Reviews

"Simplify" is written in the same conversational tone that Pastor Hybels uses for his popular sermons that draw nearly 20,000 people a week to church. This engaging format, coupled with his practical, life-changing steps, makes this book a must-read. If you think, like most people, that one book couldn't possibly impact your overscheduled life, think again. Here, Hybels identifies core issues that we often choose to ignore--issues that, if addressed in the manner he suggests, have the potential to promote health, a clearer purpose, unprecedented joy, financial security, solid relationships and, above all, a fulfilled relationship with God."Simplify" isn't about purging appointments from your calendar--it's about rethinking your priorities and living the life God promised us in John 10:10: ""I have come to give you life," "life in all its fullness.""Clear off the calendar to read this book, then share it. It is worth every minute of your precious time.--Bookreporter.com

Getting caught up in the busyness of life, with its clutter and its crazy pace, can harm relationships, jobs, sanity, and health. But how can one simplify life by letting go of anxiety and spending time on the most important things? Influential pastor Hybels ("Too Busy Not to Pray"), founder of Willow Creek Community Church, gently but firmly points out common stress-inducing topics and offers ways of coping with them that are alternatives to the typical frenetic response. Among those topics are over-scheduling, forgiveness, finances, anxiety, and the workplace. He likens personal fulfillment to an "energy bucket." That bucket is filled when people are happy at work, but leaks profusely when individuals are miserable. Those unhappy with work should consider leaving it to do something enjoyable, and work around the financial aspects. "Simplicity cannot be achieved without clarity about the big-picture target of your life," Hybels says. Instead of cluttering the calendar with things that have to be done in the next 30 days, he suggests asking, "Who do I want to become in this next season of my life?" and then using the calendar to help accomplish those goals. Readers who are ready to take somewhat drastic measures to simplify their lives will be ready to implement all 10 of Hybels' practices, while others may need to pick which ones are the most immediately doable and tackle the others when they're ready.--Publishers Weekly