Rating: 
Summary: An action-oriented book for those who have "no time."
Review: Are you tired, stressed out, eating lots of junk food, overdrawn in your checking account, procrastinating, watching lots of tv, turning into a slug, and generally feeling FRAZZLED? If so, you should buy this book and take Cheryl Richardson's advice. If you do, I guarantee that in six weeks your life may not be perfect, but it will be much, much better.I've tried lots of organization books, time management courses, and self-help books that just haven't worked, but Cheryl Richardson's book is different (much like Julie Morgenstern's Organizing from the Inside Out is different and works!) But where Morgenstern focuses on cleaning up the clutter and creating SPACE for a new life, Richardson tells you, in step-by-step fashion how to actually create "the life you want." Richardson recommends reviewing the whole book before you start taking action, and I found it easy to do this in two evenings. Then, at a MUCH slower pace she tackles one area of your life at a time, giving you practical and thoughtful guidance on how to make changes that really matter. My favorite chapters were "Put yourself at the Top of the List," which advocates adopting an "extreme self care" approach by starting a journal, designating a few hours a week for a date with yourself, and making sure that you're taking time for your physical and emotional health. For those of you who feel overwhelmed with that list, Richardson advises taking on no more than one of these tasks a day (and even less than that if you need to). "What's draining you" helps you to figure out the 1001 niggling details of the day that suck the energy from you--even if you're not doing them! Her mantra of "do it, hire it, chuck it" is finally getting me through the 247 unopened email messages sitting in my inbox! I'm still working through the financial chapter (my biggest nightmare), but progress is being made. Sure, we all know that we should exercise, get enough rest, and balance our checkbooks--but how many of us actually do? Richardson's book is the anecdote for the hysterical pace of life in 2000. If you imagine your life differently, I'd try this book out and see if you can't turn that dream into a reality.
Rating: 
Summary: Motherhood and apple pie of self-help
Review: Commonsense tips to a better life, especially if your dreams are blocked by procrastination, lack of motivation and clutter. Many of these tips can be found on the website of Coach University, which raises questions about originality of the ideas. While Cheryl, as a coach, encourages everyone to hire a coach, she endorses CoachU and International Coach Federation. Readers should know that there are other coaching organizations, and many people think others are higher-quality than those she recommends. And while many professional organizations enforce ethical codes and discipline erring members, when I last checked neither CoachU nor ICF did. In fact, both organizations refused to consider de-listing a coach following a complaint. Readers should also realize that some people are skeptical about the notion of "coach training" altogether, as there is no scientific or scholarly rationale behind coaching and most schools admit anyone with a checkbook. As a coach myself, I think we're nothing more than independent consultants. You buy the person, not the training.
Rating: 
Summary: Probably the silliest book I have ever read
Review: Excellent book for anyone looking to learn more about Coaching or just looking for simple answers for creating a better life. Cheryl has a warm and caring writing style. Her experience comes through as she relates the concepts with real-life client stories. The References section at the end of each chapter make this book an Excellent addition to anyone's library. Patrick Rodriguez, Life Coach
StepByStepSolutions.com
Rating:
Summary: Practical, easy to do way to make some changes
Review: I picked up and read this book at just the right time in my life. I have read a lot of self help books, and this one by far is the best for me. I have read the other criticisms that people have posted on the book, and I think they are missing Ms. Richardson's point. I am a Christian, and when she talks about connecting with your higher power, I just substitute the Holy Spirit and Jesus, since that is the source of my higher power. Sometimes we get so caught up in living life that we don't stop and look at whether what we do is congruent with our beliefs. If you follow the easy steps in her book, it will force you to look at how you live your life, and then evaluate if that is really what you believe. If you are not living the life you want, then her book is the perfect way to start getting things back in alignment. Some of us need permission to "take care of ourselves" and direction to balance the checkbook,and whether that makes us weak or foolish is not the point. It takes all kinds in this world to make it go round, and this book will definately help those who feel that their lives have gotten out of control.
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Summary: If you can only buy one book, this is the one!
Review: If you knew the woman who wrote this book, you'd understand why Take Time For Your Life is destined to be a best seller. Cheryl Richardson is a magnificent woman with a beautiful soul who profoundly touches lives wherever she goes. Two years ago, I was blessed to have Cheryl come into my life. Nothing has been the same since. I've built a highly successful business by pioneering a new profession, I've built reserves of time, love, money, community, and I am actively involved in taking great care of me. With her coaching, I've radically transformed my life and work. Her book includes many of the exercises and ideas she uses in her work with me and her other clients. Please don't miss the opportunity to learn and grow in ways you can only dream about. Buy her book -- and start living the life of your dreams!
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Summary: Take Time
Review: It's very effective. After reading this book I feel like I can connect my dots and feel more closer to myself.
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Summary: Selfish is a dirty word
Review: Ms. Richardson misses the essence of life. Our highest calling is to the service of our God, our spouse, our children, our family, our friends, and our communities. If we focus our energies on these priorities, our lives will enrich others, and consequently, ourselves. Isn't our world already filled with enough self-centered, self-righteous, and self-absorbed people? What we need is to balance our lives with a focus on giving, not just receiving; serving, not self promotion; and, loving others, not just pleasing ourselves. If you're really looking for a personal coach, try praying -it's a lot more effective and you'll get real answers from the Coach of life. Why settle for a mediocre coach in your life when you can have a World Class Champion coach. This book is too "new age", simple, and too world view. Instead of ending with a spiritual foundation, we need to start with one.
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Summary: This is it -- a plan for living a life you love!
Review: Take Time for Your Life arrived as I was heading to the airport. I tucked it in my bag and read almost all of it on the plane, arriving with a calm, positive outlook that lasted all weekend! What's incredible about Cheryl Richardson's book is that it presents a simple, do-able plan to simplify and enrich your life, with specific "take action" steps. Somehow she makes you feel as if this is the book you'll really incorporate into your life, and the vision of what your life will become is compelling. Checking items in "What's draining you?" and making a "Top Ten Procrastination List" will instantly change your perspective on your everyday life and give you the nudge to rearrange your priorities. Using this book, you will give yourself permission to put "extreme self care" at the top of the list (in a positive kind of selfishness), and free up your energy for dealing with everyone and everything around you. Making an "Absolute Yes List" will help you to say no without feeling negative. Each chapter lists great resources. This is a well-balanced, comprehensive plan for changing your life, presented in a "Swiss cheese" way so that you can immediately start applying parts of it and realize the benefits from the beginning. A must for anyone from a stressed-out professional to a frazzled mom!
Rating:
Summary: Book already donated.
Review: This book did not "make the cut" on my bookshelf. I wich Richardson would quit cranking out books... this talented woman should write a definitive guide...
Rating:
Summary: Book already donated.
Review: This book did not "make the cut" on my bookshelf. I wich Richardson would quit cranking out books... this talented woman should write a definitive guide...
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