I’m a voracious reader of non-fiction books, and I usually read the latest bestsellers in the business, psychology, and finance genres. Every once in a while, I come across one that leaves a remarkable impact on the way I think or act, and the list below includes six of those books (I’ve read each at least twice).
Of course, not every one of them is about productivity, but I’ve boiled each to a single-sentence takeaway that generally increases my efficiency and reduces stress. I also included the Amazon.com links (affiliate links) on the book illustrations so you can click on the pictures below to learn more about each book.
Know of any other books about productivity that you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments section below!
Good list. I remember when you turned me on to Malcolm in 2006.
Yup, I recall our first discussions were around “Freakonomics” by Levitt & Dubner, and that ended up leading to Malcolm’s books. I’ve been hooked on his style ever since.
Adding a couple to my reading list. Thanks!
I have several books I’ve recently finished reading…I like this abbreviated review idea. I may try that in my own blog.
“Focus first on trying to understand then on being understood” is a great, great rule which I have never ever followed, but will give it a go so thank you for your boil downs.
You are quite right these books usually have just one thing to say thats why its never there on the jacket just the ” Do you want to rule the world? Then this book is for you!” World War on the agender if they sell more than one copy then.
Great post. I love the one sentence description. AWESOME.
I loved this post! I have read SO many good books recently–a few you listed. Some have excited me enough to want to purchase the books in bulk and offer as free gifts. Your post, however, is powerful in its simplicity and creativity. Wonderfully done.
Great breakdown on these titles. Thanks!
One I really like is Time Management for the Creative Person. Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-Creative-Person-Procrastination/dp/0609800906
I’ve only read one of these, but the summary was perfect.
Great idea for a post.
i would like to recommend “The Power of Professionalism” by Bill Wiersma. Professionalism builds trust and we want to build trust in our personal and business lives.
It is a very good read and the mind sets are applicable to entrepreneurs as well as larger companies.
Interesting post! I like the simplicity of presentation plus the functionally of linking with images. They say the brain can retain an image better than text. For example a friend was trying to remember the name of a kids theme park the other day when I said “The name is written on the gate over the entrance” and I made an arching motion with my hand. “Rainbow Valley”, he blurted out almost as if someone had pushed a button.
Thanks Ed for another great. That’s all just another great.. It’s like we have come to expect nothing less from the mind of Ed Dale. : )
For books I am working my way through “Socialnomics”. It is becoming a bit dated but still a good take on the social networking fenom. The other book that I recommend all the time within the stroke community is “stronger After Stroke” by Peter G Levene. Great lessons in turning lemons into lemon ma range pie for stroke survivors. As they say your attitude can give you altitude. : )
Robert Fritz – Your Life as Art. Doesn’t sound like a productivity book. About real motivation as opposed to manipulating yourself with carrots and sticks.
Oops, I have to say I am sorry… I had thought that the post had been written by Ed Dale and now I realize that it wasn’t. – Blush
I do stand by my other comments and did find the post interesting in the use of simplicity, imaging and linking. This is the sort of style that I am trying to explore in my own blog posts and I can see that I can learn much from your work even if you are not Ed.- Thanks!
I am looking forward to reading more of you work. : )
No worries at all 🙂 Thanks and looking forward to more of your comments!
I have just read The 4 hour work week, and luv it… also I have heard raving reviews from some others that you have in the list. Will get 1 or 2 of them before jumping in the plane for my 24 hours trip… Thanks!
We tend to over-complicate things don’t we? This is a great example of how keeping it simple works. Thanks.
Hi Mr Osman,
A while ago, my friend recommended me your blog and I have been following since. I really like this post in particular because I love reading & learning knowledge from books too!
I know “The World is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman is not exactly on productivity, but I was wondering what your takeaways are from that book. Thanks for any recommendation!
Hey Victor – thank you. Unfortunately, that’s one book I haven’t read yet (but it’s definitely on my list!).
Thanks! Let me know what you think.
Love the idea of the article here, also love the choice of books as well as they align massively with the books that I find so appealing. Couple on there for me to look into but for the most part they are titles that I have also enjoyed. Am trying to think of a couple of titles that I can suggest for you as well but may have to come back to you on that! Be interested to know of any others that you have read since this article was first published though!
Thanks Rich! I’m actually reading SPIN selling by Neil Rackham at the moment. Great book, but not directly related to productivity 🙂
I have 4 of those down, I am actually listening to the outliers and Tim Ferris on my way to and from work
I also listened to 4HWW by Tim Ferriss, but I ended up buying the book because I couldn’t keep up with all those websites he recommended!