Top 45 books on productivity
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
What is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about?
Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" challenges readers to change their worldviews by focusing on self-improvement. The book provides seven tips for self-improvement, effective teamwork, and success. Covey encourages introspection to identify core beliefs that guide actions and goals. His teachings, based on fairness, integrity, honesty, and dignity, make it a valuable guide for personal and professional effectiveness.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
What is How to Win Friends and Influence People about?
The book "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by famous American writer Dale Carnegie is a valuable guide to understanding people. By applying the fundamental principles outlined, you can win popularity and approval. The teachings of Carnegie remain as relevant today as ever, with timeless wisdom and practical information to enhance your people skills.
Think and Grow Rich
What is Think and Grow Rich about?
"Think and Grow Rich" is a book written by Napoleon Hill that promotes personal development and self-improvement. While much of the book's content focuses on increasing income, the author claims that his philosophy can help people succeed in any line of work, accomplish anything, and become anyone they wish to be. The book has sold more than 15 million copies.
Getting Things Done
What is Getting Things Done about?
“Getting Things Done” lays out a plan for fighting confusion and managing your work productively. In this book summary, you will learn a useful strategy called GTD (Getting Things Done), which you can use for organizing, planning, keeping your focus on the task, and increasing the effectiveness of your work.
Deep Work
What is Deep Work about?
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” (2016) by Cal Newport is a guide on working productively. The book assists with time and attention management as well as gives advice on personal growth. The tips here are not trite statements but real-life experiences of the author and other celebrities.
The 4-Hour Workweek
What is The 4-Hour Workweek about?
“The 4-Hour Workweek” (2007) by Timothy Ferriss lays out a strategy for changing your life using the concept of the New Rich. This book explains how you can get the maximum results with minimal effort. It can also help you to change your approach to work and life.
Essentialism
What is Essentialism about?
Essentialism is not just a strategy but a mindset, urging us to declutter our lives by focusing on what truly matters. Through discerning “yes or no” choices, setting intentional boundaries, and valuing small progressions, we carve out a path to a purposeful existence. Dive into these chapters to understand the transformative power of living by design, not by default.
The ONE Thing
What is The ONE Thing about?
The question of success has always preoccupied people’s minds. How can you do less but get more, and is it even possible? Gary Keller and Jay Papasan believe it is; you just need to identify your “ONE thing”.
Eat That Frog!
What is Eat That Frog! about?
“Eat That Frog!” offers a new way of planning and organizing your day's work in order to achieve the desired result. Using the methods laid out in this book, you will be able to fulfill many long-planned tasks successfully. It's an essential read for anyone looking to break the cycle of procrastination and make significant progress in their personal and professional life.
Make Time
What is Make Time about?
In our busy lives, we often default to constant busyness and distraction. But what if we could step off the relentless treadmill? “Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky offers a practical framework to help you reclaim control over your time and attention. Jake and John, creators of Google Ventures' renowned "design sprint," share a four-step daily framework with relevant examples and great stories
Four Thousand Weeks
What is Four Thousand Weeks about?
In “Four Thousand Weeks,” Oliver Burkeman invites readers to rethink their approach to time with a refreshing dose of realism and wisdom. Burkeman reveals how our endless desire to maximize every minute often backfires, leaving us stressed and unfulfilled. If you're tired of constantly racing against the clock, this book will teach you how to make the most of your limited time on Earth.
The Productivity Project
What is The Productivity Project about?
“The Productivity Project” by Chris Bailey is a how-to primer for becoming more productive by building good habits, following your own schedule, and preventing procrastination. Reading it will help you save time and energy and maintain a good level of attentiveness.
Flow
What is Flow about?
“Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi uncovers the secret to living happily and fully. Unlike many would think, it’s not about wealth, fame, or power but about savoring precious moments of deep engagement. Csikszentmihalyi introduces us to the concept of “flow,” a state of peak enjoyment, deep concentration, and profound creativity. Through his insightful analysis, we learn how to use this power, channel our passions, and unlock the heights of personal fulfillment.
Smarter Faster Better
What is Smarter Faster Better about?
“Productivity” is a widely used and misused term. There is a lot of advice about it out there, from life-changing to completely incompetent. “Smarter Faster Better” will attempt to give you the former, and you’ll definitely learn how to boost your or your team’s productivity in many ways.
The 80/20 Principle
What is The 80/20 Principle about?
