4.07 AVERAGE


This book was exactly what I was needing and came to me at the right time. Glynnis provides concepts that you are able to put into action shortly after listening/reading the book. I appreciated the reflection questions at the end of each chapter so much, I ordered the paperback to go back and reference so I am able to make notes and see my progress. I also appreciated the Biblical and scientifical references along with how she was so relateable by describing her own struggles with procrastination. I see the end to my procrastination as an ongoing process, but appreciate the book in giving me the start I need.

Great book on battling perfectionism with a Christian take. I especially liked the "Practical Application" part and the end of each chapter that helps you step by step identify what you want to get done, understand why you aren't doing it, and taking steps to really accomplish it.

I am a busy girl. Or am I? Yes, I do a lot of things. But are they my best things? And am I actually busy with them, or am I just making myself busy with other things so I don’t have to do them?

These are the questions Whitwer asks and addresses in her book. Because I’m busy (which I’m starting to think is not true and is definitely not God’s intention for my life), my review of it is coming later than it was supposed to. And because I get these books and have to read them quickly to review them, I don’t have time to really dig into them like I want to and need to do in order to really apply their truths and declare them useful or not worth your time. All that said, Taming Your To-Do List is exactly what I need. Because those questions are at the start and at the end of each of my days . . . and in the middle too.

I’m finding myself obligated to do things I don’t want to do and am not certain I should. I’m finding myself behind in things I want to do and feel like I should. I’m finding myself unable to sit down and enjoy a few moments of solitude because of all the things I should be doing. I’m not present where I need to be when I need to be, and everything I do feels like another opportunity for guilt.

Something’s got to give.

And that’s what Whitwer is writing about. From her personal experiences with procrastination and “busyness” and obligation and calling, she draws real-life examples, goals that are achievable, and practical applications that remind you to make room for what is important and good and right.

I know you’re busy. We’re all busy. But the truth might be that we’re too busy not to read this book. I know I am.


Disclosure: I received this book at no charge from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book has some really great points about how to help make our lives less crazy and to focus on what's really important! Now to just apply what I've learned...easier said than done!

A fabulous, must-read book for anyone who finds themselves with busy work instead of their best work. I highlighted SO many notes in this book and it is one I will return to again and again. One of the most surprising things Glynnis includes in this book is the effects procrastination has on our stress levels, which affect our health. She goes on to explain some of the symptoms which was very eye-opening to me.

Thank you to the Goodreads First Reads giveaways program for a copy of Glynnis Whitwer’s “Taming the To-Do List.”

This was a difficult book for me to read. Not because it wasn’t interesting or helpful or full of applicable advice, but because it challenged me to delve into the parts of myself that I had quietly hidden away for years, to be used, “Someday.” The subtitle of the book is “How to Choose Your Best Work Every Day,” and Whitwer really gets to the heart of what this means. She emphasizes our ultimate priority as a child of God, devoted to serving Him in our everyday lives. She also explores the many reasons humans procrastinate, and puts forth practical methods to move beyond all of the ways we hold ourselves back from accomplishing those few things that “only we can do.”

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on extreme busyness and perfectionism, as I am guilty of both. And while I do feel that taking on all of my many creative and life dreams during this season of my life would probably result in me feeling extremely exhausted, resentful toward my family, and unable to balance all of my set daily obligations (work, meal preparations, taking care of my children, etc), I realize that I have probably taken on too many responsibilities with my daughters’ activities that don’t allow me to pursue my best work. I plan to use the Whitwer’s advice about making manageable lists, as little-by-little, I finally begin to purse those dreams that I’ve put off for another day.

I had this book on audio and thought it had some great tips.