The 13 Most Impactful Books on Time Management
Book RaiderEver wondered how those big-shot CEOs and self-made millionaires squeeze so much productivity out of their 24-hour day? The secret sauce lies in effective time management, which, let's be real, is easier said than done. You can't exactly fast-forward a day to get to the 'fun' part, nor can you hit pause to take a breather when things go south.
What you can do, however, is master the art of juggling your hours efficiently, and no, dropping a few balls every now and then doesn't make you a bad juggler - it just means you're human. We've put together an homage to some must-read books that will do more than just keep you company on a lazy Sunday. Allow them to guide you towards becoming a master of your own time, so you can finally get to reply to those emails gathering digital dust.
Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less
by Michael Hyatt
Why Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less is on this list: Now who wouldn't want to achieve more by doing less? As the name signifies, this book gives you powerful strategies to achieve just that. Since it revolves around productivity and Time Management, it's a perfect fit for our list. Not only will this book change your perspective on work, but it'll also redefine your understanding of 'being productive'.
Free to Focus is not just about tips and tricks for managing time. It digs deeper. It's about building an entire productivity system designed around your life and your needs. Through actionable advice and real life examples, the book provides a step by step guide to help you reassess your priorities, focus on what matters most and ditch the rest. And the best part, it's all about doing less, not more. Sounds like magic, right? It's not, it's simply effective Time Management.
What readers like: Readers are particularly fond of the easy readability and the actionable steps provided in the book. They love the way Michael Hyatt balances theoretical concepts with practical applications keeping it relatable and efficient. The book is often praised for being a game changer, transforming the way readers think about productivity and time management. If you're looking for a productivity shake-up, readers agree this one is a must.
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Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done
by Laura Vanderkam
Why Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done is on this list: In the modern world, it feels like time is slipping through our fingers like sand. This book is a gem in teaching us not just to manage that sand, but to shape it into a sandcastle of productivity. Because, let's be real, who doesn't want to feel less busy while actually getting more stuff done?
In 'Off the Clock', Laura Vanderkam explores the age-old issue of not having enough time. However, twist! She does this by focusing on people who have mastered the art of time. They've pulled off the magic trick of feeling relaxed without giving up on their ambitions. Vanderkam uses their methods as a blueprint to show us how to stretch time to get everything done without draining our life energy.
What readers like: Readers are loving the practical advice and actionable insights Vanderkam offers, often mentioning the helpful exercises at the end of each chapter. They also adore the blend of case studies and personal anecdotes she uses, making the serious topic of time management digestible and even, shock horror, fun to dive into.
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Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind
by Jocelyn K. Glei
Why Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind is on this list: Let's admit it: time management can be as slippery as a fish in a tub of margarine. This book doesn't just offer practical advice on structuring your day and creating focus, it also throws in some handy-dandy on nurturing your creativity.'s like a multi-tool for your brain.
This book isn't your normal time management instruction manual. It's a guide to simply getting better at life's minutiae. Dishing out the wisdom of 20 leading creatives, it unpacks how to build a rock-solid routine, find your focus, and sharpen your creative skills in a world where time always seems to be against us.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the easily digestible chunks of wisdom and the breadth of advice that covers everything from morning routines to handling email. Many have found Glei's book to be the kick in the pants they needed to get their day under control. A common phrase among reviews? 'A life saver.'
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Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
by Cal Newport
Why Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World is on this list: This book will give you practical tools and strategies to better manage your time in this fast-paced, distraction-filled world. It is perfect for those who feel they're always running out of time, or simply want to get more done.
Deep Work explores the concept of 'deep work' - the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. The book’s main argument is that this skill is becoming increasingly valuable in an economy where attention is increasingly fragmented. The author, Cal Newport, offers techniques for entering a state of deep work, where you can bring your full intellectual potential to a task, and thereby increase productivity, creativity and satisfaction at work.
What readers like: Readers love this book for its practicality. It isn't just theory -- it provides concrete tips on how to achieve more deep work. They also appreciate how it has helped them understand the value of their time, and how to manage it to get the most out of their day. And let's not ignore the fact that it's written in a clear and engaging style that makes a potentially dry subject quite interesting.
