How to Get Unstuck: Breaking Free from Barriers to Your Productivity

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 163 ratings

Price: 19.68

Last update: 08-09-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Stinger Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars Why you may be stuck, and how to break through
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2018
A great book. Perman describes the causes and symptoms of getting stuck or hitting a wall while attempting great things for God. Then he builds on the metaphors of the compass and the clock for a strategy to get unstuck. The compass stands for bringing vision and values to bear on developing character--"personal leadership." The clock stands for getting a handle on how you actually spend your time--"personal management." That may sound pretty familiar in principle, but with Perman's help I got a whole new clarity and focus for improving my personal effectiveness as a Christian.

By the way, this book offers the best explanation for how to know the difference between what's urgent and what's really important that I have read yet. And the last six chapters are a real toolbox for overcoming typical obstacles that make us stuck in life and work. Highly recommended.
Bob
4.0 out of 5 stars Lots here
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2020
Matt’s follow up to What’s Best Next is packed full of good stuff. I almost wish I bought the physical copy to keep close as a reference. As an ebook it is not really a read through and done volume. This book needs to be slowly digested and worked through. A journal or other note taking method is crucial. For anyone looking at ways for personal and time management or leadership this book is full of good stuff. Especially if the goal is to free up personal resources to pursue greater goals.

I had two issues that are somewhat related. There is a lot here. At times I felt once the point was made the author kept going, piling on more info. Maybe a little more trimming or separate volumes. The other issue was references. Perman quotes a lot of people, articles etc. At times it felt more like a review or compilation of Covey, Allen, Newport and numerous others.

Other than that this is a good reference and viewpoint in the world of personal leadership.
Thomas Cackler
5.0 out of 5 stars planning the perfect workflow and organization (although my house may not look ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2018
I will confess, I am a productivity addict. Managing task lists, trying new software, planning the perfect workflow and organization (although my house may not look like it now!) are all things that I enjoy. A couple of years ago, I read "What's Best Next" by Matt Perman which promised a Christian look at the arena of productivity and self-management. That book was one of the best things I read in the last 10 years and has made a spot in my books to read again (and again!) category. When I heard that he wrote a follow up to that book entitled "How to Get Unstuck", I added it my must read list for the year.

"How to Get Unstuck" opens a door to a world that asks, "What could you accomplish for the glory of God if you were unhindered by all that weighs us down?" That sounds awfully lofty, to be sure, but that is the goal of the book. What if instead of sitting in the giant mud bog waiting to be towed out or sink to the bottom, you could flip a switch in your life to turn on your 4x4 and climb out. Even better, what if your life could avoid driving through the giant mud bog to begin with? This is what Perman strives for. "So," he writes, "being unstuck is ultimately a positive concept. It's not just about overcoming obstacles; it connects to broader principles of work and life purpose. It is ultimately about the positive side: flourishing." I have wrestled with what it means to live a fruitful and flourishing life in Christ for sometime and this book has helped clarify some things.

While "How to Get Unstuck" is not revolutionary in the sense that "What's Best Next" is, Perman has taken many wide and far sources and distilled them into one volume that should serve as the launching point for anyone who wants to take the next step in learning what it means to live a fruitful life of influence for the glory of God. That said, I found his chapters on flourishing and deep work (approximately 1/4 of the book) to be worth the price of admission alone. If you have not read "What's Best Next" yet, start then and then read this book. Some books you read once and then move on. In "How to Get Unstuck", Perman gives us another book to add to a small group of books to read again (and again!) to continue to mine the depth of his research. I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure: I did receive a promotional copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have since purchased the book in electronic format with my own funds. My thoughts are my own.
IT Outsider
5.0 out of 5 stars Both productivity and inspiration.
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2019
What set’s this book apart from a sea of personal productivity books is that from beginning to end, the author isn’t pushing for getting more done, but getting the right things done, for the right reasons; and ultimately helping others. The author brings together the ideas of other writers and researchers in a very readable and actionable way, and his heart for others shines through his writing. I’ve already gifted this book to my son and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for more than lifehacks and tips and tricks.
Sam Rhinehart
3.0 out of 5 stars A good book with good insights
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book quite a lot, at the beginning I felt it a little bit repetitive but once you pass those pages everything gets turned up! Everyone that is serious about doing good for the glory of God should read it.
Pastor
4.0 out of 5 stars Good reminders for focus and productivity in your life
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019
While not new or unique processes for better life management, author arranges and presents thoughts and suggestions in good and clear order. As a pastor, appreciate the biblical context for many of his points - not sure someone picking up for purely business model would, but certainly presents business/ organizational context. Wish was more narrative than text book.
Danny Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Well done Perman
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018
What a great read. Whether as a sequel to “What’s Best Next” or not, this is a great read.

Perman’s knack for bringing forth what matters, and what’s best next!

I was given an advanced copy. As with any non-fiction, I start reading by skimming through each page and found myself being continuously captured, bogged down even. Finally, after diving into parts of the book, I went the beginning and read it through. Then! Then I took out my pen and began marking it up.

I’ll let others through out the nuggets here and on various blogs. There’re too many to list.

Well done Perman.

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