"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman — Spoiler-Free Review

Thursday, July 4, 2024



I’ve been wanting to write a review of this book since I first read it but I just couldn’t find the right words as this book…well it is different. It’s hard to find the words for a book that completely took you by surprise and made you laugh out loud and cry like a baby. So today in this short book review I’m going to try to tell you why you need to run and read this book right now.



I’ve been wanting to write a review of this book since I first read it but I just couldn’t find the right words as this book…well it is different. It’s hard to find the words for a book that completely took you by surprise and made you laugh out loud and cry like a baby. So today in this short book review I’m going to try to tell you why you need to run and read this book right now.

6 Workflow Hacks to Boost Productivity & Thrive at Work

Tuesday, July 2, 2024


Photo by Ján Vlačuha on Unsplash

Working with like-minded people that make working hours productive and enjoyable is a path to a successful business. Workflow management refers to prioritizing tasks, working efficiently, and delegating each project or task effectively. It’s a skill that needs some time to develop but is a priority if you want a workflow that brings revenue and success.


Better job results, higher pleasure, less stress, and more time available for the things we enjoy are just a few of the advantages of workflow management. This is why today, I bring you seven workflow management tips to enhance your working environment.



1. List Down Your Tasks for Today

Start your day by making a list of what you have planned to accomplish during your working hours. If there are some tasks you didn’t manage to finish the day before, add those tasks to the top of the list.


Prioritize your chores from the most to least important and tick them off as you complete them. If you work with a group, make sure to advise them of any additional tasks they need to do as soon as possible.


Businesses striving to go paperless can even use a free digital note-taking platform to create these lists.


2. Batch Similar Tasks

If you batch related work or activities together, you’ll have a better chance of saving precious time and energy. You will lose focus, diminish your productivity, and waste a lot of time if you and your team complete more irrelevant activities simultaneously.


Some people are affected by background noise or music. Avoid such environments or invest in headphones. New e-mail notifications and other social and business network notifications can be nuisances, so turn them off.


3. Maintain a 9-to-5 Schedule (If Applicable)

Having clear boundaries between work and personal time is important for a successful workflow. You and your team need free time to balance work and personal life every day to not feel burned out. That’s why it is important to respect and do your best during working hours.


Having a clear working routine will help you schedule time for work, family, friends, interests, and your physical and emotional well-being. During work hours, use the Airplane mode function to turn off e-mail and event notifications. Also, unless necessary, avoid using business software.


Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash


4. Maximize Your Time for Every Task

Time blocking each task is a great way to know how much time and energy each task is going to take from your day. When you don’t determine a timeframe it is easy to lose more time than you would usually need to.


Doing deep focused work for a shorter time is going to be much more beneficial in the long run. You can use Google Calendar, a physical planner, or mobile apps to time block your day. Give it a few days to see what works best for you and if time blocking is making you work smarter and not harder.


5. Assign Clear Roles for Project Success

Workflow with a team can be challenging, especially when everyone is unsure of their position and function. Uncertainty can lead to protests, arguments, and even failure to meet critical deadlines.


As a result, it’s critical to establish clear duties for each team member. It would be best if you did it immediately. Ensure that everyone has access to the material and that anyone can ask any job-related questions at any time. It is also a great idea to choose a feature-rich personal project management software and install it on every employee’s computer for a streamlined workflow.


6. Build a Happy & Productive Workplace

Be it based on theory or practice, we all know that satisfied workers are more productive. That means that maintaining the company’s morale upbeat is something business owners and managers need to make sure to prioritize. There are different ways employees can feel appreciated and motivated to do their best. Collaborative events and team building can significantly improve your project management.


When it comes to creating a new corporate culture, workflow management is the most effective source of positive change. These adjustments will make it easier for employees to feel like part of the team. They will complete their assignments on time and be happy to work in a stress-free environment.





Photo by Ján Vlačuha on Unsplash

Working with like-minded people that make working hours productive and enjoyable is a path to a successful business. Workflow management refers to prioritizing tasks, working efficiently, and delegating each project or task effectively. It’s a skill that needs some time to develop but is a priority if you want a workflow that brings revenue and success.


Better job results, higher pleasure, less stress, and more time available for the things we enjoy are just a few of the advantages of workflow management. This is why today, I bring you seven workflow management tips to enhance your working environment.



1. List Down Your Tasks for Today

Start your day by making a list of what you have planned to accomplish during your working hours. If there are some tasks you didn’t manage to finish the day before, add those tasks to the top of the list.


Prioritize your chores from the most to least important and tick them off as you complete them. If you work with a group, make sure to advise them of any additional tasks they need to do as soon as possible.


Businesses striving to go paperless can even use a free digital note-taking platform to create these lists.


