15 inspiring productivity books to help get you out of a slump
Check out 15 of the best productivity books, as recommended by readers.
THE FOREWORD
Stuck in a rut?
There’s no worse feeling! That’s why we’ve rounded up fifteen of the best productivity books, as recommended by readers across the internet.
Whether you’re struggling to keep up with a never-ending to-do list or simply looking for tools to make the most of every day, these reads will get you back on track.
Read on to learn more – maybe you’ll develop a new habit (or break up with your phone for good!)
15 of the best productivity books
1. Atomic Habits, James Clear
- What: A revolutionary guide to using tiny changes in behaviour to transform your life.
- Average rating*: 4.31
- What readers are saying: ‘I really enjoyed how easily digested this book was. We all have certain habits we want to learn or unlearn and we usually start strong but lack the motivation to stick to it. This book really expanded my mind about what it actually takes to make habits stick and how motivation has VERY little to do with it.’ – Valeria on Goodreads
2. Getting Things Done, David Allen
- What: David Allen’s powerful methods for stress-free performance at work and in life – now completely revised and updated.
- Average rating: 4.00
- What readers are saying: ‘At first it seems like common sense but once you get into it, it’s more about psychology – a scientific approach to productivity.’ – Peter on Audible
3. Tools of Titans, Timothy Ferriss
- What: An ultimate notebook of high-leverage tools for peak performance from Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Work Week.
- Average rating: 4.10
- What readers are saying: ‘Wow. What a book. From investors to sports stars, actors to founders, Ferriss compiles lessons and conclusions in multiple areas to make you healthier, wealthier and wiser. I won’t even aim to start to describe the length or depth of the topics covered. This is a value packed book to read and reread.’ – Vasco on Goodreads
4. Deep Work, Cal Newport
- What: The bestselling modern classic that sparked a worldwide conversation about the value of concentration – and the true costs of fractured attention.
- Average rating: 4.16
- What readers are saying: ‘Clearly explains why checking your phone every 3 minutes to comment on a Facebook post or to answer that “important” email are dangerous habits that damage our ability to reach a state of focus necessary to get anything hard, valuable and/or meaningful done. On top of presenting and explaining the underlying issues regarding the fractured focus-driven world of today, Newport offers concrete solutions for utilizing deep work in your daily life.’ – kalzu on Pagebound
5. Time Wise, Amantha Imber
- What: The instant bestseller from the behavioural scientist behind the #1 ranking Australian business podcast How I Work.
- Average rating: 3.64
- What readers are saying: ‘The structure and tone for this was really great, palatable and easy to follow. Nothing seems too hard to put into practice and while reading I did start to get a few things in motion which was great. I do think my favourite two tips were the keyboard shortcuts & to do, to read and to do waiting lists/ email inbox categorising.’ – Lola on Goodreads
6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey
- What: One of the most influential books ever written, offering a holistic, integrated, principle-centred approach for solving personal and professional problems.
- Average rating: 4.16
- What readers are saying: ‘Basically, this book will teach you about effective ways to be a compassionate, kind, enjoyable human being. It will teach you about personal responsibility (personal as in to your self, and to others). It will teach you how to be a better parent, employee, spouse, daughter, or boss.
I can’t give it enough praise. It is a truly outstanding book.’ – Virginia on Goodreads
7. The Lazy Genius Way, Kendra Adachi
- What: Being a Lazy Genius isn’t about doing more or doing less. It’s about doing what matters to you.
- Average rating: 4.10
- What readers are saying: ‘RE-READ thoughts: I don’t think it matters how many times I read this book, I’m going to have new and refreshed takeaways each time! The “shoulds” have been louder in this season of life than any other and Kendra’s systems and encouragement has been so needed in different ways than my first read-through and I’m so excited to read it again and again in different seasons.’
– annagracesbooksnook on Pagebound
8. How to Break Up with Your Phone, Catherine Price
- What: An evidence-based, user-friendly guide presents a 30-day digital detox plan to help you set boundaries with your phone and live a more joyful and fulfilling life.
- Average rating: 3.91
- What readers are saying: ‘We all, to some degree, have a dependency on our devices. And while some may have a higher dependency than others, every single one of us would benefit from a digital detox. Every page was an eye opener as Catherine calls you out on behaviour you probably were not even aware you were doing. Not to say that she does so in a way that will make you feel down on yourself, but more like a caring friend who is guiding you towards a better way.’ – Julie on Goodreads
9. The 80/20 Principle, Richard Koch
- What: Richard Koch reveals how the 80/20 principle works and shows how we can use it in a systematic and practical way to vastly increase our effectiveness, and improve our careers and companies.
- Average rating: 3.97
- What readers are saying: ‘This book is a truly enlightening and motivating look at productivity, time management, and happiness. It shows how to apply the 80/20 Principle to your personal and professional life in order to work less, earn more, enjoy more, and achieve more.’ – THE HUNGRY LIBRARY on Goodreads
10. The Productivity Project, Chris Bailey
- What: A fresh, personal, and entertaining exploration of how to be more productive at work and in every facet of our lives.
- Average rating: 3.94
- What readers are saying: ‘I enjoyed this book so much that I have listened to it several times. It’s easy to listen to and full of great tips.’
– Anonymous on Audible
11. Move. Think. Rest., Dr Natalie Nixon Ph.D
- What: From Natalie Nixon comes this guide to harnessing the power of everyday activities like daydreaming and casual conversations to stress less and produce more at work.
- Average rating: 3.46
- What readers are saying: ‘Nixon’s core message, that creativity is our greatest competitive advantage, feels especially urgent in a world where efficiency is increasingly automated.’
– Tim on Goodreads
12. Eat That Frog!, Brian Tracy
- What: The 21 most effective methods for conquering procrastination and accomplishing more.
- Average rating: 3.87
- What readers are saying: ‘I’ve always loved Brian Tracy. He’s always put things in an accessible way that you can absorb the content thoroughly. This book is hands down one of his best. If you have issues with procrastinating, this will help set the foundations to overcome it.’ – vagasfirebird on Pagebound
13. There’s Got to Be a Better Way, Nelson P. Repenning & Donald C. Kieffer
- What: A groundbreaking method for clearing the organisational roadblocks that keep you from doing your job and delivering results.
- Average rating: 4.16
- What readers are saying: ‘Even though I don’t have to manage people or a company so it’s not exactly directly beneficial to me in that sense, I got a lot out of this book about changing the way you look for and solve problems.’ – January on Goodreads
14. The 4-Hour Work Week, Timothy Ferriss
- What: Whether you are an overworked employee or an entrepreneur trapped in your own business, this book is the compass for a new and revolutionary world.
- Average rating: 3.90
- What readers are saying: ‘Loved it and loved all the additional tips and links after each advice.’ – yamreads on Pagebound
15. Make Time, Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
- What: From the New York Times bestselling authors of Sprint, a simple 4-step system for improving focus, finding greater joy in your work, and getting more out of every day
- Average rating: 4.06
- What readers are saying: ‘A great reminder to prioritize your life around your passions and values rather than reacting to what other people/your job/society demands from you. It’s a better way of redefining productivity to what suits you, not for the sake of busywork.’ – Cindy on Goodreads
*Average ratings from Goodreads.
Image credit: Lady Vinci, dupe
