It’s the turn of the decade. what could be a better way to celebrate than learning how to create more time? True, we can’t actually create more time, but we can create the illusion of having more by learning to manage it better. One of the best ways to learn how to manage your time is by reading the advice of the experts. To make sure you don’t waste your time on mediocre books, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best time management books for 2020. Some are classics; others are new but highly acclaimed.
1. making time: how to focus on what matters every day
A game with the common refrain of demanding bosses, this aptly named book offers a blueprint for those looking to move beyond to-do lists. Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky break down productivity into small lifestyle changes and productivity hacks. plus, they offer solutions to help you focus on what matters.
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2. The Organized Mind: Clear Thinking in the Age of Information Overload
many time management books talk about lists, schedules, work style and lifestyle. In contrast, New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Daniel J. levitin explores what happens in the brain when we are faced with endless details. From mental fatigue caused by making too many decisions to physical fatigue, this book presents research on managing your mind from a neuroscientific perspective.
3. essentialism: the disciplined search for less
essentialism is not a concept but a movement. Harnessing the minimalist movement, Greg McKeown focuses on how to choose the right tasks, not just how to get more done. he addresses interruptions, messy schedules, and the ability to say no. this book is quickly becoming a manual for entrepreneurs, particularly creative ones.
4. 168 hours: you have more time than you think
many people struggle to find time to complete everything in just 24 hours. Laura Vanderkam will guide you through an audit of your daily life and you will discover the real problem with time: not realizing where you really spend your time. this will free you up to take back control and spend the precious minutes of your life however you want.
5. doing nothing: how to break with overwork, excess and bad living
The observation that we fill our lives by design has led award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee to examine how we can shift our focus to stop sabotaging ourselves and put life before action. this book will also help you improve productivity through a new way of approaching the way you live and the decisions you make.
6. getting things done: the art of productivity without stress
There are several classics in the productivity genre; This is one of them. This book is a must for anyone who wants to accomplish more with their time and life. offers insights for the workplace and proven principles for productivity. David Allen wrote this book for everyone, not just executives and creatives – it’s a productivity guide for the masses.
7. The Time Slicing Method: A 10-Step Action Plan to Increase Your Productivity
Instead of providing readers with lists of productivity strategies and software to try, Damon Zahariades focuses on a single method that anyone can implement. the time chunking method complements your workflow and brings stability to your day, rather than forcing you into new habits or philosophical perspectives.
8. when: the scientific secrets of perfect timing
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Filled to the brim with practical advice, this guide to the importance of timing is backed by scientific evidence. Daniel H. pink consolidates all the major studies on productivity patterns, behavioral science, and business into narratives you’ll relate to.
9. the dip: a little book that teaches you when to quit smoking (and when to stick)
seth godin is a prolific writer. he always seems to hit the nail on the head, and this book is no exception. A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, you won’t be disappointed. this guide reframes some ways to quit smoking as a smart defense against being too busy and protecting productivity. As he will learn, productivity is about identifying when something is worthwhile and when you should stop heading for a dead end.
10. the joy of getting lost: living more doing less
This is the answer to the millennial anxiety-driven mantra: fomo (fear of missing out). Acclaimed author and CEO Tonya Dalton tackles the crippling feeling of being overwhelmed and the liberation of missing out. her perspective addresses a generational commitment to anxiety with the rewiring of perspective. The book also offers resources and a plan of action for anyone looking to push back against pressure and live abundantly.
11. deep work: rules for focused success in a distracted world
while most books focus on breaking bad habits or eliminating distractions, cal newport takes a holistic approach by accepting distractions so that time works for you. deep work explores the ability to focus on cognitively challenging tasks that require your attention, along with mastering the utility of distraction. The premise is that if we apply ourselves to tasks in the right way, not just through prioritization and scheduling, we can get better at problem solving and deep thinking, resulting in a fuller life.
12. get sh*t done: the ultimate guide to productivity, procrastination, & profitability
This is the practical guide you were looking for. Honest and forthright author Jeffrey Gitomer shares wisdom and humor in this New York Times bestseller. he gifts us with a variety of strategies, some classic, some surprisingly unique. all will help you break procrastination and build a more profitable working life.
