What are the best productivity books?
Feeling a slump in productivity working from home every day? You’re not alone.
When you’re at home every day, especially if you’re on your own, it’s almost impossible to keep your productivity levels high. Although you might not have the same distractions around you if you were working in an office environment, I’m sure you’ll agree there’s still plenty fighting for your attention at home. Your dog, your neighbour’s dog, that washing up piling up in the sink, your bed…
Enter 2021’s answer to the self-help book: the productivity manual.
Follow the examples of leaders in their fields and learn a tip or two from the productivity experts. This list of books will help you manage your time more effectively, organise your tasks in a way that suits your lifestyle and could even help change your mindset when it comes to working - from home or at the office.
Here’s our pick of the best productivity books available to buy on Amazon right now. Oh, and if you find you struggle to make time to read a book, don’t worry, most of these can be enjoyed in just a few sittings!
5 of the best productivity books
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Think working on a beach, think Tim Ferriss. The 4-Hour Workweek has practically developed a cult-like status since its launch in 2011. If you dream of working the freelance life somewhere sunny, then Ferriss’s book will be the inspiration you need to get planning, as he is the true proponent of the laptop lifestyle. This book features his advice and stories from his own experience, with some great insights in effective time management.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
Ever wondered what could actually be causing your productivity slump? Brian Tracy explores root causes in Eat That Frog! But if that wasn’t enough, he then shares his tips on managing your work time effectively. This is a great pick-me-up for those new to time management techniques.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
Buy it here
What’s the one thing you want most? Gary Keller’s mission in The One Thing is to help you achieve it, whether that’s working fewer hours, get more energy, increase your focus
Multitaskers and entrepreneurs will love the affirmations that Keller shares, and many readers find themselves coming back to this book when they need to reignite that focus on goal setting and business planning.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Buy it here
Over 30 million copies of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People have been sold since its first publication more than 30 years ago, and is loved by CEOs and world renowned entrepreneurs alike. This Guided Journal version is inspired by its predecessor, and includes a selection of worksheets, journal prompts and exercises for those who enjoy an interactive, modern approach to the principles outlined in the original. Both books provide anecdotes, examples and tips that’ll will help you assess your own values, beliefs and behaviours, backed by the concept that your personal life influencers your professional life - and vice versa.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Buy it here
Or take a look at the original 7 Habits here.
OK, so perhaps Why We Sleep isn’t an overt productivity book, but I bet that one of the causes for your productivity slump is a lack of energy. Matthew Walker’s book explores just how detrimental poor sleep can be to our wellbeing, mentally and physically, and provides tips on how to improve not just how long you sleep - but the quality of it too. It’s backed with stories and tons of scientific research for a compelling read. After all, according to Walker, sleep offers a three-fold boost in creativity and problem solving.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Buy it here
More productivity hacks:
If books weren’t enough for you, check out these posts:
And if you’re really stuck, try making a great cup of coffee at home!
No doubt working from home is convenient, but it’s not without its set of challenges, especially for small businesses.