Reading productivity books can be an effective way to learn some of the best tips and tricks of the trade. Most of these publications are written by successful professionals who draw their insights from actual experiences. This way, you’re assured that their advice is tried and tested. By learning from the right books, you can start establishing an efficient workflow, measuring productivity, improving your focus, and managing your time.
However, with so many books out there, it can be tricky to know which ones to read. If you need some help choosing, we’ve made a list of three essential productivity books that every professional should include in their library:
Working Hard, Hardly Working by Grace Beverley
In her book entitled “Working Hard, Hardly Working,” entrepreneur and influencer Grace Beverly, imparts practical tips on boosting productivity while promoting self-care. She discusses how society has created a rigid binary between working hard and getting enough rest. This leads many professionals to believe that they must choose between success and mental wellbeing. However, this sort of division is unrealistic, as it doesn’t fully represent the complex nature of current work conditions.
To debunk these misconceptions, Beverley explains the strong link between productivity and self-care throughout her book. She talks about how many professionals overwork themselves and compare their achievements to those of their peers. This often leads to burnout, which impedes productivity. Hence, her book discusses tips on working smarter rather than harder, especially in a world that’s obsessed with hustle culture.
“Working Hard, Hardly Working” is a great read if you’re looking for career advice and productivity tips that resonate with your experiences in the modern workplace. By reading it, you’ll learn how to develop healthier work habits, understand your value as a professional, and engage in better self-care.
Getting Things Done by David Allen
“Getting Things Done” is David Allen’s flagship book and a touchstone piece of literature in the field of business. Although it was published in 2001, the book remains relevant today, especially for those seeking an effective task management system. After all, Allen is one of the most widely recognised productivity experts in the world.
“Getting Things Done” discusses David Allen’s world-renowned productivity methodology of the same name, also known as GTD. GTD is a culmination of the research he conducted throughout his career, combining philosophies from Zen Buddhism with organisational processes that he learned as a business consultant.
The purpose of this system is to reduce the stress and uncertainty that often stems from having too many commitments. Allen discusses how constantly keeping track of every task or responsibility in their heads can prevent people from focusing and thinking clearly. Essentially, the more time you spend worrying about impending tasks, the less time you have to accomplish them.
GTD encourages its practitioners to clear their minds and stay productive through a five-step process. These steps include recording tasks, turning them into actionable steps, organising them appropriately, reviewing them, and engaging with them. Each part of this process is designed to help people “declutter” their mental space by transferring tasks to an external system. This way, professionals can allocate their time and energy to the right commitments.
If you’re struggling to keep up with a fast-paced work environment or find yourself feeling overwhelmed by countless tasks, then “Getting Things Done” may provide you with the right solutions. This book can walk you through the steps you need to achieve your goals and remember every important detail in your professional life.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
In his book “Deep Work,” Georgetown University professor Cal Newport discusses strategies to help professionals hone their focus for better productivity. Throughout his book, Newport explores the concept of “deep work,” which refers to activities done in a state of distraction-free concentration. He discusses how engaging in deep work can encourage professionals to better understand complex information and deliver exceptional results in less time, even when executing energy-intensive tasks.
Given the competitive nature of the job industry, the ability to engage in deep work has become a highly sought-after skill. However, it has also become a rare one. Many professionals often feel that it’s difficult to concentrate with all the distractions that surround them. More often than not, they engage in what Newport refers to as “shallow work.” These are activities that fail to challenge the mind and add value to one’s professional experience, such as scrolling through social media or answering unimportant emails.
To help his readers develop better focus, Newport provides them with a four-part training regime. This involves building a deep work routine, sharpening thought processes, removing digital distractions, and eliminating shallow work.
If you’re looking to maximise your work hours and improve your job performance, then “Deep Work” might be your next best read. With its concrete advice, you can learn to be more intentional about the way you spend your time and energy.
With the books mentioned above, you can learn some effective productivity strategies without having to leave the comfort of your home. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and dedicate a few minutes of your day to reading these helpful titles. By applying their tips and philosophies to your workflow, you’ll be on your way to becoming a more efficient and high-performing professional in no time.
Using our Working Smart method and the tools available in the 21st Century workplace, you can improve your planning, focus on your priorities, control your time, and increase your productivity every day. Contact us today.