This is a part of the series, Living the Stream-Lined, Maximized Life. You can find the other parts in this series at the following links:

Part 1

Part 2

Ordering Your Private World

by Gordon MacDonald

Once a year I grab this book off my book shelf and I read it. For those that are participating in this series, you may want to check out an Amazon listing and buy it. That may defeat the ultimate purpose of not adding one more thing to our to-do list, but consider this a short-term investment for long-term results. Starting in January we are really going to hone in on some key points the book brings out.

In fact, if we have enough interest, I will post Mr Linky – or start a blog carnival – and we can share with each other what we are learning from the book and how we are implementing it in our lives.

Anyways, this book is what centers me every January and reminds me of the direction I need to head in. A brief summary of what this book contains, is as follows:

~ Premise: “Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”

Think on that for a minute or two and you will see that no further words are necessary regarding that topic. . .

~ Motivation: Are you living as if you were called or are you living as if you are driven? Called people life out their life purpose and don’t resent what they do. Driven people live by a bunch of “oughts” and “shoulds” and often feel resentful. Their lives lack passion and meaning.

~ Recapturing our Time: If we can know our purpose (living for our calling) then we can manage our time appropriately. Maximized, organized time, yields results.

Sub-topics under this section are

~ Knowing our rhythms of effectiveness (morning or night person? Is summer a busy time because of gardening? Then plan around that and maximize the winter months for other things. Do you teach during the school year? Then maybe summer is your time to get caught up on projects.)

~ Choose what is best for your life and use of your time and say no to the rest!

~ Learn how to budget your time in advance.

~ Wisdom and Knowledge: Don’t let your mind grow stagnant. Set aside time to read, grow, and use what you learn.

~ Spiritual Strength: We are humans with souls. Our souls need as much nourishment as our bodies do, and yet, they are very often neglected.

~ Restoration: Learn how to refresh and relax. Yes, even this must be budgeted in!

This brief outline sounds so simplistic, but honestly, this book is worth the time and money investment! It’s simplicity is what makes it so profound. If the reader can implement the strategies Ordering Your Private World, they will find that 2010 will indeed, be the year they begin living the maximized life.