Favorite Productivity Books, Podcasts, & Blogs – TPW043

Productivity is a tool, not a goal. We want to manage our time and organize our lives better in order to have the time to make a life that matters. Productivity is not a one-time-do-it-and-done thing, but a process of growth and improvement over time. In this episode I’ll share some of my favorite resources for learning how to be more productive.

Resources for Learning to be More Productive

I’ve been a student of productivity since long before I launched The Productive Woman. I enjoy learning about ways to improve my systems and discovering new tools. For me, it’s about finding ways to make my life better and more effective. Every time I read a good book or blog or listen to a new podcast episode, I find new knowledge, motivation, and inspiration that helps me on my quest to make a life that matters.

Top 5 Favorite Books on Productivity

These are some of the books that have been so influential in my thinking about managing my time, my stuff, my life.

1. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (Listen to author David Allen talk about the background and changes in this new edition on episode 86 of Beyond the To Do List.)
2. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (I talked about the lessons I’ve learned from this book in episode 32).
3. David Sparks’ Field Guides: Paperless and Email.
4. Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results
5. The Life Organizer: A Woman’s Guide to a Mindful Year

Favorite Productivity Podcasts and/or Blogs

There are countless blogs and podcasts focused on productivity related topics, but these are some of the ones I learn the most from.

*  Beyond the To Do List, hosted by Erik Fisher (I was recently encouraged by his conversation with John Michael Morgan about “Mindset, Self-Sabotage and the Grind“)

*  Simple Life Together, hosted by Dan & Vanessa Hayes (check out my conversation with Vanessa)

*  Working Motherhood, hosted by Dr. Portia Jackson

*  Lifehack – a blog comprised of short, practical articles contributed by writers from all walks of like (including a few by me) in categories like productivity, communication, money, work, tech, and more

Recently enjoyed this article: “Back to Basics: Your Weekly Review“

*  Zen Habits – Leo Babauta’s inspiring blog on topics like simplicity, health and fitness, motivation, goals, and more

I loved this recent article: “Feeling Determined to Change“

*  Time Management Ninja – Craig Jarrow’s blog focuses on very practical articles about time management, productivity, clutter, and more

Found some motivation in this article: “Choose Which Tasks You Will Drop Today“

Productivity Books that are Next on My TBR (to be read) Pile

These are books that have been recommended by people I respect, and I look forward to reading them soon.

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Addicted to Busy: Recovery for the Rushed Soul

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

What do you think?

What did I miss? Do you have a favorite resource–a book or podcast or blog or other source that you recommend for learning to be more productive? Please share your suggestions in the comments below.

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