What is the book about?

The book is about effective time management. It draws on the authority of people seen to
be effective in their lives.
What problem was the author trying to solve?
How to have a happier and more stress-free life and how to achieve more at work, in
business and in school.
What are the main arguments? Do I agree?
He does not make major arguments, he simply states what works for him and others. Of
course he gives some reasons for his tips, which I largely agree with.
What did I learn?
I learned better time management tools, most importantly I now use and love his calendar
method. I feel more focused.
Which three facts, ideas or principles do I want to remember the most?
* work from your calendar, not a to-do list (and schedule rest/me time!)
* every yes is a no to something else
* delegate before you think you are ready
Which of my beliefs were challenged?
I was using a to-do list and didn't think there was a better method. His suggestion to drop
it and put every task on the calendar saved me a lot of headache, so now I agree with him.
The author (or his interviewees) suggested things I don't particularly agree with or don't
think is helpful (in the long run):
* fake it until you make it
* reward and punishment
* don't listen to music while studying
I think the first two can be counterproductive. I want to be authentic and have my
motivation come from a positive place. I don't agree.
The third was suggested by a straight-A-student. I can see her point and it might be helpful
for some, for me I think it helps me concentrate. I am unsure and might try without.
How did my life change by reading this book?
I have now implemented more than half of this suggestions. Especially working from the
calendar (and identifying and doing the Most Important Task early) help me a lot.
I have put up the quote "If something is not a 'hell, YEAH!', then it's a 'no!'" by James
Altucher in my room and it remains me to concentrate on what I am passionate about.
What are three action items I learned that I need to implement as soon as possible?
* put every important task on my calendar
* tweak and improve my morning routine (it now includes reading)
* try to remove distractions
What else did I like about the book?

I loved that he started off with memento mori and to be conscious of one's own pulse and
breathing. It touched me and made me think.
Reading what other people said about time management reinforced some of the author's
ideas as many people suggested the same.
Which other books were mentioned or recommended?
* High Output Management by Andrew S. Grove
* The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
* The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
* Write Better Faster by Monica Leonelle
What were the most memorable quotes?
* "You can never lose time and get it back again."
* "If something is not a "hell, YEAH!", then it's a "no!"" -James Altucher
* "You need to start paying other people to do stuff for you even before you feel you are
ready."
* "First, be ruthless about your calendarstick to it, hell or high water but create space for
unstructured time as well." -Arjun Arora
* "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." -Cyril Parkinson
* "Plan the work then work the plan." -Saying
* "I leave perfection for others. Anyone that tells you to get it right the first time isn't doing
enough. Speed is the new big! [...] I leave perfection to the perfectionist; I, instead have
elected to produce." -Grand Cardone
* "Most try to fight the Truth of Time every day." -Dave Crenshaw
* "I'm too busy mopping the floor to turn off the faucet." -Unknown
* "One always has time enough, if one will apply it well." -Goethe
* "Those who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness."
-Jean De La Bruyere
* "To do two things at once is to do neither." -Publilius Syrus
* "Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will
not do anything with it." -M. Scott Peck
Short Overview
15 Secrets
1. Time is your most valuable and scarcest resource.
2. Identify your Most Important Task (MIT) and work on it each day before doing anything
else.
3. Work from your calendar, not a to-do list.
4. Procrastination can be overcome when you figure out how to beat your future self, who
cannot be trusted to do the right thing.
5. Accept the fact that there will always be more to do and more that can be done.
6. Always carry a notebook.
7. Email is a great way for other people to put their priorities into your life; control your
inbox.
8. Schedule and attend meetings as a last resort, when all other forms of communication

won't work.
9. Say no to everything that doesn't support your immediate goals.
10. Eighty percent of outcomes are generated by twenty percent of activities.
11. Focus your time only on things that utilize your unique strength and passions.
12. Batch your work with recurring themes for different days of the week.
13. If a task can be completed in less than five minutes, do it immediately (if not, calendar
or delegate it!).
14. Invest the first 60 minutes of each day in rituals that strengthen your mind, body, and
spirit.
15. Productivity is about energy and focus, not time.
Procrastination Busters
1. Time Travel
2. Pain & Pleasure
3. Accountability Partner
4. Reward and Punishment
5. Act As If
6. Settle For Good Enough
The E-3C System
* Energy
* enough sleep
* energizing food
* consistent exercise
* morning rituals
* regular breaks
* Capture
* capture thoughts and ideas
* Calendar
* schedule on calendar instead of to-do-list!
* Concentrate
* do only one thing
* turn off ALL notifications (less)