"Take back your life!" with Microsoft Outlook 2007 by Sally McGhee and John Wittry, 2007

This is a tome of a book, weighing in at 350 large pages. So, I guess I can't do my usual thing and complain about the length of the book! Indeed, this book is more like a computer manual than a traditional self-help book. The book is written for users of Outlook 2007 too (although other versions of Outlook are covered and there is an earlier non-Outlook version too). Sally McGhee worked with David Allen (of "Getting Things Done" fame) and there are a LOT of similarities between the "Take back your life" and "Getting things done" systems. Which means lots of rules, lists and detail.

So let's sum up - 350 page manual, a focus on Outlook and a structured, rules based system. Which means this book certainly aint for everyone.

On the positives, this book is full of detail and presents a tightly woven time management system. I actually think some of the introductory chapters which addresses common time management problems are among the best writing on the subject I have ever read. There is also a ton of pictures and instructions for Outlook 2007 - a program of which I am a fan and a program which is greatly lacking in a good manual or help files. So the chances are you will learn a lot about Outlook.

However, I personally feel this is one complex system. You will end up with a LOT of lists and heavy use of Tasks. I had to re-read several chapters to understand all the different strategic-management procedures in this system too. Personally, I couldn't keep up with the strategic aspects. "Take back your life" borders on project management with the user expected to manage lots of goals and projects - suitable for some, but not for others. It's not a very elegant system.

But then go back and consider its size, detail and focus. If you love IT, work almost entirely with email and respond well to structure, you may well love this system. If you like the "Getting things done" methodology, you may find this book a better read and easier to implement than GTD. I sense, however, that many people will take away a few good ideas and a much better understanding of Outlook, but might also need to investigate a simpler system to complete their time management training.

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