The AARC Leadership Book Club, open to all members, wrapped up its first book of the year and will start their next spring read (“Juggling Elephants,” by Jones Loflin) on Monday, May 7. Book discussion sessions will be facilitated by the author.
“Juggling Elephants” will be divided into three discussion sessions:
- May 7 (pages 1 – 44)
- May 14 (pages 45 – 88)
- May 21 (pages 89-131)
About the book
“Juggling Elephants” is a warm and witty story about one man’s struggle with too much to do, too many priorities, too much stress, and too little time… it’s like juggling elephants! Answers to his dilemma are found in looking at his situation like a three-ring circus. The book offers a powerful way to better focus your time and energy, so you’ll be able to enjoy more of the things that are important to you.
About the author
Jones Loflin is an internationally-recognized speaker and author who has made it his life’s work to help people struggling with too much to do. His books include “Juggling Elephants,” “Getting to It,” “Always Growing,” and “Getting the Blue Ribbon.” One of his favorite quotes is by Zig Ziglar: “Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you can see farther.”
Book expectations
According to Loflin, book club participants can expect to read about:
- Recognizing the negative consequences of always trying to get it all done.
- Learning how we have three ‘rings’ in our life that must have quality acts in them on a consistent basis if we are to have a successful life.
- Developing a practical blueprint to better manage your time and energy.
- Understanding that time management includes better managing how you work with others to get things done.
What will members gain?
Loflin hopes members will gain tools to help them better manage the ‘overload’ in their life.
“As we say in the book, I want them to be able to run their circus instead of the circus running them,” Loflin said.
He also hopes members will gain ideas on how to handle the multitude of distractions they face every day that are preventing them from being fully present in the moment. And finally, he hopes members will develop a heightened awareness of the need for self-care.
“So many busy managers and leaders give so much to others, but don’t take time to renew their own physical, mental, and emotional energy,” Loflin said.
How to prepare
To prepare for the discussions, Loflin encourages book club participants to do the following:
Reflect on areas where they feel the most stress in their work or life;
Begin noticing where they are trying to ‘juggle elephants;’
Look at areas in their life where they need to take more conscious control of their time and energy; and,
Identify what “better” time management or work-life balance looks like in their life. What would they be doing that is different from their current reality?
Looking ahead to Summer Forum
Loflin will be a featured speaker at this year’s Summer Forum (July 17-19 in San Antonio, TX). When asked what attendees can expect from his presentation, this is what he had to say:
“The end of a conference is such a critical juncture for an attendee. It’s that moment when they can choose to either return to the status quo or begin making meaningful changes using the ideas and information gained at the meeting. My goal is that I can provide the attendees with a powerfully practical step-by-step plan to move their ideas from ‘seed’ to ‘harvest.’”
