Can Joy be Found in Productivity?

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. The title, of course, is a spin on the fear of missing out (FOMO), which is quite a catchphrase these days. My thought was that the joy of missing out (this book) would be the opposite of the fear of missing out, but that's not how this book comes across. In fact, it is about productivity and uses the author’s four-part system to analyze and build that. Maybe it's just me, but I don't associate joy with productivity! It almost feels as if the author is combining two buzzwords in trying to cobble together a method. The book is heavily anecdotal, particularly of the author's life, though she also includes discussion of other people’s issues and forays into solving them. In general, storytelling is a good way to get across nonfiction concepts, but it must be done with a light hand. Examples shouldn't go on for too long, and they should definitely correlate to whatever the topic is. These personal experiences and anecdotes often failed one or both of these criteria. The storytelling at times overwhelmed the message, so I wasn't really clear what I was supposed to be taking away. That's the danger of storytelling; the actual message can get lost in a high noise-to-signal ratio. The book, too, seems to be focused more on mothers of at-home children. Whether you're looking at the topic from the perspective of the joy of missing out or productivity, not everyone who needs such guidance fits into that category. All in all, I found this to be a disappointing read.

This is an easy read book aimed at parents and working mums primarily. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed as I was hoping for something a bit more in depth. All of the tips and advice has been said before but the author tries to angle it from the busy mum perspective. There are lots of personal quotes and anecdotes but all from the over achieving or busy mum perspective. It isn't a book I will remember or would read again but the frazzled working mums out there with young families might find it useful.

I loved this book with all of me!! Everyone out there who feels so overwhelmed with life needs to read this one. It’s definitely one that gets you thinking.

I felt energized right after reading the first chapter and the energy continued to build while reading The Joy of Missing Out or as my good friend calls it, 'JOMO'. Dalton was able to get me excited for the possibilities of how an effective and fulfilling life can be built. I have never highlighted or took so many notes during reading a self-development book before!

If you are a professional, parent, student or anyone who is overwhelmed by the 'busyness' of their lives - this book will help build the foundation on how to identify your purpose and how to reach personal and professional goal(s) and priorities.

It centers around a framework of the simple liveWell method created by Tonya Dalton that is outlined clearly in the book which I am a big fan of because usually for me to succeed, I like straightforward guidance not just concepts. I felt it was not only relatable but also quickly answered my doubts after each concept was introduced. Most importantly, it felt like tough love without the lecturing part of it.

If you admire the work of ' The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey - this book has tones of it but feels like the updated 2019 version where it builds on the principles and introduces sensible, proven concepts.
If you are a learner through storytelling, quotes, reflective scenarios, others' success stories - then you will like how this book is written and find it an enjoyable read.

I recommend this read to add to your tools of self-development and to make your life easier to make way for your personal/professional goals - 4/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Nelson books for the advanced copy to review.