From Overwhelmed To Focused: 10 Books That Boost Productivity

Posted on 25 Nov 2022 | Posted in StevensBooks Blogs

A lot of people think that in order to be productive, they just need to work harder. But sometimes, the problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough – it’s that you’re not using your time wisely. If you want to be more productive, one of the best things you can do is to start reading more books.

Productivity and time management are skills that can be learned and improved upon with the right resources. Whether you're looking to increase your focus, better manage your time, or simply work more efficiently, we have book recommendations that will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you reach your goals. 

These books will give you the tools you need to get more done in less time. Read on so you can get organized, set your priorities, and always stay motivated in boosting your productivity.
 

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

The first book on our list is "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. This book is a classic when it comes to productivity and time management, and for good reason. It provides a simple but effective system for getting your tasks done and keeping track of what you need to do next. It is all about effective time organization so you can accomplish as much as you can within a day. The book is packed with actionable advice that will help you get control of your to-do list, identify your priorities, and cut back on trivial things that take up your valuable time
 

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

If you're looking for a more in-depth look at productivity, then "Deep Work" by Cal Newport is a great choice. In this book, Newport argues that our ability to focus and do work is becoming increasingly rare as our world becomes more digitized and connected. He introduces the concept of “deep work”, a term coined by Newport himself which refers to the ability to immerse oneself in a cognitively demanding task, ignoring and avoiding all possible distractions. He believes that this skillset will be increasingly valuable in the future as jobs that require shallow or no cognitive depth will be replaced by machines. The book provides strategies for dealing with distractions and staying focused on your goals. 

 

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a well-known book on productivity which presents a holistic, integrated approach to developing oneself through good practices. It covers seven essential habits that are designed to help readers achieve personal and professional success. Based on principles of human nature, the book's central theme is that effective people are proactive, not reactive. They take initiative and responsibility for their own lives, instead of letting circumstances control them. Other important themes include the importance of setting priorities, developing a personal mission statement, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
 

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Another great book on increasing productivity is "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg. In this book, Duhigg dives into the science of habit formation and why we do the things we do. He explains how habits are formed and how they can be changed. He also provides readers with practical tips and concrete strategies on how to make small changes in their daily routines that can lead to big improvements in their productivity. It's a fascinating read that can help you understand why you do certain things that may be holding you back from being more productive.

 

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller

In "The One Thing", Gary Keller states that doing one thing at a time is the key to success. He cites research showing how multitasking is actually less efficient than single tasking and it’s even counterproductive because your mind’s attention is scattered between different things. He emphasizes to identify and focus on a single important task, insisting that we should focus on our priorities by turn instead of juggling them all at once in order to achieve our goals. Keller also provides tips on how to stay motivated when you’ve already picked the task you want to pursue. This book helps you focus on what's most important in your life and work and how you can pace yourself to accomplish more.
 

The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change The Way You Do Business by Clayton Christensen

"The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen is all about how to identify and solve the problems that stand in the way of progress. It's packed with useful information and case studies that will help you become more productive in your own work. It looks at why some companies succeed while others fail, and offers insights into how you can apply these lessons to your own life and work.
 

The Productivity Project: Proven Ways To Become More Awesome by Chris Bailey

"The Productivity Project" by Chris Bailey is one of the most popular and well-reviewed books on increasing productivity. In it, Bailey shares his findings from a year-long experiment in which he tested different productivity strategies himself to find out which of these work and which ones doesn’t. He explores different productivity theories and offers an action plan that will help you make the most of your time. Some of the tips he offers include scheduling regular breaks, setting realistic goals, and minimizing distractions.
 

Eat That Frog! Get More of the Important Things Done Today Brian Tracy

A great option when it comes to books on productivity is Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog!” The basic premise is to identify your most important or most difficult task and get it out of the way first thing in the day. While this may seem like common sense, many people tend to procrastinate on the tasks that matter the most since these also tend to be the most time consuming and hardest to do. However, this usually leads to even more procrastination and eventually the tasks will never get done. Tracy says that if you finish your most significant task, it will not only make the rest of your day more productive, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your motivation. This book is all about taking action and getting things done, even when you don’t feel like it.
 

The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-free Play by Neil Fiore

Few things are as paralyzing as the fear of failure. We all want to succeed, but the anxiety and stress of thinking about potential errors can be overwhelming. That's where "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore comes in. This book is all about how to overcome procrastination and perfectionism so you can get on with your tasks without the anxiety of committing mistakes. Dr. Fiore teaches readers how to break the procrastination habit and reclaim their time by offering techniques to help them identify and overcome the underlying causes of their procrastination. If you’re struggling with completing your tasks, get back on track with this read.

 

The Power of Less: The 6 Essential Productivity Principles That Will Change Your Life by Leo Babauta

Finally, we have "The Power of Less" by Leo Babauta. This book is perfect for anyone who feels like they're always busy but is never actually getting anything done. Babauta suggests that we simplify our lives by setting simple goals and focusing on one task at a time. By decluttering our minds and our environment, we can focus on what's important and let go of what's not. This minimalist approach can help us to lead happier, more productive lives.

Whether you're looking for ways to streamline your workflows, better manage your time, or simply boost your energy levels, one of these books is sure to help. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some productive reading!