“The 80/20 Principle” is a transformative concept that reveals how a minority of causes, inputs, or efforts often lead to a majority of the results, outputs, or rewards. It's an insightful approach that reshapes our understanding of productivity and success in professional and everyday life.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
What is So Good They Can't Ignore You about?
Do you believe that you should "follow your passion" for career success? Cal Newport argues that preexisting passions are rare and often lead to anxiety and job hopping. This book will give you a blueprint for crafting a fulfilling career based on excellence and value creation. Change your perspective on careers, happiness, and living a remarkable life with So Good They Can't Ignore You.
The Bullet Journal Method
What is The Bullet Journal Method about?
“The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future” by Ryder Carroll offers a detailed approach to organizing and optimizing your life. It introduces the concept of a Bullet Journal and shows its various uses.
Indistractable
What is Indistractable about?
Is it challenging for you to concentrate, and you are constantly getting sidetracked? Indistractable by Nir Eyal explores the challenges of staying focused in a world full of distractions. You will discover a four-step, research-backed model to become indistractable and control your time and attention.
Making Ideas Happen
What is Making Ideas Happen about?
Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky, the founder of Behance, is an excellent guide to turn creativity into productivity. Belsky emphasizes that while ideas are essential, executing them is the crucial and often overlooked step. His book offers insights for overcoming common hurdles and making projects a reality.
How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai
What is How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai about?
How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai by Antony Raymond blends philosophy and practical advice to help readers in setting and accomplishing their goals. This book introduces Japanese and Chinese concepts for seeking direction in life – lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), hansei (honest self-reflection), ikigai (finding your purpose), and kaizen (continuous improvement). Raymond breaks down these concepts, providing easy-to-use methods to improve our lives. Learn how to overcome procrastination and reach a state of peak performance.
The 5 AM Club
What is The 5 AM Club about?
“The 5 AM Club” presents the amazing daily routines that, according to the author, have changed the lives of many people worldwide. These people have already joined a thriving and active "The 5 AM Club". You will discover the secrets of achieving harmony and success by reading the story of two people struggling to find a way out of predicaments.
Slow Productivity
What is Slow Productivity about?
What is "slow productivity," and why do you need it today? Cal Newport explains this concept in his book "Slow Productivity." He provides practical advice to manage workloads and focus on quality over quantity. Understanding that success doesn't equal burnout will help you create an effective way of working.
The Power of Habit
What is The Power of Habit about?
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg is about the impact of habits in our lives. It explores habit formation, the role of cravings, the concept of keystone habits, and other intriguing aspects. The valuable knowledge you’ll gain after reading this book might help you transform your work, relationships, and life in general.
How to be a Productivity Ninja
What is How to be a Productivity Ninja about?
“How to be a Productivity Ninja: Worry Less, Achieve More, and Love What You Do” by Graham Allcott explores methods and strategies to help improve work progress. Find out how to be an effective and calm productivity ninja amidst the chaos of modern work life.
Scrum
What is Scrum about?
“Scrum” lays out a strategy to implement any project successfully. Here, you will learn why traditional methods of doing things don’t work and how you can use the Scrum approach to achieve your goals.
Mind Management, Not Time Management
What is Mind Management, Not Time Management about?
“Mind Management, Not Time Management: Productivity When Creativity Matters” by David Kadavy presents a powerful argument for creative productivity, which isn’t focused on the amount of time but on the state of mind. You will find out why the results of your work depend on your mindset and how you can get the best creative outputs using this approach.
Hyperfocus
What is Hyperfocus about?
“Hyperfocus” by Chris Bailey is a guide to being productive by maximizing your ability to focus. You will find out about two types of focus and how to employ them for different tasks. The book provides strategies for mastering both types of focus.
Feel-Good Productivity
What is Feel-Good Productivity about?
Our busy world imposes an idea that productivity is endless hard work. However, Dr. Ali Abdaal’s "Feel-Good Productivity" offers a fresh perspective on productivity and success. For the author, feeling good at work can lead to greater achievements, so the book helps readers make work enjoyable.
Do It Today
What is Do It Today about?
Ever wonder why you procrastinate even though you know it will harm you in the long run? In his book “Do It Today”, Darius Foroux shares his personal experience dealing with procrastination. This isn't your typical book that just suggests productivity apps—it's a must-read that will revolutionize your understanding.
Free to Focus
What is Free to Focus about?
