If you’re looking to improve your time management skills, there’s a whole host of different resources available. Here’s a closer look at 7 of the more influential and effective books on the topic.
7 Books On Time Management That Make All The Difference
In the age of remote working, it can be difficult to deal with a schedule where you feel like you need to be “on” all the time. The simple trick is that you don’t have to. Effective time management can help you identify what’s taking up most of your day and eliminate distractions. These 7 books can help you gain the necessary skills to make the right changes to your life:
1) Finish What You Start by Peter Hollins
Finish What You Start, Image Credit – Instagram
This first book focuses on the actual psychology of starting and finishing tasks. One of the biggest reasons why we aren’t able to stick to time blocks and schedules. Being able to finish projects is what helps us develop a sense of accomplishment and productivity in the first place. With this book, you can get a detailed step-by-step breakdown of tricks you can employ today.
2) 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus by Peter Bregman
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Peter Bregman’s ’18 Minutes: Find Your Focus’ centres around the idea of dedicating short, focused bursts of time to maximize productivity. The book teaches you how to manage distractions, set boundaries, and make deliberate choices about where to direct your attention
3) Getting Things Done By David Allen
Getting Things Done, Image Credit – Instagram
In ‘Getting Things Done’, David Allen devises a system that has become essential for working professionals seeking to manage their tasks effectively and straightforwardly. The book covers everything from capturing ideas to maintaining a clear mind free from mental clutter.
4) First Things First by Stephen Covey
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Stephen Covey’s ‘First Things First’ focuses on personal effectiveness. It encourages prioritization that’s based on your values and long-term goals. Covey emphasizes proactive behavior, starting with the end in mind, and finding win-win solutions.
5) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
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The chapters in this book have been lauded as timeless principles that truly focus on personal character development and effectiveness. The book introduces the concept of the “private victory” (self-mastery) before achieving the “public victory” (interpersonal effectiveness). Covey’s seven habits include proactive behaviour, beginning with the end in mind, prioritization, and seeking win-win solutions.
6) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
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Oliver Burkeman takes a more philosophical approach in ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.’ The book acknowledges the finite nature of time and challenges conventional productivity advice. Burkeman encourages deliberate choices and focusing on living a meaningful life
7) Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Make Time, Image Credit – Instagram
‘Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day’ is an entry co-authored by both Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky offers practical strategies for creating dedicated time for important activities. Their approach involves designing daily routines, eliminating distractions, and aligning your time with your priorities.
