Productivity Store

Newest Book! Actions Against Distractions: Managing Your Scattered, Disorganized and Forgetful Mind
By Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: Here's a practical guide to ban work/life distractions, increase productivity and reduce stress. Whether you're a businessperson, community leader, parent or retiree, you can adapt an active role in enhancing your performance and quality of life—distraction free! Discover the root causes of your distractions, develop a 5-step plan and adapt strategies to move from good intention to positive action.

“Dr. Markel's deep insights into the forces that distract us all continues in this new work that focuses the reader on how to turn good intentions into effective actions. The book is full of new ideas, practical tools and coaching structures designed to help us overcome the overwhelm often caused by the distractions all around us.”

— David Chinsky, Dr. P.H. Institute for Leadership Fitness. Author of “The Fit Leader's Companion: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Sustainable Leadership Success.”


“Actions Against Distractions is a tremendously useful book aimed at enhancing our ability to transform intentions into productive actions. Readers discover a gold mine of practical applications, tips and worksheets to make their lives better by getting more done in an organized manner.”
— Frank Petrock, Ph.D. President, The General Systems Consulting Group, Inc.

“This book can benefit everyone....professionals, business owners, artists, musicians, parents, and anyone trying to juggle a busy life. Dr. Markel's book is remarkable in that it helps you identify your own 'Demons of Distraction,' and through reflection, to mobilize yourself to overcome both internal and external interferences in achieving your goals. I found it funny, profoundly truthful and enormously helpful.”
— Sally Rosenberg, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University

“We all struggle with distractions. If you want a breakthrough in productivity and staying laser-focused, distract yourself one last time and read this book. Talk is cheap. It's action that produces results and Markel shows you how to internally master self-defeating patterns that stop you from reaching your goals. I highly recommend this tool.”
— Shawne Duperon, 6-time Emmy® Winner, ShawneTV

Publisher: Managing Your Mind, Ann Arbor, MI, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-615-58639-7
Cost: $18.95 (plus shipping and handling)
Download: $15.00 (PDF)

Defeating the 8 Demons of Distraction: Proven Strategies to Increase Productivity and Decrease Stress
By Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This book is designed to arm workforce employees, independent professionals and family managers with simple yet powerful strategies to defeat the 8 Demons of Distraction. Anyone dealing with stress, rushing, over commitment, new technology, and/or special life circumstances can use this book to reduce everyday distractions and needless mistakes. Readers find an in-depth description of each Demon, its sources and its insidious effects on attention span, concentration, performance, productivity, and work/life satisfaction. Practical, step by step strategies will help you rid your life of formidable enemies such as the Unruly Mind Demon, the Technology Demon, the Activities Demon, and five others. This book supplies a research-based, proven plan of attack to increase your daily effectiveness and decrease stress at home and on the job.

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Publisher: iUniverse, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-595-47540-7 (160 pages)
Cost: $15.95 (plus shipping and handling)
Download: PDF: $9.95, Adobe eBook: $6.00


Free Download of Demons of Distraction tips at the App Store


Finding Happiness with Aristotle as Your Guide: Action Strategies Based on 10 Timeless Ideas
By Gary Madvin & Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: Happiness is a basic human desire and one of the founding principles of the United States. Yet, it is something many find elusive. What fundamental truths will make us happy, even in turbulent times? In “Finding Happiness with Aristotle as Your Guide: Action Strategies Based on 10 Timeless Ideas” you discover how to deal with the problems of today and get back on the path to happiness. Vignettes show how the philosophical principles of Aristotle can be used to move beyond the stoppers to finding-or rediscovering-happiness. The 10 ideas and action strategies show you how to take control and stop feeling empty, overwhelmed, confused, or dissatisfied. Immediately, you start feeling fulfilled, satisfied, and certain.

“Finally a book that tells us the road to happiness is not about money, fame or success, but about something more fundamental.”

