The Best 5 Books to Improve Your Productivity

Do you dream of having the time to read a book? Or maybe even a few. After all, Bill Gates does (he reportedly reads about 50 books a year). And if you’re interested in some of Bill’s favorite books, look no further than his blog, for some of his most loved recommendations.

And with easy access to audio books, perhaps you’d prefer to listen while taking a walk or cooking dinner, rather than sitting down to read. However you like to read, it’s proven to do wonders for your memory, relationships and health. So whether you’re wanting to boost your IQ or reduce stress levels, grab a book and enjoy a great read.

So, here are my top 5 books that might help you improve your productivity, especially when you’re wanting to focus, introduce new habits, and just get things done. It was certainly challenging to choose just 5 for you. I love borrowing books from the library and enjoy listening to audio books and podcasts (see my post on favorite podcasts for 2019).

My Favorite Productivity Books Right Now

Atomic Habits – by James Clear.

This is a super practical book that teaches you how to create good habits, break bad ones, and get 1 percent better every day. The concept of improving by 1% every day is interesting. Imagine this. Rather than attempting to make big changes quickly (which often needs willpower and motivation), how about making incremental improvements every day? He also focuses on ways to set yourself up for success, including making time for new habits and designing your optimal environment. A definite must read, if you need a nudge to improve your habits.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live – by Brene Brown.

I know you’re going to ask – what does vulnerability have to do with productivity? Let me explain. In her book, Brene describes how vulnerability and authenticity lies at the base of human connection. And we usually feel more comfortable around someone who is authentic and vulnerable. This yields more positive and constructive behavior, and a greater feeling of trust and hope. And trust improves our performance, due to positive emotion and social connection. The biggest thing I loved about this book was the way Brene challenges the reader to think differently about vulnerability. That it is not a weakness, but it is actually the best way to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. 

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

In this book, Cal Newport shows how to intensely focus and quickly master complex topics. Believe me, deep work will become an absolute game changer to your productivity, if you can arrange your life to protect the attention you need for deep work. The basic premise of the book is to focus on the skills you’re working on, and don’t switch between tasks. He uses four rules to cement this approach: (1) work deeply, (2) embrace boredom, (3) quit social media, and (4) drain the shallows. The “shallows” are places we all go to – tasks that we can complete when distracted or are not cognitively demanding. Think email, social media, searching the internet. This is a fantastic book for anyone looking to get into flow, improve creativity or focus.

Limitless: Upgrade your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock your Exceptional Brain – by Jim Kwik.

I first heard of Jim Kwik on MindValley, where he runs master classes and the Superbrain Quest. More than 2 million students have enrolled in the course where he teaches his process for unleashing your superhuman memory, focus, and learning speed. The book focuses on Jim’s Limitless Model of 3 Ms: Mindset, Motivation and Methods, and how to remove your limitations in each of these areas. While I enjoyed listening to this book on Audible, the hard copy has some really useful activities and is well worth the investment. In particular, the section on Methods, gives lots of practical tips on how to focus, study and speed read. It also shares tools on how to improve your memory, including using visualization, association and creating a story to link a sequence of words.

Tools of Titans: the tactics, routines, and habits of billionaires, icons, and world-class performers – by Tim Ferris.

This is the type of book that you can easily read cover to cover (all 736 pages) or delve into a few of the habits, routines and books of the hundreds of high performers Tim interviewed, to create this masterpiece. The book is divided into 3 sections: healthy, wealthy and wise. So whether you’re curious about the eating habits of Laird Hamilton, a big wave surfer, or the way Daymond John updates his 10 goals every 6 months, you’re sure to find something to help with your own productivity.

Key Takeaways

There are many tweaks you can make to improve your productivity. But remember, you can’t just follow the routines and habits of others. Instead, the best way to become your best self is to be curious and learn what works for you.

What are your favorite books for productivity? Do you enjoy reading or listening to books?