
Making Time
A New Vision for Crafting a Life beyond Productivity
by Maria Bowler
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 21 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 14 Feb 2025
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Description
If you long to leave the pressure to do enough behind in favor of a life full of meaning, creativity, and joy--a life where you don't feel rushed because you can't fall behind--Making Time is for you. You won't find any life hacks to control your schedule in order to cram in more work. It's about liberating yourself from the myth that humans are producers and discovering the freedom of being a maker who trusts life as a creative process. In this bold, revitalizing call back to human being, you'll learn how to
· let go of the constant pressure to do more
· find deeper meaning in how you spend your time and energy
· resist external noise that crowds out inspiration
· make what you really desire to make with your time
You don't need to do more or try harder. It just takes a new, transformative vision for how to live from your values every day.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781540904072 |
PRICE | US$18.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 224 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

This book took me a LONG time to finish—and it’s only 216 pages.
As someone who coaches others on productivity, Making Time sounded like it would be right up my alley. But I quickly realized this book isn’t about productivity in the traditional sense. It’s not about optimizing your to-do list or getting more done. Instead, it’s about shifting your mindset from producer to maker—focusing on creating something meaningful rather than just checking tasks off a list.
At times, I found myself rereading paragraphs, unsure of what I just read. I don’t consider myself a philosopher, but the author clearly is. The writing often felt abstract, almost like it was talking in circles.
That said, there are some golden nuggets throughout the book—especially for those who want to make an impact rather than just be another cog in the wheel. The emphasis on human BEING versus human DOING was a refreshing perspective. Instead of asking, “How do I fix this?” the book encourages you to first ask, “Who am I being?”
If you enjoy deep philosophical discussions, this book might resonate with you. If you're looking for a way to break free from the "producer" mindset and tap into your creativity, you’ll likely find value here. But if you're after practical productivity tips and strategies, this isn’t the book for you.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a book with content to think about. Bowler encourages us to re-establish a relationship with our natural creative self. She wants us to be aware of our inner knowing, live in harmony with our soul, who we are. This is a good book for those tired of the emptiness of productivity. It is a book for those who want to feel alive again, who want to feel like they are living their true self. The chapters are short. They can be read one a day as a jumping off point for reflective thinking. This is a personal book as Bowler shares many of her own experiences and reflections. It's a good book to think about who you are being. It will help you unlearn productivity as a way of life and rather be who you are on the inside.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

A wise, thoughtful, slightly quirky book on what it means to be productive vs. to be a maker. Maria’s ability to see through the constructs of time and capitalism is unique and eye opening. I really enjoyed it!

We are constantly fed the line that more productivity will bring more ease, satisfaction, and meaning to our lives. But what if all the gold stars and checkboxes are just a distraction? What if we could stop project-managing life and act from our being instead of all our doing?
This really blows my mind about how make use of time that really boost my effectivity and productivity a lot.

THIS BOOK! It has made me PREGNANT with pause, presence and a depth of rootedness to wander in wonder. It has inspired me to be in congruence with my self. It has awakened me to the truth that I am not trying to be a diamond, and therefore, pressure is no longer my chosen approach to life.
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