The power of less The fine art of limiting yourself to the essential-- in business and in life

According to Babauta (Zen to Done), employing "the power of less" will propel readers from chaos to blissful and productive minimalism. Learning to set limitations, such as penning a three-item "Most Important Task" list every day and restricting e-mails to five lines, is a cornerstone for the author's plan for increased simplicity and satisfaction. With new boundaries in place, readers can discover "flow," become wholly absorbed in tasks and live the paradox of doing less and achieving more. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

What better way to start the New Year than to get rid of the old and start anew? Popular blogger Babauta (ZenHabits.net) advises readers to identify the essential and eliminate the rest, while life coach Blanke (Between Trapezes) cuts to the chase, ordering her audience to empty that stuffed kitchen drawer. What distinguishes Blanke's book is her advice to let go of not only stuff but also regrets, ideas about one's personality type, and the need to be liked by everyone. Babauta, too, advocates five-sentence emails and single-tasking for clearing away mental clutter. Both worthwhile purchases are heartily recommended. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.