If you haven’t read all of Newport's works, don’t worry! We’ve collected key ideas in our summaries of Deep Work and Digital Minimalism, make sure to check them out too! The following books are all unique, offering interesting points of view on productivity and time management.
Greg McKeown
If you have a million tasks and no time even to eat, Greg McKeown's books are a great choice. Like Newport, the author offers “doing less but better,” calling this philosophy essentialism. His main message is to prioritize tasks and highlight the most important ones. Imagine you have 100 things to do. Breathe out, think... and throw away 97 of them.
His bestseller Essentialism sheds light on how to stay sane and handle it all. This philosophy is about focus, a clear “no” and freeing up space in your head. Effortless adds a second layer: even urgent things can be easy with a wise attitude. These books serve as a guide to a simpler life, without a million tasks a day. Are you looking for a sign to clear the cache in your head and refresh? That's it!
Adam Grant
People can do wrong, procrastinate, and have doubts, but it doesn't make them weak. Everyone tries to stand tall, but when faced with errors... they hide from the world. Adam Grant, a bestselling author and psychologist, will make you forget about “What will others think of me?” In Think Again, Adam Grant notes: “Changing your mind is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
His books focus on behavior, choices, and relationships with others. What does he suggest? In Originals, the author writes about people who are not afraid to think outside the box and follow their path. Hidden Potential is a reminder that all our superpowers are hidden in self-development, not talent. So don't be afraid to break the mold and stand out from the crowd. And don't blame yourself for failure — you can hit the big time again!
Oliver Burkeman
Are you still a fan of multitasking and endless to-do lists? This author shares Newport's opinion and proves that productivity racing is a waste of time. Oliver Burkeman is ready to disappoint: You may never get all the tasks finished. In Four Thousand Weeks, the author explains how to stop chasing everything and focus on what matters most.
In 2021, Four Thousand Weeks was on Time Magazine's list of 100 Books to Read This Year. The book combines notes of self-irony, humor, and deep meaning. Between the lines, the author underlines the importance of time and its value. “We do not control time. We can only decide what to do with the little bit of it we have," says Burkeman. And really, is it worth wasting your life on things that don't matter?
K. Anders Ericsson
“I have no talent” — a phrase that made us hide our dreams in the darkest corner. Are people really born with a “gift”? K. Anders Ericsson denies this theory. According to him, talent is the result of mindful, hard, correct practice. Ericsson believes that people have more potential than they can imagine.
His bestseller Peak offers the stories of athletes, doctors, and other outstanding figures. Their experiences show how people reached heights from nothing. The book also points out that mindless practice doesn't pay off. The main thing is to do it efficiently and wisely. And we won't disclose any more spoilers! Want to learn more about the recipe for success? Here is our summary of Peak!
James Clear
Olympic runners didn't always run kilometer marathons; they started with a few meters. So, James Clear embodied this idea in his worldwide-known work — Atomic Habits. It's a collection of scientific research and life stories, a treasure trove of valuable advice. The New York Times included Atomic Habits in its bestseller list, where the book stayed for more than 100 weeks.
Clear writes that: “Habits are an investment in your identity”. Putting off your goal until Monday will be a mistake. Instead, the book suggests starting today with minimal action. There, Clear proves that you don't need to wait for inspiration or a new year to turn good habits into easy ones. How can you do it? You can find the answer in our summary of Atomic Habits.
Laura Vanderkam
Are 24 hours in a day not enough for you? Laura Vanderkam argues that we all have time, but we don't look for it well. Laura’s books are an honest conversation about finding a work-life balance. If you want to change something, 168 Hours is the starting point for proper time management (here is our summary of it).
There won’t be more time available, but you can use it better. I Know How She Does It is another source of how a woman can manage everything on time. When you become a mom, you don't have to put your work on the back burner. Combining career, family, and personal life will be a breeze thanks to this bestseller. Additionally, with Vanderkam’s book Off the Clock, you won't say “I don't have time” anymore — you'll learn how to feel time and direct it to what's essential.
These authors don't offer a magic key to success. Instead, they know how to achieve it through discipline, motivation, and self-improvement. Productive work isn't about sleepless nights — it's about time management and clear priorities. We recommend starting with these popular nonfiction books to forget about burnout and anxiety. Mixing up all the tips, you can find your recipe for the perfect work-life balance. And perhaps these small steps will lead us to great victories.