2. Batch Similar Tasks

If you batch related work or activities together, you’ll have a better chance of saving precious time and energy. You will lose focus, diminish your productivity, and waste a lot of time if you and your team complete more irrelevant activities simultaneously.


Some people are affected by background noise or music. Avoid such environments or invest in headphones. New e-mail notifications and other social and business network notifications can be nuisances, so turn them off.


3. Maintain a 9-to-5 Schedule (If Applicable)

Having clear boundaries between work and personal time is important for a successful workflow. You and your team need free time to balance work and personal life every day to not feel burned out. That’s why it is important to respect and do your best during working hours.


Having a clear working routine will help you schedule time for work, family, friends, interests, and your physical and emotional well-being. During work hours, use the Airplane mode function to turn off e-mail and event notifications. Also, unless necessary, avoid using business software.


Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash


4. Maximize Your Time for Every Task

Time blocking each task is a great way to know how much time and energy each task is going to take from your day. When you don’t determine a timeframe it is easy to lose more time than you would usually need to.


Doing deep focused work for a shorter time is going to be much more beneficial in the long run. You can use Google Calendar, a physical planner, or mobile apps to time block your day. Give it a few days to see what works best for you and if time blocking is making you work smarter and not harder.


5. Assign Clear Roles for Project Success

Workflow with a team can be challenging, especially when everyone is unsure of their position and function. Uncertainty can lead to protests, arguments, and even failure to meet critical deadlines.


As a result, it’s critical to establish clear duties for each team member. It would be best if you did it immediately. Ensure that everyone has access to the material and that anyone can ask any job-related questions at any time. It is also a great idea to choose a feature-rich personal project management software and install it on every employee’s computer for a streamlined workflow.


6. Build a Happy & Productive Workplace

Be it based on theory or practice, we all know that satisfied workers are more productive. That means that maintaining the company’s morale upbeat is something business owners and managers need to make sure to prioritize. There are different ways employees can feel appreciated and motivated to do their best. Collaborative events and team building can significantly improve your project management.


When it comes to creating a new corporate culture, workflow management is the most effective source of positive change. These adjustments will make it easier for employees to feel like part of the team. They will complete their assignments on time and be happy to work in a stress-free environment.




5 Romance Books to Binge Read This Summer (Spoiler Free)

Saturday, June 29, 2024




Are you looking for summer romance books that will both make you laugh out loud and cry? 

Romance books come in all shapes and forms and that is exactly why we love them so much. Diving into the world of a romance book is both comforting and exciting. From easy-to-read rom-com books to those classical romance novels that make us rethink everything we thought we knew about love.

Here is a list of 5 romance books that will get you out of the reading slump this summer. They are a perfect summer vacation companion that you won’t be able to put down from the first page.




Are you looking for summer romance books that will both make you laugh out loud and cry? 

Romance books come in all shapes and forms and that is exactly why we love them so much. Diving into the world of a romance book is both comforting and exciting. From easy-to-read rom-com books to those classical romance novels that make us rethink everything we thought we knew about love.

Here is a list of 5 romance books that will get you out of the reading slump this summer. They are a perfect summer vacation companion that you won’t be able to put down from the first page.

7 Ways To Get You Out Of Reading Slump Today

Sunday, June 23, 2024



Is your bookshelf overflowing, yet the thought of starting a new book feels like a chore?


Reading is a wonderful way to escape reality, but sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to pick up that book. We’ve all been there: You start reading and then get distracted by your phone or someone walks into the room, causing you to put down your book then a few days, then weeks and months pass and you haven’t finished a single book.


This is a book lovers nightmare and as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve been there. The good thing is that I found some proven ways that helped me and can help you get out of the reading slump.



1. Pick up an Old Favorite

If you’re in a reading slump, chances are that it’s because you haven’t been enjoying the books that you’ve been trying to read. But if there’s one thing I know about readers and book lovers, it’s that nothing puts us back into our happy place more than picking up an old favorite. Check out your bookshelves and reach for any of your beloved books that you just can’t put down once you start reading them.


2. Try Out a Genre You’ve Never Read Before

The next time you’re feeling stuck in a reading slump, try out a book by an author you’ve never read before. Or maybe give a genre that isn’t typically your cup of tea (historical fiction, sci-fi) a try. We often reach only for one book genre and miss out on the excitement that other genres have. If you are a contemporary romance reader, picking up a fantasy romance book might be exactly what you need to spark that joy that only reading can bring.


If none of those tips work, then…

 

3. Read Something Shorter Than You Normally Would

Reading something shorter than you normally would is a great way to get out of a reading slump. If you’re used to reading fantasy novels, try picking up a graphic novel or an illustrated book instead. Or vice versa: if you usually read fiction, try non-fiction for a change! Sometimes seeing a book that has over 400 pages can be too overwhelming. Picking up a book of poetry or essays that you can binge-read in a few hours might be the best way for you to quickly get out of the reading slump.