Do you dream of balance in life? Then, Michael Hyatt’s "Free to Focus" is a must-read for you. This book offers nine practical strategies to redefine goals and concentrate on what truly matters. After reading it, you will know how to manage energy and achieve success in work and relationships.
Rest
What is Rest about?
The author of “Rest”, Alex Soojung-Kim Pan, combines scientific research and a wide range of real-life examples to show people's tendency to work and put off rest. You will learn about productivity, energy recharging, and the creation of ideas. “Rest” can give tips on discovering how important taking a break is and what to do when work feels too much.
The Checklist Manifesto
What is The Checklist Manifesto about?
Just a simple checklist can help you simplify tasks and keep everything in mind. In "The Checklist Manifesto," Atul Gawande shows how checklists positively influence surgery, disaster management, and business results. You can also transform your life with Atul Gawande's ideas.
Finish
What is Finish about?
“Finish” by Jon Acuff is a transformative guide to overcoming procrastination and achieving your goals. You will receive key insights on dealing with perfectionism and propping up your productivity.
Building a Second Brain
What is Building a Second Brain about?
“Building a Second Brain” lays out a strategy for effective information management. This book explores the concept of a Second Brain—an external, digitalized brain that collects and archives various thoughts and ideas. Using this method will help you free up mental space for more innovative thinking.
Productivity Superhero
What is Productivity Superhero about?
Is productivity a superpower, and if so, can anyone become such a superhero? Dan Luca states that it’s possible; he shares strategies for overcoming your personal obstacles and moving toward better results. He shows the readers how to fight procrastination, manage their time more effectively, start changing their life immediately.
The Pomodoro Technique
What is The Pomodoro Technique about?
“The Pomodoro Technique” (2009) introduces a simple time management method. This approach can boost motivation, help finish tasks, and reduce stress. By trying this technique, you can improve concentration and accomplish more things.
Extreme Productivity
What is Extreme Productivity about?
Welcome to "Extreme Productivity" by Robert C. Pozen, where you can learn practical strategies to succeed. The author teaches us to set long-term goals, manage deadlines and meetings, and focus on what matters the most. It could become a real boost to your productivity.
Time Warrior
What is Time Warrior about?
“Time Warrior” lays out a strategy for fighting procrastination in all spheres of our lives. This book explains how to organize our work and get the best possible results. To do this, we should master the art of non-linear time management!
Measure What Matters
What is Measure What Matters about?
The book “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr explores the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a strategic and measurable approach to goal-setting. It delves into the components of OKRs, emphasizing clarity, accountability, and adaptability within organizations. You can learn to prioritize success with clear and crucial goals and embrace challenging things with a balanced approach.
Make Your Bed
What is Make Your Bed about?
In the book “Make Your Bed”, Admiral William H. McRaven shares his experience as a cadet and the valuable lessons he learned during that time. This book summary explains why starting your day off by making your bed is so important. Additionally, the author emphasizes the significance of courage and strength when facing life's unfairness.
ReWork
What is ReWork about?
“ReWork” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson provides valuable advice on various aspects of business and personal development. It encourages readers to embrace unconventional paths, learn from both success and failure, and prioritize implementation over just having ideas. You can find out new strategies for effective recruitment, team building, and strong customer connections here.
The Power of Now
What is The Power of Now about?
In “The Power of Now”, Eckhart Tolle delves into the transformative potential of living fully in the present moment. Through a blend of deep insights and practical wisdom, he guides readers on a journey to discover the richness of the now. This exploration offers a fresh perspective on life's essence and our innate capacity for enduring peace.
The New Corner Office
What is The New Corner Office about?
Working from home can be a genuine challenge when you struggle to control your schedule or leave tasks until the last minute. Despite our awareness of these challenges, we often face looming deadlines with little understanding of where we went wrong. With extensive experience in remote work, Laura Vanderkam understands the difficulties of maintaining effectiveness without losing oneself and is eager to share some tips with you.
The Miracle Morning
What is The Miracle Morning about?
“The Miracle Morning” lays out a strategy on how to start your morning to feel full of energy and happiness during the day. This book explains how your morning routine can become a strong foundation for success and self-confidence in all spheres of your life.
The 5 Second Rule
What is The 5 Second Rule about?
“The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins explains the power of a simple but life-changing 5-second habit. Real people's stories interlace with simple explanations and push you to change. If you are putting your life off until later, reading The 5 Second Rule will give you an impulse to act.
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