Courtesy Random House

Web Exclusive… CrazyBusy Discussion Guide By Lindsay Mergens, April 2006, April 2006 Read about CrazyBusy, check out excerpts from the book, then share your thoughts on our special message board

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About the Book

There's a new word to describe today's hyperbusy, technology-fueled, attention-deficit pace: crazybusy. People are not only continually overworked and overscheduled but also distracted, irritable, and feeling guilty about all they cannot accomplish: a recipe for certain insanity. In CrazyBusy Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.—a pioneer in the diagnosing and treatment of attention deficit disorder, and coauthor of the bestselling Driven to Distraction—offers a sound plan for coping with chronic "busyness" and reconnecting with ourselves in the process.

After explaining how the techniques used to manage ADD can be applied to dealing with anybody's hectic life, Hallowell urges readers to determine what matters most to them ("cultivate your lilies and get rid of your leeches") and develop a system for tackling issues that divert attention away from these goals. The end result, Hallowell says, is to move from what he calls the F-state (frantic, frenzied, forgetful, and frustrated) to the C-state (calm, concentrated, curious, and creative). Hallowell has coined a glossary of new terms to describe focus-stealing forces to avoid—screensucking, gemmelschmerch, gigaguilt, frazzing—then offers his tips for vanquishing them forever.

Combined with the author's 10 principles for managing modern life, these nuggets of wisdom, along with practical exercises, can help readers escape an unfulfilling lifestyle while becoming a more focused, happier person.

Read excerpts from the book

Discuss on Our Message Board

Given all the distractions we live with, it isn't a stretch to say that nearly everyone suffers from some kind of society-induced ADD. Consider these questions and discuss on our message board:

What do you think is the biggest cause of distraction for people today?

If you had more time in an ordinary day, how would you spend it?

Do you think technology—cell phones, BlackBerrys, email—makes life easier or more hectic?

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