Ultimate Guide to Productivity

In our always-on, always-connected, time and cash-strapped world, we need to get things done quicker and better.  While there is definitely something to be said for slowing down, doing less, savoring the moment, and increasing our focus, the almost universal desire to be more productive is a natural one.

We recently stumbled upon a helpful guide to hints and hacks that caused reflection on how we might use our limited time better and the concept of productivity.

What does “productivity” really mean anyhow?  Here is a somewhat complex definition beyond productivity = value/time that takes into consideration other factors such as impact, endurance, essence, and volume.  I feel productive when I have had a day filled with activities I enjoy, met goals I have established, avoided energy-sucking distractions, and moved through my day with purpose and ease.

One of my favorite gurus of productivity, David Allen, author of the business self-help classic Getting Things Done: the art of stress-free productivity, has elevated the discussion of personal productivity to an art. I especially love Allen’s definition of work – “anything you want to get done that’s not done yet”¹ precisely because it is broad enough to encompass both our professional and personal lives.

As Boomers, whether you want to work more effectively on projects at work or find the time to learn a new language or other skills, there are many great thinkers and writers on the web to help you. Check out the blogs featured on the Alltop Lifehacks news page. This aggregator site compiles recent posts from a range of productivity and lifestyle blogs from big-hitters like Lifehacker, Zen Habits, and 43 Folders as well as posts from blogs you may not have heard of. Cruising Alltop saves you valuable time jumping from blog to blog!

¹Allen, David. Making it all Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life, New York: Penguin Books, 2008.

- rs

Retirement Revolution – PBS Special

If you’re looking for more information on retirement from a reputable source, PBS is airing a special entitled “Retirement Revolution: The New Reality,” hosted by Paula Zahn, this evening, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Our local PBS station, KCET is airing the show at 9:00 p.m. The blurb on the program states, “Millions of Americans have had to change their retirement plans in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown.  Retirement Revolution looks at the stories of everyday people who have found ways not only to survive but thrive in this new reality.”

If you are unable to view the program on television, here is a link to watch the show in its entirety online!

Interview with Councilman Cliff Numark

Get to know your local City officials!

Torrance City Council Member Cliff Numark speaks with Rachel Bieber, Audiovisual Librarian, about his life, his career development, and his current position as Director of Donor Recruitment at the American Red Cross.

In this interview, Mr. Numark emphasizes that “Volunteers can do absolutely amazing things!” Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Library and locally in the South Bay.

A fascinating inside look at the inner workings of a large nonprofit, and an in-depth profile of one of our newest Council persons!

ReFiring and Refining Retirement

This post is the last in a series about new books at the library. Look for the  LINK sticker!

In addition to traditional retirement planning books that focus mostly on finances, the Torrance Public Library owns books that address the entire spectrum of experiences Boomers face upon leaving their jobs.  In the following books, you will find not only financial advice, but books that address your life purpose, finding meaning and joy, maintaining health, and all of the pursuits and activities you can pursue when you finally leave that 9-to-5.

ReFirement: A Boomer’s Guide to Life After 50 by James V. Gambone, PhD

A socially conscious book encouraging Boomers to abandon traditional notions of retirement, and join the reFirement movement, pursuing their values, passions, and a search for meaning.  Gambone offers not only activities for reFirement and a personal game plan to reFire, but also helps readers understand major societal shifts that affect us all.

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get From Your Financial Advisor by Ernie J. Zelinski

Unconventional widsom from best-selling author Zelinski. This book is filled with funny drawings, quotes, and  practical advice on how to make friends, travel, pursue meaningful activities, and follow your dreams. I especially love the list of things to do, which includes “be nasty to politicians,” “write a fairy tale,” “volunteer,” and “truly communicate with someone special today,” among other practical, creative, whimsical, and intriguing suggestions.

The Boomer’s Guide to a Great Retirement: You Can Do It! by Jonathan D. Pond

Advice from a financial expert on all financial matters related to retirement. Full of helpful tables, retiree reflections, tips, and worksheets to walk you through the planning process. Although written specifically for Boomers, this book would be helpful for anyone who wants to plan for retirement, regardless of the stage of life you are in!

Other titles you may be interested in:

You’ve Earned It, Don’t Lose It: Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make When You Retire by Suze Orman

The Retirement Catch-Up Guide: 54 Real-Life Lessons to Boost Your Future Resources Now! by Ellen Hoffman

The New Rules of Retirement: Strategies for a Secure Future by Robert C. Carlson, JD, CPA

-rs

Redefining Boomer Retirement

Librarians love words so it was just my luck that I happened across an article in the Nevada daily newspaper, the Nevada Appeal entitled, “New vernacular for the retiring boomer.” Its author, Carol Perry, contends that Baby Boomers have been associated with a redefinition or outright rejection of the traditional values of previous generations. With the recent meltdown in the economy, Boomers are now redefining the retirement years, including the language and terminology we use to describe them.

Here’s a short sampling of new “lifestyle lingo” that Ms. Perry says is emerging:

boomerang entrepreneur - These people retire from one career job and start up their own business

jhobbie – A boomer will turn his or her hobby into a job

playcheck – Retirees take temporary or part-time work to fund their hobbies or vacations

phase retirement – During the next 20 years there should be more jobs than people to fill them. The solution for employers, and retirees who do not have enough saved to fully retire, is to allow retirees to stay on longer, but with flexible schedules and terms.

Two books that describe new ways to think about retirement are:

Retire & Thrive by Robert K. Otterbourg
In this guide, Otterbourg provides a sampling of hundreds of ideas on how to thrive in the retirement phase of life, and is particularly helpful for those coping with forced early retirement or broken careers. The book is loaded with real-life examples of individuals who have created fulfilling post-retirement lives.

 

Retire Retirement by Tamara Erickson
An essential guide to planning for an active and involved retirement. The author believes that by 2025, more companies will embrace next-generation enterprises, which she describes as, “Intensely collaborative, continually informed, technologically adept and skilled at on-going experimentation…Companies will adopt flexible relationships and continual active connections to attract both talented employees and loyal customers.”

Do you have any retirement tips you’d like to pass along to others? Please add a comment below and share your knowledge and experience.

Free Webinar for Job Sector Switchers

Encore careers combine personal fulfillment, social impact and continued income, enabling people to put their passion to work for the greater good. If you are interested in learning more about job opportunities in the nonprofit sector and tips on landing a nonprofit job, log in to a free Webinar on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at noon Eastern time (that’s 9:00 a.m. for those of us on the west coast).

The one-hour session, “Sector Growth Opportunities and You,” is designed for individuals seeking a career transition, considering a new position or seeking professional growth. Speakers will present an overview of growth trends in the nonprofit sector and answer questions about job search strategy.

Space is limited so register in advance

Free Webinar on Dealing with Job Loss

AARP is offering a free webinar to help individuals, aged 45 and older who have suffered a job loss or have been out of work for a while, learn to stay positive, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and create an effective job search strategy.

The webinar will be held on June 11, 2009 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern daylight time), which for those of us in California is 11:00 a.m. You don’t have to be a member of AARP to participate!

Click here to register