— Vera Berg, President, Vera Berg & Associates


Defeating the Demons of Distraction: A Presentation in Recognition of National AD/HD Awareness Day, 2007.
By Geraldine Markel, PhD

Abstract: An audio or video presentation that describes distraction as a primary characteristic of adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. Provides descriptions of 8 common demons and strategies to increase task completion, speed, and accuracy.
Available as CD or DVD

Publisher: Managing Your Mind, LLC, 2007
ISBN: CD: 978-0-9791279-6-0
Price: $12.95 plus shipping/handling
(Inquire about up to 50% discounts for multiple or large quantities.)


Booklet: Defeating the Demons of Distraction: 111 Ways to Improve Work/Life Performance and Decrease Stress
By Geraldine Markel, PhD

Abstract: A handy job aid or reference, this 16 page, versatile, stand-alone, 3.5" x 8.5" booklet shows how to combat the competing forces that zap focus and energy at work and home. It can also be an ideal thank-you gift for friends, clients, vendors and other business associates.

Publisher: Managing Your Mind, LLC
ISBN: 978-0-9791279-2-2
Price: $5.00 plus shipping/handling
(Inquire about up to 50% discounts for multiple or large quantities.)
Download: $4.00


Personal Coaching Card Deck: Defeating the Demons of Distraction
By Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This pack of 28 fast-reading, pocket-sized cards provides a personal coaching tool that can be used by individuals or in corporate training. Each deck contains the key ideas of important insights to increase productivity and descrease stress. In just minutes a day, you'll get everything you need to know to improve your life.

Publisher: Mem-cards
ISBN: 978-0-9791279-0-8
Price: $9.95 (plus shipping/handling)
(Inquire about deep discounts for multiple or large quantities.)


Managing Your Memory
By Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This light and lively CD helps you discover your memory style, visualize items for better retention, minimize distractions that contribute to memory loss, and develop your memory capacity. Includes a valuable insert about how to identify your memory style, keep a memory log, and use checklists, routines, and alarms.

Publisher: Managing Your Mind, LLC
ISBN: 978-0-9791279-3-9
Price: $12.95 (plus shipping/handling)
Download: $10.00

Adults with ADD or ADHD


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Finding Your Focus: Practical Strategies for the Everyday Challenges Facing Adults with ADD
By Judith Greenbaum, PhD and Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This handy guide provides research-based techniques to help adults manage the day-to-day problems of life with ADD at home and work. The book draws upon the authors’ own experience coaching people of all ages to develop workable solutions to some of the most troubling issues they face. This book offers hand-on tips to bring order to a chaotic life; learn tactics to improve memory; improve problem-solving, decision-making and goal setting skills; and manage the symptoms of ADD that hinder a satisfying life.


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Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
ISBN: 0-07-145396-2, 188 pages
Price: $16.95

School Success

A Study Tip a Day Gets you an “A”: 365 Secrets of Study Success
By Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This guide is designed for middle school through post-graduate students who want to increase their academic success. Students are provided with easy-to-use, but powerful tips to complete assignments, perform well on tests and submit papers or projects on time. The guide opens with a self-check to identify areas of greatest needs, followed by 15 sections that include 25 tips on topics such as reading, memory, test taking, time management and organization; 15 tips for topics such as wellness and life skills, and 45 quotes to increase motivation and decrease stress. The guide ends with a handy checklist, “10 steps to Effective Study” illustrating how tips can be combined into an effective study process. Easy to share as Tweets, each tip contains 140 or less characters.

“€œThese tips should be in every student's hands! Each one is easy to understand and use - and supported by volumes of research on student success.”€
— Timothy L. Walter, Ph.D., Dean of Academic and Student Services. Oakland Community College.


“€œDr. Markel's tips are tremendously helpful! Brilliant... years of learning experience boiled down and concentrated for ease of use.”
— Eric Middleton, Ph.D., Counseling Psychologist. University of Michigan Medical School.


