In just 30 minutes?

If only it were that easy. Pastor Tommy Barnett, author of The Power of a Half Hour: Take Back Your Life Thirty Minutes at a Time (Waterbrook Press, 2013), claims to be able to teach you how to change your life... in just 30 minutes. If only it were that easy.

In principle, it makes sense. Break your day down into small manageable chunks of time, and break the to-do-list into small manageable tasks. Sounds like things that have been written before in other time management books. But Barnett isn’t breaking things into those small manageable chunks; he’s taking advantage of 30 minute encounters wherever and whenever they occue.

According to Barnett these half-hour blocks have a lot of power: power to impact a life, to chart a life path, to strengthen your faith, to build your character, to advance your dreams, to improve your relationships and even to change the world. Worthwhile aspirations - every one of them.

In the introduction Barnett suggests that he will show ‘how seizing the power of a half hour can make such a difference in these major areas:...[areas listed]” It seems though, that there was not a lot of ‘how to” in the text.

I was disappointed to not see more scriptural references from the pastor of a large church, and although I admire the many worthwhile accomplishments of Pastor Barnett and members of his family and congregation, this book seemed more like a way for the author to show off his accomplishments rather than a time management or leadership book.

At the same time, given Barnett’s involvement with the Dream Center, it’s easy to see how this book is an encouragement to follow your dreams.

Included in the book is a convenient guide for a personal action plan, one for each of the 30 half hour principle. There is a also a small group guide: several 30 minute sessions, one for each of the major areas which Barnett says can be impacted by proper use of a half hour.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review.