The average mom’s to-do list would rival that of any top corporate executive. Most moms are juggling multiple activities for multiple people (most of whom can’t drive) and handle a variety of chores, errands, holiday preparations and more. It’s easy to see why many crucial things like God get lost in the crush of the immediate urgent things needing to be done.
I was interested when given the opportunity to review the book Taming the To-Do List: How to Choose Your Best Work Every Day
Many time management books tend to jump right into the solutions they are promoting. I appreciate Whitwer for taking the time to help every reader really think about why they are making the choices on how to spend their time the way they do. I think this is so crucial. All of the time management tools in the world won’t help for very long if you don’t understand your motivation for procrastinating and work on it.
I thought it was interesting that at the beginning of the book Whitwer asks the reader to pick two projects which tend to get ignored – one regular task and one major project. At the end of each chapter, she asks the reader to think about how to apply what was discussed to those same two tasks. I love the idea that instead of feeling like you have to change and accomplish everything at once, you just focus on improving or finishing those two things. It gives more immediate positive results and would encourage you to take on two more tasks when finished.
While the book is not a Bible study, she does filter everything through a Christian world view. She mentions quite a few scriptures and godly principles as she discusses the various topics. She addresses her own procrastination issues with ministry and my only wish is that she had made it made it the central focus for her readers also. She seems to give almost equal weight to the career and family needs on your to-do list as to the needs to disciple your children or serve God in some way.
The tips in the book are solid and very practical. I don’t know that any of them are particularly unique, although they are effective. The main added value of this time management book is the help in analyzing your motives and filtering them through the lens God would use. Correcting attitudes is perhaps more important than correcting the bad habits of procrastination.
Whether you choose to read this book or another, please consider doing what is necessary to take control of your time. Your children are only at home for a few precious years. Don’t let a couple of dust bunnies distract you from the most important task God has given you – to disciple your children towards Him.
A copy of this book was given to me for free in exchange for my honest review. An affiliate link is included for your convenience.