5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge.
Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps.

2. Getting Things Done by David Allen

If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax.
Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists.

3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker is kind of the original productivity guru — the one all the other “how to work better” people quote. His big idea? Don’t start with your work. Start with your time.
He says to track where your time really goes, then spend it on things that matter and that you’re actually good at. In short: stop being busy for no reason. Be useful instead.

4. The Progress Principle by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer

These two Harvard researchers studied a bunch of work diaries to find out what makes people feel good at their jobs. The answer wasn’t money or pressure — it was progress.
Even tiny wins make people happier and more motivated. The sad part? Most bosses forget that and think stress is a great motivator. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Progress beats panic every time.

5. Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

You know that awesome feeling when you’re so into something — a game, a song, or a drawing — that you lose track of time? That’s what this book is about. It’s called “flow.”
The author says this feeling makes life more fun and meaningful. The tricky part is, the more you try to explain flow, the harder it is to pin down. It’s like trying to grab water with your hands — easy to feel, hard to hold.

Looking for direction in the chaos? Finding My Purpose: A Soul Searching Workbook by Ruby Galvez is your gentle yet powerful companion on the path to clarity. Through reflective exercises, thought-provoking prompts, and practical steps, it helps you honor your past, uncover your deepest desires, and design a life aligned with your true self. If you’re ready to move from confusion to confidence, this workbook is for you.

Check it out on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Purpose-Searching-Workbook/dp/B0D3LX41GP/

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

3 Ways to Make the Library a Civic Innovation Center

Libraries have always been more than just book-lending places. They’re public trust spaces, open to all, with no pressure to buy, perform, or belong to a certain group. In today’s fast-changing world, we can go one step further: we can make libraries civic innovation centers. That means transforming them into active spaces where citizens work together to solve local problems, grow ideas, and build stronger communities. Here are three simple but powerful ways to do this: 1. Host Community-Led Problem-Solving Events Many cities and towns face common challenges—unemployment, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or poor digital access. What’s often missing is a neutral space where people can come together and think creatively about solutions. This is where the library comes in. Libraries can host regular “Civic Hackathons,” “Idea Labs,” or “Solution Circles.” These are not just for tech people. A solution circle, for example, can be as simple as a group of locals, librarians,...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

Asian Fruit Salad with Dressing

Because I miss travelling to Bangkok and Vietnam where I once tasted the best mangoes and dragon fruits, here's a food post for you! Asian fruit salad is known for its vibrant colors, refreshing tastes, and mix of exotic fruits, often dressed with a citrusy or spicy sauces to enhance the flavors. Here's a simple recipe for an Asian-inspired fruit salad that you can easily prepare at home: Asian Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredients: - 1 cup of diced mango - 1 cup of diced papaya - 1 cup of pineapple chunks - 1 cup of lychees, peeled and pitted (can use fresh or canned) - 1 cup of dragon fruit, cubed - 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds - Mint leaves for garnish Dressing: - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon of grated ginger - A pinch of salt - Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes or a teaspoon of finely chopped mint for an extra kick Instructions: 1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel and cut all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. If you're using canned l...

Understanding the Consequences of Forgoing Handwriting in Children's Education

The keyboard has nearly replaced the pen in how we communicate and learn. Don't you agree? This shift to digital has many perks, like speed and ease of use, but it's worth pausing to consider what we might lose as handwriting takes a backseat, especially for kids in their learning years. The move away from teaching kids to write by hand could have deeper effects than we might think, touching on everything from brain development to how well they learn and even their emotional well-being. First off, writing by hand isn't just about forming letters on a page; it's a complex brain exercise. When kids practice handwriting, they're not just learning to write; they're firing up parts of their brain that deal with thinking, memory, and language in a way that tapping on a keyboard just doesn't match. Studies have shown that writing something down by hand helps kids remember it better and understand it more deeply than if they type it out. This might be because the ac...

What Can You Expect to Learn from Fantasy-Production by Neferti X.M. Tadiar?

I have had the honor of being a part of Neferti X.M. Tadiar's team when I worked for the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library for four years. This book along with others she wrote on her own or in collaboration with other authors became popular among students (high school and college). The book "Fantasy Production: Sexual Economies and Other Philippine Consequences for the New World Order" is an in-depth study of the political, economic, and social dynamics in the Philippines, especially concerning gender, sexuality, and national identity. Here are some of the things one could expect to read in this book. 1. Intersection of Gender and Economics : The book delves into how gender dynamics influence economic structures in the Philippines. 2. Impact of Colonialism : It explores the lasting impact of colonialism on Philippine society and culture. 3. National Identity : The formation and implications of national identity in the post-colonial context are a key focus. 4. Role of Sexuality ...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog