Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, and Technology

"Take Back Your Time" is an intelligent, easy-to-read, and helpful book for getting "unstuck". I had been stymied by the number of things on my "to-do" list -- important personal pet projects, desires to change old habits, business development ideas -- and Jasper's book provided the keen insight I needed to begin to dislodge my inertia! Jasper also made me aware that organizational skills do not equal efficient working skills -- a crucial distinction. I had check marks and notations on many of the pages of the book. I plan to lend it to my business partner, whose desk is one giant "In Box"!

Before I read this book, I thought I knew what my problem was. There was simply too much to do in too little time, and the situation was completely hopeless. After reading just three chapters of "Take Back Your Time," I had already gained an entirely different perspective. Applying Jasper's advice on setting priorities and weeding out time-consuming, unnecessary chores helped me regain several hours weekly. Now I actually have time for some of the fun things I'd totally given up on finding time for. Plus, at the office, I'm now able to meet my deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.

Jan Jasper's excellent book brought me many new and unexpected insights into the way I organize (or fail to organize) my thoughts and decision-making patterns. She led me to realize that my desk is a direct reflection of my mind and that to become more focused and orderly in one will automatically create a similar result in the other. She inspired me to actually WANT to follow her suggestions.

Take Back Your Time is the kind of book that everyone on the planet should read. We're all running around like maniacs most of the time, desperate to get an endless amount of mostly useless things accomplished. Jasper tells how to separate the wheat from the chaff and focus on what's really important. Her suggestions are sensible, intelligent, creative. My husband and I have both read the book and are now trying to apply all the helpful ideas to our lives.

This is a terrific synthesis of the best time-management literature and Ms. Jasper's substantial practical experience working one-on-one with clients. What sets the book apart from others in the field is its emphasis on usefulness. Jasper outlines what works, and what does not work, and explains why. After reading her book, I felt like I was able to make my own, informed decisions about managing my time, papers, and belongings. Also, because Jasper isn't selling a line of time-management products her recommendations and insights are not colored by any hidden agenda. The book is well researched, well organized, and well written, and includes a substantial bibliography and a useable index. If you are looking for the one time-management book to buy, for home or office, this is the one.