4. Watch Booktube

Watching what others are reading can make you want to get back into reading as well. Booktube and booktok have become huge in the last few years. Following those who like similar genres to you can not only help you pick a book again but also make it easier for you to find books that you will enjoy reading.



5. Join Book Club

Surrounding yourself with fellow bookworms can help you find joy in reading again. Having a monthly challenge where you read the same book and then discuss it will create a sense of accountability and make you want to finish the book faster. There are a lot of book clubs you can join online or even better start one with your friends.


6. Find a Reading Nook

Having a spot where you read can help you get back into the reading state of mind. This is important because it will help you get into a rhythm, which will make it easier for you to focus on the book and not on what else might be going on in your life at the moment. Plus, it’s just nice to have some time where you can sit back and relax! If possible, start building a quiet reading space in your home — it could be as simple as a chair next to a window or a cozy spot under a bookshelf that holds books you love


7. 10 Minutes or 10 Pages

Picking a book to read only for 10 minutes or 10 pages is a good way to trick yourself into starting reading again. Most likely you will keep on reading for longer but even if you don’t at least you started. Making this a daily habit can help you get through your TBR faster.




Reading is an incredible activity, but it’s also one that requires a lot of time and energy. If you’re feeling like you don’t have enough of either right now, don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to get back into the swing of things — and even if your reading slump lasts for weeks or months at a time implementing at least one of these tips can help you get out of the reading rut faster.


What is your go-to method to beat the reading slump?






Is your bookshelf overflowing, yet the thought of starting a new book feels like a chore?


Reading is a wonderful way to escape reality, but sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to pick up that book. We’ve all been there: You start reading and then get distracted by your phone or someone walks into the room, causing you to put down your book then a few days, then weeks and months pass and you haven’t finished a single book.


This is a book lovers nightmare and as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve been there. The good thing is that I found some proven ways that helped me and can help you get out of the reading slump.



1. Pick up an Old Favorite

If you’re in a reading slump, chances are that it’s because you haven’t been enjoying the books that you’ve been trying to read. But if there’s one thing I know about readers and book lovers, it’s that nothing puts us back into our happy place more than picking up an old favorite. Check out your bookshelves and reach for any of your beloved books that you just can’t put down once you start reading them.


2. Try Out a Genre You’ve Never Read Before

The next time you’re feeling stuck in a reading slump, try out a book by an author you’ve never read before. Or maybe give a genre that isn’t typically your cup of tea (historical fiction, sci-fi) a try. We often reach only for one book genre and miss out on the excitement that other genres have. If you are a contemporary romance reader, picking up a fantasy romance book might be exactly what you need to spark that joy that only reading can bring.


If none of those tips work, then…

 

3. Read Something Shorter Than You Normally Would

Reading something shorter than you normally would is a great way to get out of a reading slump. If you’re used to reading fantasy novels, try picking up a graphic novel or an illustrated book instead. Or vice versa: if you usually read fiction, try non-fiction for a change! Sometimes seeing a book that has over 400 pages can be too overwhelming. Picking up a book of poetry or essays that you can binge-read in a few hours might be the best way for you to quickly get out of the reading slump.


4. Watch Booktube

Watching what others are reading can make you want to get back into reading as well. Booktube and booktok have become huge in the last few years. Following those who like similar genres to you can not only help you pick a book again but also make it easier for you to find books that you will enjoy reading.



5. Join Book Club

Surrounding yourself with fellow bookworms can help you find joy in reading again. Having a monthly challenge where you read the same book and then discuss it will create a sense of accountability and make you want to finish the book faster. There are a lot of book clubs you can join online or even better start one with your friends.


6. Find a Reading Nook

Having a spot where you read can help you get back into the reading state of mind. This is important because it will help you get into a rhythm, which will make it easier for you to focus on the book and not on what else might be going on in your life at the moment. Plus, it’s just nice to have some time where you can sit back and relax! If possible, start building a quiet reading space in your home — it could be as simple as a chair next to a window or a cozy spot under a bookshelf that holds books you love


7. 10 Minutes or 10 Pages

Picking a book to read only for 10 minutes or 10 pages is a good way to trick yourself into starting reading again. Most likely you will keep on reading for longer but even if you don’t at least you started. Making this a daily habit can help you get through your TBR faster.




Reading is an incredible activity, but it’s also one that requires a lot of time and energy. If you’re feeling like you don’t have enough of either right now, don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to get back into the swing of things — and even if your reading slump lasts for weeks or months at a time implementing at least one of these tips can help you get out of the reading rut faster.


What is your go-to method to beat the reading slump?