Productivity Books
Financial independence enthusiasts want to be as productive as possible because they have so many goals they want to accomplish.
Unfortunately, there's always more to do than time to get it all done.
If time management has been something you've struggled with, you'll benefit from the productivity techniques given in the books listed below.
You'll learn how to work smarter, not harder, so you can get more done and start living the life you were meant to live… sooner.
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
This book and Essentialism are about one thing: how to boil your priorities down to the one or two most critically important objectives you most focus on to achieve the greatest results. The One Thing offers an incredible amount of actionable advice and will get you thinking about how you can do more with less. If you’ve found yourself easily distracted or bogged down by texts, calls, responsibilities, social media, and other distractions then you need this book.
This book and Essentialism are about one thing: how to boil your priorities down to the one or two most critically important objectives you most focus on to achieve the greatest results. The One Thing offers an incredible amount of actionable advice and will get you thinking about how you can do more with less. If you’ve found yourself easily distracted or bogged down by texts, calls, responsibilities, social media, and other distractions then you need this book.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
This is an absolute classic on productivity because the ideas work. What you'll get is an entire system for getting organized and becoming more productive. From project management to workflow to time management and getting organized, this book covers it all. With more structure built into your life, you’ll be able to focus more and for longer periods of time.
This is an absolute classic on productivity because the ideas work. What you'll get is an entire system for getting organized and becoming more productive. From project management to workflow to time management and getting organized, this book covers it all. With more structure built into your life, you’ll be able to focus more and for longer periods of time.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
This is hands-down one of the best books I’ve ever read related to time management. Essentialism is a way of life. It provides a solid framework that you can operate from to figure out what truly matters and get it done. There isn't anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading it.
This is hands-down one of the best books I’ve ever read related to time management. Essentialism is a way of life. It provides a solid framework that you can operate from to figure out what truly matters and get it done. There isn't anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading it.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
If you’ve ever wondered why we think the way we do, this book is for you. Kahneman unpacks the two systems which we use to think – fast, and slow – so that you can be more self-aware and make better decisions about everything in life. He covers cognitive biases, why (and when) our intuition is wrong, and how to overcome the pitfalls of overconfidence and irrational thinking.
If you’ve ever wondered why we think the way we do, this book is for you. Kahneman unpacks the two systems which we use to think – fast, and slow – so that you can be more self-aware and make better decisions about everything in life. He covers cognitive biases, why (and when) our intuition is wrong, and how to overcome the pitfalls of overconfidence and irrational thinking.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Talent alone does not equal success. Grit does. Duckworth explores this premise by researching highly skilled athletes and celebrities to find out if their success was caused by talent, or hard work. This book is a great read for coaches, parents, teachers, or anyone wanting to move into a new career because Duckworth shows how grit comes from an intrinsic desire to help others and improve the world.
Talent alone does not equal success. Grit does. Duckworth explores this premise by researching highly skilled athletes and celebrities to find out if their success was caused by talent, or hard work. This book is a great read for coaches, parents, teachers, or anyone wanting to move into a new career because Duckworth shows how grit comes from an intrinsic desire to help others and improve the world.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
“The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.” This one quote is largely why Financial Mentor exists. From a young age, I rejected the notion that a 9-to-5 job for 40+ years was a fulfilling way to live life. Once I retired, I wanted to see if I could help people improve their finances through early financial freedom…and it worked! This book is a great read for entrepreneurs and creatives who have been afraid to stand out because it shows you what it takes to be an ‘original.’ You’ll also discover that many originals are quite ordinary in other parts of life, and why that balance is necessary.
“The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.” This one quote is largely why Financial Mentor exists. From a young age, I rejected the notion that a 9-to-5 job for 40+ years was a fulfilling way to live life. Once I retired, I wanted to see if I could help people improve their finances through early financial freedom…and it worked! This book is a great read for entrepreneurs and creatives who have been afraid to stand out because it shows you what it takes to be an ‘original.’ You’ll also discover that many originals are quite ordinary in other parts of life, and why that balance is necessary.
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
You’ve probably heard this before: waking up early is a habit of highly successful (and wealthy) people. So if you’re not a morning person, or you find it difficult to be productive in the AM, then you need to read this book. It has transformed the lives of thousands of people by giving them a system – a morning routine – to implement daily so that waking up early becomes a habit. You’ll be amazed at how much this increases your productivity.
