13 Best Productivity Books To Help You Get More Done In 2024
Without a strong ability to focus, prioritize, and check items off your to-do list, you're likely to end up overwhelmed, burned out, and behind on your work. Productivity books are one of many resources that can help you improve.
Below, you'll find my list of the best productivity books aimed at professionals in all fields and industries, as well as my notes on what you'll learn and why you should spend some time with each one.
Best Productivity Books Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best productivity books that are worth reading in 2024:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
- Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
- Indistractable by Nir Eyal
- Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
- Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
- Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Find more details about my book recommendations below.
Overviews of the 13 Best Productivity Books
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Summary:
James Clear explores the science of habit formation and the power of small, consistent actions to drive meaningful personal transformation. He breaks down the psychology of habits and offers a framework for building positive routines and eliminating harmful ones by making minor changes slowly. Clear also argues that these gradual improvements, when compounded, can lead to impressive results over time.
What You’ll Learn:
This book teaches practical strategies for building good habits, breaking bad ones, and reshaping your productivity through small, consistent changes. It also covers how to set up environments that support positive behavior.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is ideal for anyone who want to improve their daily routines and productivity. Its science-based methods offer actionable insights, and Atomic Habits helps you achieve lasting growth through small, manageable steps.
Quote From The Book:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
About The Author:
James Clear is a writer, speaker, and expert on habit formation and decision-making. He shares insights on habits and behavior on his website and through his popular newsletter, 3-2-1 Thursday. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Summary:
In this book, Stephen R. Covey presents a principle-centered approach to solving personal and professional challenges. He outlines the seven habits that promote individual responsibility, proactive behavior, and balanced growth, in order to help readers achieve greater effectiveness in all areas of life.
What You’ll Learn:
Learn how to cultivate personal and professional effectiveness through proactive behavior, integrity, and principle-centered decision-making. Covey also provides techniques for improving communication and collaboration, as well as finding a healthy work-life balance.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for those who want to develop a growth mindset and improve personal and professional effectiveness. Its principles and strategies are designed to help you achieve sustainable success.
Quotes From the Book:
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
About the Author:
Stephen R. Covey was a renowned educator, speaker, and author who focused on leadership, productivity, and personal effectiveness. His work continues to inspire millions globally. The FranklinCovey website houses his resources and insights.
3. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Summary:
Charles Duhigg explains how habits work, why we have them, and how to change them. Using psychology and brain science research, he shares real-life stories from successful companies, social movements, and individuals to show how the "habit loop" works: a cue that triggers a routine, followed by a reward.
What You’ll Learn:
This book offers insights into the science behind habits and practical strategies for changing your habits and improving your life. Duhigg's techniques will help you replace unhelpful habits with positive, goal-oriented ones.
Why You Should Read It:
This book will provide you with actionable insights into changing your habits and achieving better outcomes in both your personal and professional life. By understanding the mechanics of habit formation, you can unlock greater self-control, productivity, and effectiveness.
Quotes From the Book:
"Change might not be fast, and it can be challenging. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped."
About the Author:
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author with a background in business reporting. His works focus on productivity, habits, and the power of decision-making. For more about Charles Duhigg, visit his profiles and websites on Twitter and his website.
4. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Summary:
Cal Newport explains the importance of focused, distraction-free work and argues that “deep work”—intense focus on essential tasks—is becoming more rare but very valuable. The book shares ways to build habits that will help you concentrate better, avoid distractions, and do more meaningful work.
What You’ll Learn:
This book reveals the benefits of deep, focused work and provides practical strategies for incorporating it into your daily routine. You'll discover techniques to reduce distractions, build a focused work environment, and enhance the quality of your output.
Why You Should Read It:
Deep Work is essential if you want to improve your focus, productivity, and ability to do high-quality work in less time. Newport’s approach provides tools to thrive in a world where focus has become rare and offers a path to stand out in any professional field.
Quotes From the Book:
"Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not."
About the Author:
Cal Newport is a computer science professor, author, and productivity expert. His work focuses on the intersection of technology and productivity, and he advocates for a more mindful approach to work in the digital age. For more information about Cal Newport, visit his website.
5. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Summary:
In this book, Greg McKeown shows how to focus on what matters by doing fewer things better. He explains that by cutting out non-essential tasks, you can make more time and energy for the things that truly add value to your life. Through practical tips and examples, McKeown teaches how to say "no" to distractions, set priorities, and build a life centered on your essential goals.
What You’ll Learn:
You'll learn to identify and focus on the essential tasks that add the most value, eliminate distractions, and streamline your efforts to maximize productivity and satisfaction.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is ideal if you're overwhelmed by too many commitments and obligations. McKeown’s approach provides a structured method for reducing stress and increasing effectiveness by honing in on what truly matters.
Quotes From the Book:
"If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will."
About the Author:
Greg McKeown is a writer, speaker, and leadership consultant known for his expertise in productivity. For more about Greg McKeown, visit him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his personal website.
6. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
Summary:
Brian Tracy's book teaches people how to stop procrastinating and get things done. The main idea is to "eat your frog" by starting your day with the most challenging and important task. Tracy offers 21 simple steps to help you focus, prioritize, and finish tasks more efficiently and be more productive.
What You’ll Learn:
Learn to identify the most essential tasks and build a habit of finishing them first. Tracy’s advice also includes tools for better time management and improving your focus on what truly matters.
Why You Should Read It:
If you find it hard to start or finish important tasks, this book offers practical steps to change that. It is helpful if you want to feel less overwhelmed and more productive, whether in work or personal life.
Quotes From the Book:
"If you must eat two frogs, eat the ugliest first."
About the Author:
Brian Tracy is a motivational speaker and bestselling author specializing in personal development and productivity. To learn more about him, visit him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
7. Indistractable by Nir Eyal
Summary:
Nir Eyal’s book will help you stay focused in a world filled with distractions. Eyal explains why we get distracted and shares simple, practical steps to manage both internal and external interruptions. You'll learn how to regain control of your time and focus on what matters.
What You’ll Learn:
Discover strategies to help you identify and reduce distractions, as well as techniques for staying focused on your key priorities. You'll also gain insights into building habits that support lasting productivity.
Why You Should Read It:
If staying focused feels difficult or you find yourself pulled in different directions, this book provides tools to help you regain control over your attention. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to be more intentional with their time and energy.
Quotes From the Book:
"The antidote to impulsiveness is forethought. Planning ensures you will follow through."
About the Author:
Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, speaker, and expert on habit formation and focus. With a background in behavioral design, Eyal writes and teaches at the intersection of psychology, technology, and business to help people live more productive and fulfilling lives. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his personal website.
8. Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
Summary:
In Smarter Faster Better, Charles Duhigg examines the science of productivity and explores eight essential concepts that help individuals and organizations work more efficiently and achieve success.
What You’ll Learn:
This book provides practical insights that will help you improve your time management, motivation, focus, decision-making, and teamwork to achieve extraordinary results, as well as significantly improve productivity and performance.
Why You Should Read It:
With compelling stories and research-backed strategies, this book will equip you with actionable techniques to accomplish goals more effectively and with less stress.
Quotes From the Book:
"Productivity, in essence, is about making certain choices in certain ways. How we choose to see the world creates the world we see."
About the Author:
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author known for his insights on productivity and habits. His notable works include The Power of Habit (also on this list) and contributions to publications like The New Yorker. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
9. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
Summary:
Timothy Ferriss' book provides a guide to help you escape the typical 9-to-5 job and focus on building a life centered around time and freedom instead of traditional wealth. He also shares his DEAL framework: define goals, eliminate distractions, automate income, and liberate yourself to work from anywhere.
What You’ll Learn:
This book provides actionable insights into redefining your work-life balance, optimizing productivity by focusing on essential tasks, automating income streams, and embracing a mobile lifestyle that allows you to live and work from anywhere.
Why You Should Read It:
This book challenges conventional career paths and offers a fresh perspective on achieving personal and professional fulfillment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, or someone seeking more freedom, Ferriss's methods can help you design a life that aligns with your passions and goals.
Quotes From the Book:
"The question you should be asking isn’t, 'What do I want?' or 'What are my goals?' but 'What would excite me?'"
