March 25, 2020
Book Review: Do More … Better
Reading
Whether you in the “books are life” category or are a reading novice, we think this quick read is worth passing along.
This book can be classified as both personal and business development and can be found on the desk of several MM employees at this moment. Since we are blowing through the third month of the year already, it’s probably time to have a refresh on those beginning of the year goals anyway. Amiright?
While the title of this book, Do More Better: A Practical Guide To Productivity, may have you a little weary {do MORE?!?} don’t give up on us just yet…
More … Better
Tim Challies describes productivity as “effectively stewarding your gifts, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of others and the glory of God.” Which sounds like a pretty great goal.
One of the best take-a-ways, according to one staff member, was the section on Coram Deo which can be found on page 83.
coram deo
“The specifics of this routine will vary from person to person. … I call my daily planning phase my coram Deo, a Latin phrase that means in the presence of God, and I use this phrase because it helps remind me every day of whom it is I ultimately live for. R. C. Sproul explains its implications: ‘To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.’ The person who lives with an awareness of God’s presence, who lives under God’s authority, and who longs to bring God glory is the person who will be highly motivated to do more good – to do the most good for other people.”
Like with Like
Another staff member thought that the most helpful concept was “a home for everything, and like goes with like.” This idea is posed on page 49.
While this seems very simple and kind of obvious, it was really a revelation for me. If I always put my to-list tasks in one program (I use ToDoist), then I will always be able to see what I need to do at one time. If I always put just my meetings and appointments in my calendar, I will be able to better plan my time and ensure I don’t miss anything. Organizing my work by what it is (task, appointment, or information) has helped me organize my whole work life so much better than before. I feel much more in control of my time and my work after putting this system into place.
Tools of the Trade
A few of the tools Challies mentions in his book are Todoist, Google Calendar, and Evernote. While we are definitely fans of productivity tools, we also believe that you should find what works for you. Don’t try to take on some “trending app” just for the sake of following the pack.
Remember our disclaimer from our Tracking Apps post? The same still applies here:
Disclaimer: While these apps can be a great benefit to an organization, we also know that they can get a little pricey. Miller Management’s stance would always be to do what makes the most financial sense for your organization, over some trend. If this route would benefit your organization, it is best to only purchase the features that your organization will actually use.
Other Options
Please note, if your office is set up with a shared drive on your server, you may find that other apps like One Note {over Evernote} work best for your organization.
Or, if your ministry is already using a specific email provider – utilize your current provider before switching to something else. {ie. Gmail/Google Calendar} There may be ways to do some of the things mentioned in this book that your current email already does. You just might need some training on your particular email.
Lastly, there are also plenty of other project management tools – utilize the one your organization already has first, or take a look at several options to see which one fits the needs of your organization best.
Paper Calendar
Some of us can’t get into the all digital planning – and we get that. Or maybe you just need a double visual, while you immerse yourself into becoming fully digital.
In this Podcast, these gals mention the Full Focus Planner. This planner includes: setting goals, looking forward and backward in your week and month, and celebrating those small victories! Some similarities from the Do More Better book.
Highlight of the Podcast:
The Full Focus Planner prompts you to select your “Daily Big 3” — which my whole team loves! These are three things you accomplish every day — things that drive results. Ask yourself, “What are the three most important actions that will drive your goal or business forward?”
Looking For More?
There is a whole page inside this book of references, but we thought we would specifically mention just a few of the other author’s quoted.
The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Vieth
“What Does ‘coram deo’ Mean?” by R.C. Sproul
“A Lesson Hard Learned: Being Content with Saying No to Truly Good Opportunities” by Randy Alcorn
Biblical Productivity by C.J. Mahaney
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