Publisher: Managing Your Mind, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-615-56924-6
Cost: $15.00 (plus shipping and handling)
Download: $10.00 (PDF)


Free app download for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch


New Edition! Solving the College Admissions Puzzle: A Guide for Students and Families About College Selection, Essay Writing and High-Stakes Testing.
By John B. Boshoven, Debbie E. Merion, & Geraldine Markel


Abstract: This friendly, step-by-step guide helps students and their families get a grip on the confusing and complicated process of getting into the right college. Three experts provide strategies to tackle those daunting college choices and applications, write those mystifying application essays, and study for those nerve-wracking college admissions tests. Practical advice to make the college admission process successful, sane, and—yes, even enjoyable. Includes worksheets and action plans.

“€œExpert advice to college-bound students and their parents. This easy-to-read book addresses all of the most-asked questions with insight, humor and honesty. It's a must read!”
— Ted Spencer, University of Michigan Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director, Undergraduate Admissions


Publisher: Managing Your Mind, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008
Cost: $15.00 (plus shipping and handling)
Download: $10.00 (PDF)


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from Amazon

Peterson’€™s Parent’s Guide to the SAT And ACT
By Linda Bizer, EdD and Dr. Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This guide gives parents of college-bound students the know-how to navigate their family through the world of admissions test preparation and to motivate their children to improve their study skills and become better test takers.
Readers are given advice on which test their child should take and what type of preparation is best for their child. Tips and strategies are provided on changing teenagers’€™ attitudes and motivating them to prepare for their tests. There is a chapter devoted to the special problems of students with ADHD and learning disabilities.

Publisher: Peterson’€™s
ISBN: 0-07-145396-2, 209 pages
Price: $15.00

Parent’s Guide to the SAT and ACT: Practical Advice to Help You and Your Teen
By Linda Bizer, PhD and Geraldine Markel, PhD


Abstract: This three CD set is a complete, unabridged version of the book. It includes a handy insert of tips. Allows you to listen on the go - in your car or on your computer, iPod or MP3 player.

Listen to a sample from Chapter 2 of the Parent's Guide ot the SAT and ACT

Publisher: Managing Your Mind, LLC
ISBN: 978-0-9791279-1-5
Price: 3 CD package with tips: $26.95 (plus shipping/handling)
Download: $15.00


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from Amazon

Helping Adolescents with ADHD & Learning Disabilities: Ready-to-Use Tips, Techniques, and Checklists for School Success
By Judith Greenbaum, PhD and Geraldine Markel, PhD

Abstract: This problem-solving guide gives teachers and other professionals the information and materials they need to improve the academic and social skills of teens with ADHD and/or learning disabilities by developing appropriate educational programs for them. A practical checklist format makes it easy to locate essential information, and hot topics such as self-management, motivation, homework completion, medication, and assistive technology are covered in detail. The book includes interesting student case histories throughout, over 100 reproducible graphic organizers, and specific recommendations for involving parents. A special appendix at the end of the book identifies 20 common classroom problems, from excessive movement, procrastination and defiant behavior to poor test-taking skills, and lists strategies to help students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities.

Publisher: Jossey-Bass
ISBN: 0-13-016778-9, 320 pages
Price: $29.95

Performance Breakthroughs for Adolescents with Learning Disabilities or ADD: How to help students Succeed in the regular education classroom.
By Geraldine Markel, PhD and Judith Greenbaum, PhD


Abstract: This book focuses on teaching students how to manage their own behavior and on ways teachers, parents, and students can arrange the learning environment to maximize student strengths and overcome or bypass student weaknesses. This how-to book is useful for the entire class, not just students who have ADD or LD. College students and adults with ADD or LD can use the checklists and strategies in the book to enhance their performance both in school and on-the-job.

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Publisher: Research Press, Champaign, IL.
ISBN: 0-87822-349-5, 336 pages
Price: $21.95