You’ve probably heard this before: waking up early is a habit of highly successful (and wealthy) people. So if you’re not a morning person, or you find it difficult to be productive in the AM, then you need to read this book. It has transformed the lives of thousands of people by giving them a system – a morning routine – to implement daily so that waking up early becomes a habit. You’ll be amazed at how much this increases your productivity.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
These days, the ability to focus on meaningful, difficult tasks for a long period of time is rare, and that is why it is exceedingly valuable. If you find it hard to concentrate amidst the flood of messages we receive daily, Newport explains how we can learn to do deep work, and why it's necessary in order to thrive in the new technology-driven economy.
These days, the ability to focus on meaningful, difficult tasks for a long period of time is rare, and that is why it is exceedingly valuable. If you find it hard to concentrate amidst the flood of messages we receive daily, Newport explains how we can learn to do deep work, and why it's necessary in order to thrive in the new technology-driven economy.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
This is one of the definitive books out there on the subject of habit formation, and how we can use this knowledge to improve our own habits (or lose bad ones). Duhigg offers many research-backed examples and explains why habits are the key to success. I used habits to achieve financial freedom, and you can do the same.
This is one of the definitive books out there on the subject of habit formation, and how we can use this knowledge to improve our own habits (or lose bad ones). Duhigg offers many research-backed examples and explains why habits are the key to success. I used habits to achieve financial freedom, and you can do the same.
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work
If you enjoyed “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” then you'll find this book to be a great follow-up. The Heath brothers will take you on a journey through the important points in decision-making literature so you can better understand the pitfalls behnd how we think. The bonus is that they also serve up a four-part framework on how to improve your thinking process so you become better at making good decisions.
If you enjoyed “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” then you'll find this book to be a great follow-up. The Heath brothers will take you on a journey through the important points in decision-making literature so you can better understand the pitfalls behnd how we think. The bonus is that they also serve up a four-part framework on how to improve your thinking process so you become better at making good decisions.
Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Ariely is a behavioral economist, and in this book, he provides examples of why humans are predictably irrational. His background sets this book apart from Decisive and Thinking, Fast and Slow in that he goes into detail on why we spend on the things we do, why we find it hard to save money, and why we can’t resist a sale. It’s a great read for entrepreneurs and those looking to become more aware of how they may be treating their money irrationally.
Ariely is a behavioral economist, and in this book, he provides examples of why humans are predictably irrational. His background sets this book apart from Decisive and Thinking, Fast and Slow in that he goes into detail on why we spend on the things we do, why we find it hard to save money, and why we can’t resist a sale. It’s a great read for entrepreneurs and those looking to become more aware of how they may be treating their money irrationally.
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less
The 80/20 principle is one I agree wholeheartedly with in every area of life, especially business and finance. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s the premise that 80% of results come from 20% effort. This principle can change how you think and approach things for the rest of your life. It exists in nearly every facet of life so it’s worth understanding at a deep level.
The 80/20 principle is one I agree wholeheartedly with in every area of life, especially business and finance. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s the premise that 80% of results come from 20% effort. This principle can change how you think and approach things for the rest of your life. It exists in nearly every facet of life so it’s worth understanding at a deep level.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
I mentioned this book in my article on living with integrity because it explains the concept of resistance – not doing what we know we should – with such clarity. It’s an excellent read for creatives and entrepreneurs facing doubts about their ability to achieve their calling. If all you've been doing is thinking about doing something, and not taking any action, this book will help you develop the discipline to reach the other side.
I mentioned this book in my article on living with integrity because it explains the concept of resistance – not doing what we know we should – with such clarity. It’s an excellent read for creatives and entrepreneurs facing doubts about their ability to achieve their calling. If all you've been doing is thinking about doing something, and not taking any action, this book will help you develop the discipline to reach the other side.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
This is an absolute classic self-improvement book because the lessons can be applied in all areas of life, especially if you’re someone who has trouble balancing your personal and professional life. Habits are the best way to improve; follow these seven and you’ll likely experience more success in life.
This is an absolute classic self-improvement book because the lessons can be applied in all areas of life, especially if you’re someone who has trouble balancing your personal and professional life. Habits are the best way to improve; follow these seven and you’ll likely experience more success in life.
More Recommended Reading Lists By Topic:
- Wealth Creation Books – Habitudes of The Wealthy
- Beginner Investing Books – Foundation & Asset Allocation
- Advanced Investing Books – Quantitative Investment Strategy
- Market History and Bubbles
- Copywriting & Marketing Books
- Early Retirement Books
- Personal Finance Books
- Business & Entrepreneur Books
- Real Estate Investing Books
- Writing Books