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Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
by Brian Tracy
Why Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time is on this list: We all know time slips away like mischievous frog, right? 'Eat That Frog!', is right there in your playbook for wrestling that metaphorical frog called time. It is all about getting things done efficiently, making it a perfect fit for our 'Time Management' list.
This fun yet practical book talks about tackling the biggest, most daunting tasks (the metaphorical frogs, that is) first thing in the day. It offers 21 clear and easily applicable methods to stop procrastinating, overcome inertia, and become the most productive version of yourself by managing time smartly. It's not about working harder, but working smarter, folks.
What readers like: Readers appreciate how Brian Tracy takes complicated time management principles and breaks them down into handy bite-sized nuggets (or should we say frog's legs?). They love the mix of humor, relatability, and expertise in his approach. Whether you're a student, a busy mum, a budding entrepreneur, or someone just wanting to have more control over their time, readers assure that you'll find tips you can use right away. So, make that leap and see how a hop towards efficient time management can make a difference in your day-to-day life.
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Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
by Jake Knapp
Why Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day is on this list: If you've ever asked yourself 'where did all the time go?’, 'Make Time' should be your next read. The book has fresh and easy ideas for time management that any person can follow.
In 'Make Time', Jake Knapp takes a unique spin on time management, breaking down his strategy into four steps: Highlight, Laser, Energize, and Reflect. Each step encourages you to ditch distractions, focus on essential tasks, maintain physical energy, and learn from each day to improve your productivity. This isn’t your mom’s time management book - it tosses away strict scheduling in favor of prioritizing and focusing on what really matters daily.
What readers like: Readers love that it's a practical guide with strategies that they can immediately put into practice, without turning their lives upside down. Lots have found that they're more focused and less stressed after trying out the methods that Jake outlines. It helps them answer the age-old question - how can I get more done, without getting a case of the haggard looks? And all without having to invest in a fancy planner or expensive software!
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Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen
Why Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity is on this list: If you ever dropped the ball or missed a deadline while juggling 56 tasks, you probably wondered how you could better manage your time. This is why 'Getting Things Done' makes our list. This book is a no-nonsense guide to becoming a time management superstar.
'Getting Things Done' is a playbook for changing the game of time management. Rip up your to-do lists and say goodbye to last-minute panic. David Allen shares his secrets to stress-free productivity, based on the ideas of relaxed focus and staying in the moment. This isn’t just a book – it’s a life philosophy, aiming to help you become a productivity ninja: calm, control and ready to karate-chop through your work.
What readers like: Readers rave about how 'Getting Things Done' has revolutionized their productivity. Allen's laid hack style and practical tips make for a breezy read. If you like no fluff, clear instructions, you'll love this. And who doesn't want to be a ninja at work after all? It’s time to kick stress and disorganization to the curb, and show your task list who’s the boss.
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Attention Management: How to Create Success and Gain Productivity Every Day
by Maura Thomas
Why Attention Management: How to Create Success and Gain Productivity Every Day is on this list: Maura Thomas, in her brilliant work 'Attention Management', has cracked the code on managing the one resource we can't get more of - time. It talks about your attention as the key to productivity. If time management is a crucial skill you're looking to master, this book is your friend.
This book is all about understanding where your attention goes, harnessing it, and using it to achieve more. Maura takes you on a journey towards increased productivity and success, shedding light on the unseen forces that often drive our attention in multiple directions. It's a practical, step-by-step guide to rid us from the grips of distraction and make every minute count.
What readers like: Readers have enjoyed the down-to-earth and simple approach of Maura Thomas. She doesn't do jargon and complicated theories. If anything, she makes managing your attention feel like a walk in the park. Many readers found her ideas not only insightful but also practically applicable in everyday life. It's like having a friendly chat over a cup of coffee, except this chat could change your life forever.
