Simple Steps: 10 Weeks to Getting Control of Your Life

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Summary: I don't usually like or read self-help books, but...
Review: ...this book was different. First of all, written by three "regular" women instead of doctors or professionals gives this book a fresh perspective that is sometimes missing from most books of it's kind. I liked the fact that it talks about simple, everyday things that everyone can do, but few take the time to do them. It sort of brings to your attention small details that can make a big difference in your life. For instance, in the first chapter, one of the simples steps is drinking water. The book explains why this is effective and how to easily incorporate this step into your life. The whole book is outlined with small, unscary steps, that can easily be carried out successfully by anyone. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make major changes without major disruptions in daily life.

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Summary: Refreshing
Review: I found this book refreshing and, for its simplicity, quite helpful. Yes, the ideas are simple, but for the busy person they are (mostly) doable, and following them (or following the ones that work for you) really clears up the clutter in a person's life. Many self-help books are so esoteric or involved or just plain impractical (ie, I read a parenting book recently that solemnly told parents they should know where their teenagers are every minute.) that you read them, admire them and put them away. I think this book is one the reader can actually use, even if the reader has a life outside of following self-help books. Also, I like the adult-to-adult tone of the book, and the fact that it dealt with current, real problems in a practical manner rather than whining about peoples' parents' mistakes or childhood misfortunes, as do many self-help books written by "experts." Overall, I would recommend it.

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Summary: Help for those who need hand holding !
Review: The book Simple Steps is a guidebook for the woman whose life according to the book is "a cluttered mess of worries, wishes and chores that you can't keep track of."
The authors tell you to do one thing each week for your health, your weight, your home and your spirit. If you add these steps each week, in ten weeks you will be in greater control and according to the authors "cultivating the life you always wanted."
Week 1 for example suggests you drink eight glasses of water every day for your diet, walk twenty minutes a day for fitness, clean out a drawer or cabinet every week for your home, and save $2 a day for self.
Other weeks include tips such as keeping a food journal, cleaning out your fridge, taking a multivitamin, cleaning and flossing your teeth (yes you read that right) and cutting back on caffeine.
The authors tell you why you should do these things and how to "attach them to your lifestyle".
You already know you should be doing everything in this book.
You already know the techniques in this book.
On the back cover the authors say they will empower you by helping you attain the body you want with simple tricks like avoiding the kitchen after hours and using herbs and spices. (You knew that already). They say you can make room for fitness by using new techniques like kitchen dancing. (Is this new to you?)
There really is nothing new here. But sometimes we are so overwhelmed, we don't do the things we should. So the authors have written a book to get you to add these basic skills to your life one week at a time so they become lifelong habits. They walk you through each good habit step by step and hold your hand so you can accomplish your goals.
The choice then is do you need the book to tell you what you should already be doing? Or could you just make a list of habits that you know are good for you and then add one or two habits each week?
A lot depends on the type of person you are. If you feel like you want some support and are so flustered with your life you don't know where to get started buy the book. If not just make a list of things you want to accomplish and do a little bit each week.

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Summary: What your Momma didn't teach you?
Review: This is a progressive program that's designed to teach you very simple steps to reorganize your life, your health, and your surroundings. It's fairly easy to follow, with four new assignments each week for you to continue practicing the rest of your life. Some of the assignments are very simple and basic (like brushing your teeth and flossing every day), others are more complex (like learning about good and bad fats and making the necessary changes). By the end of the ten weeks, you'll have acquired 40 habits that will help you feel better and get rid of chaos in your life. Many of the steps should already be part of a normal adult's life, and organized people will scoff at their self-evidence! But for those of us who are always running late, whose house is in a perpetual mess, who can't find anything, and who are always tired, I guarantee that you'll already see improvement by the second week! The only problem for me was to remember all the steps, but the author gives many suggestions on how to incorporate the steps in daily life. I highly recommend this book, becaude even if you don't practice all the steps, the ones you do will make a huge difference in your life!