The Power of Less

On the first of every month, our library lists the newly acquired reading materials on their website. Thanks to my two hour long daily commute on public transit, I read two to three books a week. Our library is small. The pickings are slim. I’ve read almost every audio book they have.

In desperation for new reading material, I picked up ‘The Power of Less’ by Leo Babauta.

I nearly stopped reading by the end of the first chapter. The author talked about being a marathoner, a father of 6 children, an author of many books, a man with two jobs, a healthy eater, and a perfectly organized person. For someone who can hardly be trusted to make my bed in the morning, this seemed a bit out of my league.

But I struggled through the first few chapters and actually started to enjoy it. He shared some helpful tips on simplifying life. He suggests starting VERY slowly. Exercise 5 minutes a day, or de-clutter one drawer of the hideous mess you like to call a home office. As I listened to the book, I wanted to go home and clean out a drawer and trust me…

I never get excited about cleaning out office drawers – especially when Grey’s Anatomy is on.

While he doesn’t talk about reducing debt, I appreciated his suggestions on how to spend less. When it comes to getting money under control, he suggests placing any non-necessity purchases on a list and waiting 30 days to buy it. If I did this only 1 out of every 5 times I went to Target, I’d be in a better place.

This is the kind of book I will re-read in a few months. The author is fabulously motivational and if all I get out of it is a cleaned desk drawer, I still come out ahead. It’s a quick read and I’d recommend it.

Posted by Beks on February 24, 2010 at 9:46 PM in Book Reviews | 16 Comments »
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Hilary responded:
Posted: February 24th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I just did a search on this book, and there is a free PDF download of his Companion EBook called Thriving on Less. I am about to get started on reading it.

p.s. Thanks for writing my new favorite blog!!! I look forward to your posts and everyones comments. Together, we can all do it!
Laura responded:
Posted: February 24th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Do you read Leo’s blog? If not check it out
Joe Dirt responded:
Posted: February 24th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
How do you read an audio book? Please let me in on your secret.
Beks responded:
Posted: February 24th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Laura – I visited the website but haven’t had time to read it yet. I plan to take a look this weekend.

Joe Dirt – You sound like my husband. He says it doesn’t count as ‘reading’ unless you have a real book.
Mona responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Babysteps. Works in lots of areas.

You might like FlyLady as well. http://www.flylady.net
Susan responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 8:25 am
That’s funny – we had a discussion about that at work this week – do you “read” or “listen to” an audio book. We decided it’s easier to just say “read” – otherwise there’s just too much explanation to people who might be familiar with the audio book.
Maria responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Thanks for the suggestion–this sounds like a book I’d like and I’m going to request it from my library.
Georgia Plodder responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 10:33 am
I’m always looking for something new to read and I love organiziational books. Thanks for the suggestion! Mona’s right — you might like FlyLady.
Georgia Plodder responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Beks – Is it The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…in Business and in Life OR The Power of Less: The 6 Essential Productivity Principles That Will Change Your Life? Thanks…
Brian responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I’ve been meaning to check out his book. I’ve read his site off and on, and find it interesting.

Two hours on public transit seems like the perfect time to read non-audio books as well. your library probably has a larger selection of those.
Mar responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Thanks for the recommendation. I just place it on hold with the library.

Brian, if Beks is anything like me, if she reads 5 words while the vehicle is in motion, she’ll be sick as a dog!
Liz responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Wow, this guy author like he likes to toot his own horn a little, doesn’t he?
Beks responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Hilary – Thanks!

Mona & Maria – Wow. She’s cool! I have a feeling I’ll be visiting that site often!

Georgia – It’s The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…in Business and in Life

Susan – It is so confusing to try to explain ‘reading’ audio books. I’m glad someone else struggles with the same dilema!

Brian – Mar is right, I get sick just thinking about reading in moving vehicles.
Beks responded:
Posted: February 25th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Liz – Yeah, that part annoyed me a little too. I felt like telling him to get over himself a few times.
Josh Moore responded:
Posted: February 26th, 2010 at 3:23 am
I really want to read this book. I have read Leo’s blog for over a year now and love much of what he has to say on various topics.

Good work on the blog here Beks, keep it up
Lizzie responded:
Posted: February 26th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Sounds interesting, I’ll be ordering it from the library!