Review – The Ultimate Time Management

Guide for GPs by Hugh Kearns and Maria Gardiner

I had hoped that motivation was going to materialise from my couch or the fridge, however this book offers a much more plausible explanation behind motivation.

This book is aimed at busy doctors who don’t have much time outside of work and can’t keep up with all the articles vying for their attention. It is set up in such a way that even for the most time-stretched there isn’t an excuse for not being able to find 2 minutes to read a chapter. Each chapter is short but bursting with simple but practical applications and has cartoons to help keep you awake.

The authors obviously have a good grasp of what it is like to be a GP and all the common thoughts and excuses for long hours are written in this book. It takes each of these thoughts that are typical of most doctors with obsessive-compulsive personality traits and challenges them. Changing our thoughts is how it aims to change our behaviours.

Each chapter addresses a specific problem, one of

my favourites was the procrastination chapter which challenges the notion of ‘it will be easier tomorrow’. It instead explains that a small action is often needed in order to become motivated. I had hoped that motivation was going to materialise from my couch or the fridge, however, this book offers a much more

plausible explanation behind motivation. Also for those who like to leave things to the last minute, this is alright as long as you plan to leave it to the last minute so that there is

no associated guilt.

The book guides the reader to think about their priorities. There is a focus on family and this is part of the solution to some of the problems such as ‘saying no’.

I enjoyed this book, it is simple to read, practical and relevant. I would highly recommend all GPs finding some time, even if it is just a few minutes each day to

read a chapter. It might even change your life.

Sarah Booker RLO Great Southern (WA)