About the Author:
Timothy Ferriss is an entrepreneur, investor, and author of several New York Times bestsellers, including The 4-Hour Workweek. He hosts The Tim Ferriss Show, a popular podcast with over a billion downloads, and shares insights on his blog. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
10. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Summary:
In this book, Oliver Burkeman challenges traditional productivity advice by addressing the finite nature of human life—roughly 4,000 weeks if one lives to 80. He encourages you to accept your limitations and prioritize what matters rather than chasing unattainable efficiency.
What You’ll Learn:
This book offers insights into accepting the brevity of life, prioritizing meaningful activities, and developing a healthier relationship with time by letting go of the pursuit of total control and productivity.
Why You Should Read It:
The book provides a refreshing perspective on time management and will help you find fulfillment by acknowledging life's limitations. You'll learn to focus on what counts rather than being trapped in the endless cycle of busyness.
Quotes From the Book:
"The more you confront the facts of finitude instead—and work with them, rather than against them—the more productive, meaningful, and joyful life becomes."
About the Author:
Oliver Burkeman is a British author and journalist known for his work on psychology and productivity. He is best known for his famous column in The Guardian, This Column Will Change Your Life, and books like The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. You can connect with him on Twitter and his website.
11. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Summary:
Cal Newport's book promotes a mindful approach to technology use and argues that you should spend your online time on only a few carefully selected activities that align with their core values. He introduces a "digital declutter"—a 30-day process designed to help you reset and improve your relationship with technology.
What You’ll Learn:
This book provides practical strategies to help you minimize digital distractions, reclaim your personal time, and enhance your focus. You will learn how to implement a digital declutter, cultivate meaningful offline activities, and establish intentional technology habits that align with your goals.
Why You Should Read It:
In a world filled with constant connectivity, this book gives you a new way to think about using technology. Newport’s ideas will help you reduce stress, focus better, and live a more satisfying life by being thoughtful about your digital habits.
Quotes From the Book:
"Clutter is costly. The more you try to do, the less you accomplish."
About the Author:
Cal Newport is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and a bestselling author known for exploring the impact of technology on our lives. His books, Deep Work and A World Without Email have sold over 2 million copies in 40+ languages. You can get updates about him on his website and YouTube.
12. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Summary:
Steven Pressfield explores the concept of resistance in his book The War of Art, and describes it as the inner force that stops you from pursuing your creative goals. He provides insights and strategies to identify and overcome this barrier, helping you unlock your full creative potential.
What You’ll Learn:
This book provides practical advice on identifying and combating self-sabotage, developing a professional mindset toward creative work, and embracing discipline in order to achieve artistic goals. Pressfield also promotes feel-good productivity and making the most of your free time.
Why You Should Read It:
The book serves as a motivational guide for artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing obstacles in their creative pursuits. Pressfield's candid approach offers valuable lessons on perseverance and dedication to your craft.
Quotes From the Book:
"The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we must do it."
About the Author:
Steven Pressfield is an American author known for his historical fiction and nonfiction works, such as Gates of Fire and The Legend of Bagger Vance. You can connect with him on Twitter and his website.
13. Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Summary:
Cal Newport's book challenges the modern obsession with constant busyness and offers a sustainable approach to work. He argues that you should focus on fewer tasks, work naturally, and prioritize quality over quantity to achieve meaningful accomplishments without burning out.
What You’ll Learn:
This book offers strategies to help you identify and eliminate habits that create unnecessary stress, and focus on doing fewer tasks. It emphasizes strict prioritization to make sure you're getting the right things done, and it also guides you in developing a personalized approach to productivity that aligns with your values and long-term goals.
Why You Should Read It:
The book offers a refreshing perspective for those overwhelmed by the relentless demands of modern work culture. Newport's insights can help you make time for what matters most, reclaim control over your schedule, enhance the quality of your work, and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Quotes From the Book:
"Do fewer things. Work at a natural pace. Obsess over quality."
About the Author:
Cal Newport is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and bestselling author known for exploring technology and culture. For more information about Cal Newport, visit his website.
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