Learn tried-and-tested methods for optimal personal productivity!

Ever find yourself more than a bit overwhelmed by the constant influx of e-mail and reminders as well as the ever-present calendars, to-do lists, miscellaneous paper, and sticky notes? Add to that, myriad devices that were originally intended to make us more efficient, but in reality, only end up forcing us to juggle even more. Our brains aren't wired for all this, but we canlearnto be productive.Personal Productivity Secretsgives you everything you need to know to be organized, in control, and to get things done:

Understand how your brain absorbs, organizes, and filters the daily deluge of information, and learn to trick your brain into being more productiveAppreciate the difference between "Time Management" and "Attention Management" and create workflow processes that help you defend your attentionCreate a plan for navigating endless technology options, and implement tools that will keep you productive, focused and in control

Personal Productivity Secretsreveals updated and vital information for achieving your significant results, and being as productive as you can be in a fast-paced, technology-driven society.

Maura Nevel Thomasis a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant in the areas of productivity, attention, and effectiveness. She founded RegainYourTime.com in 2003 and has worked for nearly 20 years in the productivity training industry. She developed a process for managing life and work details called the Empowered Productivity System, and its success brings regular invitations to speak and lead workshops on the topic.

Read This First xxi

Part I Managing Your Attention 1

Chapter 1 Stop Trying to Manage Your Time 3

Chapter 2 Changing Your Mind: Attention Management 21

Part II The Empowered Productivity System 39

Chapter 3 Empowering Your Productivity 41

Chapter 4 Controlling the Constant Chatter 55

Chapter 5 Supplementing Brainpower with Technology 71

Chapter 6 Clearing Your Mind Now 85

Chapter 7 Capture, Store, Act 95

Chapter 8 Clearing Your Space 115

Chapter 9 Emerging Concepts in Information Management 139

Chapter 10 The T.E.S.S.T. Process 147

Chapter 11 Controlling Your Email 159

Chapter 12 Defending Your Attention Using Technology 179

Part III Tools for Success 197

Chapter 13 Mastering Your Technology 199

Chapter 14 Managing New CommunicationSocial Media 223

Chapter 15 Implications for Groups and Teams 231

Chapter 16 Modern ConveniencesReviews and Recommendations 241

Part IV Appendices 251

Appendix A Recommended Book List 253

Appendix B Resources 257

Glossary 263

Index 271