Life makeovers Book

3.75 stars

Life Makeovers is a unique self-help book that I really like the concept of. It's a one-year "life makeover"; a weekly thing you can do to improve your life. The content covers all areas of your life, such as work-life balance, relationships, financial health, emotional health, physical health, organization and more.

The book is in bite size chapters for each week, of no more than 3 pages, so if you're not into long, complicated self help books and you like something practical, points for this book.

Not all the suggestions are doable for everyone (some of them you have to have money for), but the point of this is to take what you like and you can ignore the rest! It was worth the read for me.

Little Notes from the Book
A few notes of highlights from the book that I'd like to remember (can help you get a sense of it)

Week 6: What's Draining You?
"I dedicated a chapter to identifying and eliminating energy drains as a way to replenish our energy and renew our enthusiasm for life." Sum: Dealing with things you've put off for a long time feels really good. "When you let go of the past or handle the items that cause you anxiety, that action alone can have a dramatic impact on your life." (33-35)

Week 12: Give Your Brain a Vacation
Human brain can be in "analytical, thinking mode" or "relaxed, insightful mode". We are in the analytical mode too much, and giving our brain a 'vacation' to go into relaxed mode is important. When the author was writing her first book, "As I was about to begin a new chapter (usually the most difficult part for me), I would ask my brain to begin working on an outline and to have it ready by 3PM. Then I'd go to the beach with a good book and relax." Each time she thought about the chapter, she would remind herself it was being handled. "Sure enough, when I returned to my computer at 3PM, the chapter would start to pour out." (59).

Week 20: Early Warning Signals
Author tells you to look for 'when you're heading for trouble'
Some examples included not getting 8 hours of sleep at night, being too busy to exercise, forgetting things, leaving your office desk a mess, and being too tired to floss. (89).
She recommends looking for YOUR early warning signs so you can be aware when you're too busy/overwhelmed, so you can deal with it. She also suggests asking for help when you need it.

Take Action
During the week notice when you start to get edgy, irritable, frustrated, or overwhelmed. What behaviours trigger this reaction? What do you forget about when you're busy? Write them down and finish the sentence: I know I'm headed for trouble when...
And, list 3 things to help with 'extreme self-care' or strategies to deal with the above problem. (91-92).

Week 26: Throw caution to the wind
Author's story about finally buying a bicycle and what a nice experience it was. "Not only was I able to leisurely take in the wonderful sights and sounds of spring - wisteria-framed doorways, lilacs in full bloom..." (109). Basically, she recommends you try something you might be afraid of or afraid to be judged about.

Week 27: Standing in the Shadow
Author tells a good story about sometimes going in the shadow of someone who you want to be like (usually career-wise).

Take Action
Use your journal to review your past and present circumstances, looking for the clues your soul may have created in your life. Notice the kinds of people in your life. Whom have you admired? What kind of work have you been attracted to?
I have been standing in the shadow of...
The people I admire are... I admire them because...
I have been attracted to the following kinds of work... (114).

Week 33: Spring clean your office
Comforts: comfortable slippers/shoes/socks, music, candles/incense/aromatherapy diffuser, art, bubbling fountain, do not disturb sign, comfortable pillow for chair (140)

Week 34: Stretch Yourself
These things might be affecting your life:
Fear of reactions of others, Fear of failure, Fear of too much responsibility, Inability to ask for help, Inability to receive help, Fear of rejection, Fear of being judged/criticized, fear of disappointment (145).

Week 42: Life accessories
Things that add to your life: Houseplants or herb garden, aromatherapy candles, fireplace, cozy socks, great smelling body products, homemade soup simmering on the stove, your favourite tea, sachets in your bureau/car (171-172).
One thing I didn't like was author recommended watching a sports game while working, which is multitasking and is not a good way to be productive??

Week 46: Great Gift Giving
1. Love letter for your partner. "Take some time to put your feelings down on beautiful paper. Once completed, be sure to wrap it in a gift box. If you're concerned about writing, make it easy - for example, The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love You Are..." (185)
2. Write a book for someone you love. "Choose someone special (spouse, partner, family member or friend), purchase a beautiful journal and for one month write 1 page a day. The letter can be something you admired, loved or respected." This gift will be incredibly special to the recipient - the gift meant "more to him [author's husband] than anything else I'd ever given him." (186).
3. Surprise event/party for someone
4. Give a gift of your time

Would recommend to those looking for an original, quick self-help read. The good thing about this book is that you can choose to do whatever suggestions you like and ignore the rest, and you may find a few good things!