I have read another Productivity of Power book and it has helped me alot so I thought I would give this one a try also. The ones that helped me the most in this book were Developing a Nonperfectionist Inner, The Perils of Overgiving, and “Unproductive” Versus “Quasi Productive” Procrastination, and Other Distractions. I’m looking forward to putting what I learned here to great use. In this the author emphasizes mindfulness and self-care, by advocating for mental well-being, she underscores that productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about maintaining a healthy balance. She also emphasizes the importance of time management and provides tools to do so. With these practices it aims to empower students to take control of their time and energy, enhancing both academic performance and overall well-being.The book is well-structured, blending practical advice with psychological insights. I will definitely be recommending this to people I know.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2024-10-20 22:03:252024-10-23 07:27:59Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Hannah Porter
An enjoyable, easy to read and informative self help book for college students wanting to increase their productivity. This book acknowledges the extreme pressures there are on college students, along with the intense competition and distractions such as social media. This book aims to “address the unique needs and productivity challenges that college students have”. The book offers unique and effective solutions for students to not only survive at college but thrive and succeed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-10-20 11:03:122024-10-23 07:00:21Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Powerful! I love how you can get a different point of view on procrastination and other areas that will be effective. Also, this has different tools that you can use to overcome your obstacles. Definitely will be keep this on my desk for reference and examples to go back to. Recommend this very helpful for every college student, advisor, mentor, high schooler.Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Powerful! I love how you can get a different point of view on procrastination and other areas that will be effective. Also, this has different tools that you can use to overcome your obstacles. Definitely will be keep this on my desk for reference and examples to go back to. Recommend this very helpful for every college student, advisor, mentor, high schooler.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2024-10-19 22:08:332024-10-23 07:15:00Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Nina Maes
This is a great book for anyone going to college or that has a job. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed with everything this gives you some great tools to navigate all of it. It wasn’t as easy to read as a regular book but it’s very useful and pragmatic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2024-10-15 22:16:502024-10-23 06:27:38Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Heather Goodman
As a graduate student navigating the demanding landscape of academia, I approached Hillary Rettig’s *Productivity is Power* with a blend of skepticism and hope. In an age where academic pressure can feel overwhelming and the competition is relentless, I found that Rettig’s book offers a refreshing perspective on productivity tailored specifically for college students.
Rettig identifies the myriad challenges that students face today—not just the usual suspects like procrastination and perfectionism but also the pervasive distractions of social media and the weight of societal expectations. What sets this book apart is its recognition of the unique pressures faced by students in an unforgiving economy, where grades and internships are paramount for future success.
The book is structured around five liberating practices that aim to empower students to overcome their barriers and enhance their productivity. Rettig’s approach is both empathetic and practical, focusing on actionable strategies that can lead to immediate improvements in a student’s academic life.
Throughout the book, Rettig delves into common issues such as indecision, perpetual research, and the fear of submitting work. Her solutions are practical and tailored for those who often feel overwhelmed. What particularly struck me was her emphasis on coping with criticism and setbacks—a crucial skill in today’s hyper-competitive environment.
