Books on productivity can be great investments, rewarding us with better ways to work, stay creative, and reduce stress. Let's build a list of our favorites.
We're adding our own recommendations, but since there are more productivity books than we can count, we're also asking you to contribute titles. Use the format below in your comment:
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Please don't add a duplicate title, but instead star a comment if you also like that book. Let's get listing!
Flow - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
You know those (perhaps uncommon) moments when you're working and totally engrossed in what you're doing and time is suspended? This psychology book explains that state of conciousness which Csikszentmihalyi coined "flow." Besides explaining it, though, he also shows the conditions that can help us achieve flow (and, thus, greater productivity and happiness)—rituals, increasing challenges, exercise, and so on. It covers the science of thought, solitude and loneliness, stress and chaos—some of the most profound topics of life.
The 4-Hour Workweek - Tim Ferriss
This book promises a lot: "Escape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich." Will you really end up with a 4-hour workweek after reading this book? Probably not (you need a very strong entrepreneurial idea—what Ferriss calls a cash-flow "muse"—and the ability to run that business, mostly hands-off though). However, there are tons of great ideas you can take away from this book, including taking mini-vacations throughout the year, how to properly delegate tasks, and how to convince your boss to let you work remotely. Agree or disagree with some of Ferriss' recommendations, such as forgetting about time management altogether, the book does make you think and will probably have your head buzzing with ideas for your side hustle.
The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
This is a great book for anyone who struggles with procrastination—particularly about things like writing a novel or a song. It's an inspiring and easy read—one that accurately describes why we resist creating and how to get in the mindset to overcome that resistance.
Getting Things Done - David Allen
No list of productivity books would be complete without this one, which introduced the world to the GTD system. GTD may appear complicated at the start—with its action lists and processing workflows—but you could apply a simpler version of GTD for your own needs. Alternately, just select the parts that work for you, such as the two-minute rule, which says if something can be done in two minutes, just do it. It's a very practical and detailed book well worth reading at least once.
The One Thing - Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
What is the one thing that you can do today and everyday that will make you the best at what you are doing? Find that one thing and do it. That's the essence of "The ONE Thing". It also addresses distractions, multitasking, and other issues that we deal with every day in the modern work place. I've found great inspiration from it.
Mindset - Carol Dweck
Something clicked regarding the growth mindset that set me on a roll like never before.
Brain Rules - John Medina
Medina does for neuroscience what Stephen Hawking did for astrophysics. The difference being most of us don't apply astrophysics on a daily basis, but we all use our brains. If I could have required one book for all my teachers and professors to read, it would have been this book. It explains how to communicate, how to learn, how to grow, how to sleep. So much of productivity is based on healthy brain chemistry and understanding how we can use our brains well instead of fighting them all the time.
Getting to Yes - Fisher, Ury and Paton
One common bottleneck in productivity is negotiating with others. It might be negotiating a contract with a vendor or just trying to get your team moving in the same direction. This book outlines how you can move past those negotiations without having to fall into haggling or compromise each time. The principle of the book is fairly straightforward: stop arguing positions and look for underlying desires that everyone shares. It's a call to creativity and deeper communication that applies from work to home and everywhere inbetween.
Innovate the Pixar Way: Business Lessons from the World's Most Creative Corporate Playground
This book is fantastic. No matter what industry you work in, the advice in this book can help you see problems and solutions in your business.
The Decision Book: 50 Models for Strategic Thinking - Mikael Krogerus et Roman Tschäppeler
Was given to me by a friend who signed the copy " So that you'll be free from ignorance." The book is a comprehensive guide into the decision making processes. I find myself reading it every time I need to 'overthink' things.
The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday
It gives a great perspective on how to deal with obstacles and anything that seems problematic at first glance. To see obstacles as an advantage and a spring board toward greater improvement. The down to earth writing style and approach really resonates with those who aren't as imbibed in all the productivity jargon (Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, etc...)
Eat That Frog! - Brian Tracy
Just a nice simple resource for the procrastinators of the world. I know my tendency is to avoid or put off the unpleasant tasks, so this was a nice kick in the rear to break that habit.
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