13. the power of habit: why we do what we do in life and in business
Although this book is prescriptive, it also offers an explanation of the why behind our failures and successes. Award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg explores the science behind our choices and productivity. This book will help you transform his life through a deep understanding of the forces at work in his mind.
14. daily rituals: how artists work
To say that productivity boils down to daily habits would be a disservice to this book. Mason Currey expertly identifies the kinds of rituals and habits that help everyone (not just artists) discover a philosophical approach to life, work, and daily living. he uses examples from historical figures, celebrities, and other people we can all learn from. however, he also teaches us how to learn from ourselves to create unique rituals and patterns for each of us.
15. the war of art: break the blocks and win your inner creative battles
Connecting self-discipline and creativity, Steven Pressfield takes us through a Sun-tzu approach to the battlefield of art, doubt, ambition, and fear. Creatives and crunchers alike will appreciate the arduous process of bringing discipline and productivity to the forefront while quelling fear and letting creativity flow. This is a guide to reconciling some of the most difficult internal struggles. everyone can identify with this message.
16. the autobiography of benjamin franklin
Benjamin Franklin was a founding father, inventor, gifted negotiator, scientist (including the discovery of electricity), prolific writer, entrepreneur, and philosopher. he was also a productivity expert. choose any of the biographies of him and you will learn a lot about this great man. however, it is in his autobiography that you can find the true gems of wisdom, a guide to his life and work, and a sense of humor that is rarely presented with such intergenerational clarity.
17. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons for Personal Change
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stephen r. Covey created this seminal work to improve personal and professional productivity. he explains how you should start by defining your goals and priorities. So instead of eliminating bad habits, you should develop new ones. the focus is on defining and managing your priorities, rather than listing them and letting them manage you. this book is a must read for everyone, whether you think you need it or not.
18. the one minute manager
A legacy classic, The One Minute Manager is a guide for anyone looking for easy-to-master techniques in managerial productivity, efficiency, and time management. It covers everything from goal setting and practical leadership to praise and reprimands. Ken Blanchard even revised the book to address the struggle of the modern manager in today’s business landscape. the new edition covers the digital revolution, the multigenerational workforce, and evolving consumerism.
19. the 4-hour work week: get away from 9 to 5, live anywhere and join the nouveaux riches
Although it’s only 100 pages long, the 4-Hour Workweek is packed with tips on how to cut 50 percent of your workload, work fewer hours, and make more money. Tim Ferriss’ advice is based on Vilfredo Pareto’s 80/20 rule: You complete 80% of your most valuable work in 20% of your working hours.
20. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating And Get More Done In Less Time
eat that frog! by brian tracy is a classic that experienced managers often give to new managers. It remains one of the best-selling books on time management. The book offers 21 practical ways to minimize procrastination and complete your most important tasks quickly.
bonus: an alternative to time management books: podcasts
It’s true that sitting down to read is a great investment of your time, even if you’re reading one of these time management books. when you’re on the go, a podcast may be more appropriate.
the tim ferriss show
tim ferriss, the author of the 4 hour work week, has a long running and very successful podcast. covers a wide variety of topics, focused on business and lifestyle, to help you be your best and most productive self.
happier with gretchen rubin
gretchen rubin started her podcast as a way to help people focus on being happy. Her acclaimed program has since become an essential self-help tool for entrepreneurs and anyone else seeking a productive and meaningful life.
kimbo: a seth godin podcast
The word akimbo means to bend, but it has become a symbol of strength and possibility. In his podcast, Seth Godin explores how we can apply this concept to culture for the better. the podcast worth listening to if you’re interested in modern business, including insights on productivity.
productivity paradox
the productivity paradox is one of the few podcasts dedicated exclusively to time management, productivity, and focusing life on personal priorities. Tonya Dalton is an author and productivity expert who connects personal discovery with success.
Even the best time management books and podcasts can only help you create a lot of time. Often the solution to freeing up your time is to delegate. With a virtual assistant, you can delegate any task you don’t have time to do yourself. Receive a 10 percent discount on virtual assistant services from myva360 when you schedule a consultation today.
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