As a graduate student, I found several insights that I wish I had discovered earlier in my academic journey. I would recommend this book not only to undergraduates but also to graduate students, educators, advisors, and anyone involved in student support. With the right tools, every student can access their potential and find joy in their academic pursuits.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2024-10-15 16:37:312024-10-22 19:24:41Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jennifer Crain
Having read a previous book by this author, I was excited to see what she had to offer specifically for college students who were struggling with their schooling and homework. I thought the author did a wonderful job in breaking down the five practices along with sharing anecdotes to make it more relatable for the students. I would recommend reading it in order, but if you are looking for a specific topic, you can definitely jump to that section. I think this would be a great book for new and veteran college students, as well as anyone else who is struggling with procrastination. The book is well organized and easy to read and follow. I look forward to checking out more books from the author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2024-10-13 20:45:112024-10-22 19:00:00Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
This is a very resourceful book full of good information that can help not only students but others looking for some help in organizing your life. It’s a pretty good read backed up with research. I found some interesting tips that I will be trying in my life. It’s worth reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-10-07 18:55:512024-10-22 14:14:40Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Shelly Kittell
This book had really great tips to help students and professors excel in the college environment. As a college professor, I am always looking for ways that my students (and myself) can improve to work smarter not harder. Throughout the book she provides exercises to do in relation to many of her topics – I think this is a great tool to use in the classroom. There were so many tips to include but there were a handful that I immediately found interesting or useful. Her Idea behind procrastination was really interesting. She states that procrastinators are not lazy but the correct attitudes and habits for being productive haven’t been learned. Procrastination today is one of the biggest issues I see in my students. Her ideas on unproductive vs quasiproductive were also interesting because quasiproductive is something I tend to do. This idea that you are feeling productive but in reality it is an illusion really struck a cord with me. I do this mentality often, and in the end it is because I don’t want to be seen as unproductive, but what needs to get done I don’t want to do. One thing that I tell my students often is in her section on “Working on the Right Stuff”. She says “remember that the goal isn’t to study, it’s to learn”. Students forget this often because many just want to move on and have the mentality to just get through. The last thing I will mention is her chapters on learning the art of failure and success. I think many people see failure as something negative, but in reality it is a necessity to be able to grow and more forward. I found this book to be very beneficial – and you don’t have to be in college or work at one to find value in it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2024-10-03 11:34:402024-10-21 13:48:24Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
Overall, this book is very well written and is very easy to understand. There is a lot of research and cited sources on this topic, and it’s very awesome. Once you read this book from start to finish, you will have a better understanding of what you can do to improve yourself in the areas you need help in. I love how the author explains everything simply so we all understand the topic. If you have trouble overcoming procrastination, then this book is for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristin Boutellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristin Boutelle2024-10-03 08:39:172024-10-21 13:47:32Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Kristin Boutelle
Hillary Rettig has done a fantastic job organizing this amazing and helpful book! I only wish it was available when I was younger. I especially appreciate that she covers the differences socioeconomic status and cultural upbringing effects individuals as well as “disempowering circumstances.” This book has offered me an extraordinarily powerful skillset. This is a perfect ally for the intended target age group.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vicki Sheltonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVicki Shelton2024-10-03 08:25:242024-10-21 13:47:25Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – reviewed by Vicki Shelton
As advertised, this book gives five strategies to help college students become more productive. In this day and age where we are bombarded with distractions, this book was a lifesaver for me! We all struggle to stay on track when we first enter college and are hit with deadlines. This book provides students with relatable anecdotes as well as the five strategies that I feel really make the book relatable. This was a relatively quick read that was much easier to follow than most self-help books I’ve read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Gonzalez2024-10-01 05:38:202024-10-01 10:21:34Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Amanda Gonzalez
Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig. Let me start by saying I wish I had this book when I was starting college. It is such a great resource for college kids, high school and college counselors, teachers and many others. It helps kids realize that they can make a plan and stick with it to be successful in college. With all the distractions going on around them its so hard to concentrate on what they really need to. This book gives them 5 practices that will help them stay on track and be very successful. This book needs to be read from cover to cover but if you are short on time you can find certain chapters that relate to what you are going thru at the time and read it and go back. Its a wonderful resource! It would make a wonderful high school graduation gift. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book for the college student in your life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2024-09-28 18:53:302024-10-01 09:00:32Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is an exceptional book that is very helpful and every college student, advisor, mentor, high school senior should read it. There is so much in this book and there is something in there for everyone…even if you think you know everything and have it pretty much figured out. I can guarantee you that you will find something in here that will either help you in a way you didn’t know you needed help or will help you streamline a process you already use. I love how easy to read this book is and how you can quickly go through and find the area you need. While I highly recommend reading this book from cover to cover, this is the perfect book to be able to look in the contents and find the section that applies to you right now. If you are a college student or you have a college student (even a high school senior) get this book. I am a former teacher and I would have definitely gifted this book to my seniors…or at least tried to have a couple of copies in my classroom. I will definitely be putting this on my work bookshelf to help all of the college kiddos I see now. Reviewed by @meggs1717
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-09-26 15:25:132024-10-01 08:08:03Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Megan Rea
I wish this book had been out when I was in college! I think this will definitely help new college students. The author gives new perspectives on both perfection and procrastination. She takes the shame away from learning how to manage your time. As a high school special education teacher, I might even purchase copies for my graduating seniors.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2024-09-25 16:27:042024-10-01 07:43:08Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Alison Risher
Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig is a great young adult self-help book
College students are under probably more strain than they have ever been. In a down economy, it is even more crucial to graduate with a strong plan, secure excellent internships or work-study opportunities, and achieve excellent grades. At every level, there is fierce rivalry and a lot of stress. Social media isn’t helping in the interim. It is not only incredibly distracting, but it also sends out a lot of messages that are harmful, harsh, competitive, and unpleasant. Concurrently, you are likely facing all the “usual” productivity obstacles that the majority of people encounter, such as procrastination, perfectionism, and time constraints.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what I would learn next. I really would love to implement everything I learn. I’m hoping I gain all the help as a mom of two kids. I will implement them not to fall behind.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2024-09-22 20:47:002024-10-01 07:27:26Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
Hillary Rettig’s Productivity is Power offers detailed tips for students to overcome problems that affect their productivity, such as procrastination, perfectionism, isolation, and self-sabotaging. Tips include time-management and self-care. I recommend this book because I found it helpful and useful even though I have recently graduated, and I also found it inspiring. It was interesting how Hillary talked about vocations, systemic oppression, and work-life balance as well. ‘Time happens to be far more valuable than money.’
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maisiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaisie2024-09-15 14:03:252024-09-15 14:03:25Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Maisie Camille
The most important time to put your Inner Compassionate Adult in charge is when you’ve “failed,” experienced a rejection, or had some other kind of setback. It’s a natural temptation, during such times, to get self-critical, but nonperfectionists have better ways of coping. They know that: Everyone fails. It’s an ordinary part of life. In fact, successful people probably fail more than most because they take more risks. To be precise: they’re successful both because they take the risks and because they react productively—meaning, in the ways described in this chapter—to the inevitable occasional failure.
“Success is often as dangerous as failure.” Perfectionists often gloss over their successes—or, worse, reframe them as failures (Chapter 13). But nonperfectionists are careful to acknowledge and celebrate their successes. Doing so not only helps neutralize perfectionism, it fixes your successes in your memory so you can call on them when needed for motivation. (“Okay, I’m feeling stuck—but I remember that, a few weeks ago, when I felt equally stuck, I persevered and everything turned out fine. So I guess I’ll persevere now.”) Take a moment to acknowledge your successes—and not just the outcome itself, but the broader success (e.g., what you learned or what barriers you overcame) and any personal qualities (courage, kindness, perseverance, etc.) you demonstrated. And if you want to celebrate—say, by treating yourself to a dinner out, a new outfit or piece of gear, or some other splurge—go for it. It’s okay to be generous with yourself. Be Sure to Acknowledge and Celebrate Your “Small” and Partial Successes
Poets, philosophers, and others have been pondering the mystery of inspiration for thousands of years, but all “being inspired” means is that you’re ready and motivated to do the work. And all “being uninspired” means is that you’re not—yet. So what does it take to be ready? A few things, including an understanding of the process you need to follow, confidence, a detailed knowledge of how to do the next couple of steps, and abundant preparation. Let’s discuss each individually.
Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig is a handy self-help guide on how to become more productive and inspired in your study/work/life- especially when it comes to for setting and reaching goals which will help you reach your full potential. It is full of handy tips, insights, techniques, exercises, examples, and strategies on how to gain more productive habits. Everything you might want to know, from what to do if you have urgent deadlines, to overcoming obstacles/challenges/blocks, resolving conflicts, how to get and stay inspired, interrupting the disempowerment cascade, overcoming a punishment habit, budgeting and investing your time, planning/management/scheduling, giving boredom the boot, building resilience, how to handle criticism and rejection, and how to stay safe and healthy on social media…… just to name a few. Ms. Rettig provides exercises, links to resources, offers solutions, resolutions, insights, and other helpful tips that will overhaul your study habit and help you become more productive. But she doesn’t suggest that you ‘crack the whip’ the whole time, she also suggests being kind and compassionate to yourself- with taking breaks, learning the art of success, and to let go of the crushing ‘perfectionist’ ideals that can be detrimental to healthy, fruitful outcomes. Another helpful guide that has step by step instructions to help you fulfil your goals. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-09-14 23:37:082024-09-24 19:44:42Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Angela Hayes
As you have probably gathered by the title this book is specifically aimed at college students, but it would serve anyone well. It is a helpful model with teaching tools, tips, strategies and the like to becoming re-empowered, to finding your lost enthusiasm and being productive once again. There are many solutions within the book such as: Re-Empowerment Compassionate Objectivity Timed Work Intervals Randomization “Dialoguing with the Critic” The Joyful Dance Values-Based Time Management
What works for one may not work for another, but I am sure there is something in this book to help you achieve goals that may have slipped or seemed unattainable. All you have to do is want it.
Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students is just what you need to get out of a funk or pull yourself from that rut. It has some good principles and methodologies that won’t cramp your style and are easy to put into practice.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-09-13 18:29:222024-10-01 08:21:49Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jenni Bishop
BOOKBUB – Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
Can’t finish your work?
Can’t start it?
Feel like your grades don’t reflect your potential?
These days, there’s more pressure on college students than perhaps ever before. A bad economy makes it even more important to get great grades, get great internships or work-study experiences, and to graduate with a great plan. The competition at every stage is intense, and so is the stress. Meanwhile, social media isn’t helping. Not only is it massively distracting, it’s full of competitive, critical, negative, and otherwise destructive messages.
At the same time, you’re probably dealing with all the “normal” productivity challenges that most people face, including procrastination, perfectionism, and time crunch.
Traditional productivity books for general audiences can help some, but what’s really needed is a book that addresses college students’ unique needs and productivity challenges. Productivity is Power is that book. It will help you:
Locate, understand, and overcome your barriers to productivity and success so that you can become immediately more productive, successful, and happy.
Start your work on time, work steadily on it, and hand it on time. (Or early!)
Work through problems and obstacles. (No procrastination or derailments!)
Handle mistakes, failures, and other setbacks.
Manage your time well, so that you can succeed academically while also living a healthy, happy, and balanced life. And,
Work more effectively with your professors, teaching assistants, and other academic personnel.
And much more! Productivity is Power also offers many unique, and uniquely effective, solutions, including:
Re-Empowerment. How to locate and remedy the specific forms of disempowerment that keep you from doing your work.
Compassionate Objectivity. The mindset that neutralizes perfectionism while maintaining accountability and a success orientation.
Timed Work Intervals, Randomization, “Dialoguing with the Critic,” and other solutions to perfectionism.
The Joyful Dance, a highly effective work method founded on principles of personal empowerment and compassionate objectivity.
Values-Based Time Management, which helps you achieve not just maximum empowerment and productivity in the short term, but maximum success and happiness over the course of your career.
Many solutions for common writing and work problems including not finishing, not submitting, over-researching, constantly starting over, and avoidance (of difficult parts of the project). Also, for efficient decision-making both within and around projects.
Solutions for coping with criticism, rejection, and perceived failures. And,
Solutions for “digital distraction,” online harassment, and other 21st Century obstacles to work and success.
…all of which will help today’s undergraduate not just succeed, but thrive.
Don’t procrastinate on achieving your full potential! Get Productivity is Power now for yourself, or for the student, teacher, counselor, advisor, coach, or parent in your life.
C.L. Schneider is an award-winning author of immersive fantasy fiction, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. While fantasy is her main focus, she also pens the occasional horror or apocalyptic tale. Born in a small Kansas town, Schneider resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds she creates, please visit her websitewww.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with C. L. Schneider on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PIP1-ebook-cover-2nd-edition.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-09-13 00:00:242024-10-04 10:45:51Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
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Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