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Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
by Nir Eyal
Why Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life is on this list: In this day and age, distractions are everywhere. From social media notifications to that chatty coworker, precious time is wasted daily. Nir Eyal's book 'Indistractable' takes time management to a whole new level by offering practical solutions to effectively combat these pesky distractions. So, if you're looking to make the most of your 24 hours, this book is a perfect fit.
'Indistractable' moves beyond the typical time-management advice, delving into the psychology behind these distractions. Covering a range of topics from workplace productivity to maintaining relationships, Eyal proposes a modernized four-step plan to help readers become 'indistractable'. This is not just about managing your time, it's about controlling your attention and choosing your life.
What readers like: Readers love 'Indistractable' for its actionable insights and real-life examples. They often commend the book for its comprehensive approach, addressing both the root cause of our distractions and providing tangible methods to overcome them. They appreciate the mix of science and practicality which makes you say, 'Oh dang, I need to get my act together'. It's a favorite among busy-bees looking to take back control of their time and attention.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
by Stephen R. Covey
Why The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change is on this list: As if the title wasn't a big enough hint, it's all about how to be effective, which means not wasting your time. If you've ever thought 'I wish I had more hours in a day', then you're in the right place.
Covey's book is a game changer, it doesn't just provide handy tips and tricks, but it lays out a full system to really get a grip on your time. It explains a unique approach for time management by focusing on your values and integrity. The idea is that once you understand what's important to you, you'll use your time more effectively. This book will have you saying 'good riddance' to time-wasting habits.
What readers like: Readers love how practical and universally applicable the advice is. It's not about doing more things in less time, but doing the right things. Imagine that, put your efforts into what really matters, and suddenly, time isn't your enemy anymore. Plus, there are some cool anecdotes and real-world examples that put things into perspective.
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Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by James Clear
Why Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones is on this list: Time management can't get any better without establishing great habits, and this book is your top-notch guide on that journey.
If you're the kind who couldn't stick with time management techniques for long, you're most probably dealing with bad habits. This amazing book by James Clear utilizes real science to help you understand how habits work, why they are so powerful, and how they can actually override your daily schedule if left unchecked.
What readers like: Readers have loved how the book breaks down complex scientific concepts into easy-to-understand everyday language. Also, instead of generic tips, it offers practical strategies to build good habits and dismantle the bad ones that sabotage your time. And you know what, no habit is too big or small; this book lets you see how even tiny changes can have a huge effect on your time management.
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How to Invest Your Time Like Money
by Elizabeth Grace Saunders
Why How to Invest Your Time Like Money is on this list: Majorly because the book shakes up the typical idea of time management. Rather than just giving you efficient scheduling methods, it innovatively equates time with money, leading you to think about budgeting your time as you would with your finances.
How to Invest Your Time Like Money provides a step-by-step process to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling empowered. It's about helping you stay focused on your long-term goals by making smart decisions today. Saunders carefully guides you through self-assessment, priority management, strategic planning and more. This book is a must-read for anyone who feels they need more than just 24 hours a day.
What readers like: Readers enjoy Saunders' practical approach and real-life examples. They appreciate the easy-to-follow steps and useful checklists, helping them save and better use their time. Many also find the book's concept of equating time to money quite intriguing and eye-opening.
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Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success
by Rory Vaden
Why Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success is on this list: Because managing your time isn't about taking the easy route, it's about putting in the work, much like taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This book emphasizes the ideas of discipline and prosperity, making it a crucial read for those who wish to master their time management skills.
In 'Take the Stairs', Rory Vaden delivers a beautiful outlook on success, advising readers to embrace the proverbial 'stairs' in life—those tough, grinding phases, instead of looking for an 'escalator', or an easy way out. The book presents 7 actionable steps to embrace hardships now for easier times in the future. Let's just say you might quit looking for that elevator after reading it.
What readers like: Readers loved the real-world insights and actionable content. The humor that Rory Vaden brings to a pretty serious topic makes the book a breezy yet enlightening read. Folks appreciate the effective metaphors and anecdotes, as well as the motivational tidbits. It's been called the 'step by step guide to being incredibly productive while having a laugh along the way'.
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