Comments on: Ask The Readers: What Are Your Favorite Productivity Books?

By: Nick Cernis

Nick Cernis — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:46:14 +0000

It would be impossible to talk about productivity books without mentioning the work of Peter Drucker. Peter wrote 39 books on the subjects of management and effectiveness, and his influence can be seen in almost every major work that has touched the productivity theme since, notably David Allen’s Getting Things Done. For a taster, check out The Daily Drucker: 366 Days Of Insight And Motivation For Getting The Right Things Done.

Other than that, I think that some of the greatest insights on productivity and leading a happy life can be found in works which never get mentioned either. A particular favorite of mine is Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, a short novella on the search for perfection that should be required reading for all.

By: Matthew Cornell

Matthew Cornell — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:31:30 +0000

A book that’s given (if you’ll excuse the point) lip service is Koch’s The 80-20 Principle. Go out and actually read the whole book. It’s well worth the effort – big perspective changer. Mark Forster’s Do It Tomorrow is an important work, and Stephanie Winston’s classics still have a lot to offer. I recently mentioned a few on my blog. I could list another six…

By: Chris @ Lifestyle Project

Chris @ Lifestyle Project — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:28 +0000

My favorite is T4HWW, but a close second is The Magic Of Thinking Big by David Schwartz. I love the way it makes you think and dream big and encourages you to get the action habit, which is the most important habit to obtain to be productive.

By: John

John — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:45:03 +0000

I was very impressed by the audiobook of Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog, so I think I’ll follow it up with a full read (and a quick read of Shanel’s excellent summary). Like most works in this area, it is based on good, solid commonsense.

By: SZ

SZ — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:23:14 +0000

The Power Of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. This book takes the view that energy management and not time management is the key, and energy has to be managed in all areas (physical, mental and spiritual). It also describes the need to allow for recovery, and increase stress tolerance incrementally to be able to increase one’s energy levels to sustain high level performance.

The Art Of Learning by Josh Waitzkin. More of an autobiography, but says that learning a little bit thoroughly is more important than learning a lot on the surface level.

Ready For Anything by David Allen. It’s an easier read than GTD as it focuses on the principles behind system, rather than the system itself.

By: James

James — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:54:52 +0000

Interesting choices, thanks for sharing them. There are two books I’ve never heard of which I will have to check out.

By: Steven

Steven — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:26:18 +0000

For an operations standpoint, The Goal by Eliyuha Goldratt is a great book. Helps open your mind to seeing work problems from a different angle, inspiring new ways to tackle those problems.

By: Ari Koinuma

Ari Koinuma — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:33:45 +0000

Hmmm, I am afraid I don’t have anything to offer in this department, as I don’t generally consider getting things done to be my problem. I have read a number of books but in my opinion Seven Habits trumps them all.

By: Shanel Yang

Shanel Yang — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:36:43 +0000

Great idea, James! For me, I there is only one, and it’s hands down… Eat that Frog! I’ve summarized it so everyone can benefit from Brian Tracy’s excellent but easy to follow advice.