedule. By organizing daily tasks and eliminating clutter, she was able to focus on the important issues in her life.
St. James compiled her methods into a book titled Simplify Your Life. It quickly became a bestseller, providing guidance and answers to many stressed out people. Her sixth book in the series examines the American work schedule and assists employees in streamlining their own careers.
Simplify Your Work Life is a collection of 85 little lessons divided into seven sections. The titles of these chapters easily convey the subjects covered.
One: Cutting back on the amount of time you work
Two: Learning to seize time
Three: Being more productive
Four: Being more effective with people
Five: Being more efficient with your money
Six: Changing the way you work
Seven: Changing the way you think about work
The individual exercises are quite short as well. Each title explains the lesson ("Leave your briefcase at the office." or "Learn to schedule carefully.") St. James further illustrates her points by referring to current publications on work-related subjects as well as personal examples.
Naturally, everybody won't be able to perform every lesson. Some simply won't apply or are not an option. The key is for readers to find what pertains to them and focus on those areas.
St. James is adamant in her belief that there are plenty of employee-friendly companies who are willing to support a simplified work schedule. She encourages readers to seek out these firms for employment. Let's hope she's correct. However, readers may have trouble finding these ideal careers where they live.
To attain maximum benefit from the book, you must be willing to change and sacrifice for the sake of a better life. One of the author's strongest arguments is that many people work 60-70 hours a week to pay for a house they never get to enjoy. It may be tough to cut back at first, but in the end you'll be happier.
Simplify Your Work Life can be read two different ways, and arguments can be made for either choice. Reading the book a few pages at a time allows the employee to ingest each lesson slowly and carefully. Charging through the book from cover to cover is another option. This is how I did it and I felt like I had experienced an inspirational sermon. Both methods are correct. Whichever you choose will depend on how you process information.
Anybody who reads Simplify Your Work Life will achieve some benefit. I even applied some of St. James's principles to my housework. It would make a great gift for the college grad just starting out or your favorite co-worker who needs some encouragement.
Life passes us by so quickly. It is unfortunate when people look back on their lives in terms of what they didn't achieve. With her books, Elaine St. James is trying to help others attain their biggest dreams and life a full life without regret.
It takes diligence and discipline, but even the busiest people can simplify their work lives. Elaine St. James is living proof of that statement. Her words can help you, too.
