![A close-up of an e-reader displaying the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, set against the backdrop of a leafy plant](/content/images/size/w1384/2024/07/alexandra-desk-setup-kindle-01.jpg)
11 Books on How to Improve Your Productivity While Working from Home
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Working from home can be a game-changer for productivity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From endless distractions to struggling with focus, it’s easy to see why many remote workers feel unproductive and lost from time to time.
Thankfully, there are some reads out there to help you boost your productivity and make the most of your WFH setup.
1. “Deep Work” by Cal Newport
- What it’s about: Newport teaches the art of focusing deeply on important tasks without getting distracted. It's all about making the most of your brainpower.
- Perfect for: Anyone who struggles to concentrate and wants to get more done.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer flexible, less structured work approaches.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/deepwork.jpeg)
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
In this book, Cal Newport, a New York Times bestselling author, teaches you how to master the rare and valuable skill of intense focus. Newport outlines four key rules — Work Deeply, Embrace Boredom, Quit Social Media, and Drain the Shallows — to help you transform your habits and achieve exceptional results. Blending cultural critique with practical advice, the book uses examples from great thinkers like Carl Jung and modern tech pioneers to illustrate the transformative power of deep work in our busy, distraction-filled world.
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- What it’s about: This book offers easy-to-follow strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. Clear’s advice is all about making small changes that add up.
- Perfect for: People looking to make small, effective changes to improve their routines.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re not a fan of step-by-step guides.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/atomic-habits.jpg)
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear
A phenomenal international bestseller that reveals how tiny changes in behavior can transform your life. Clear, a world-renowned habits expert, explains how the compound effect of small decisions — like doing two push-ups a day or waking up five minutes earlier — can lead to significant, life-altering outcomes. In this groundbreaking book, he introduces concepts like Habit Stacking, the Two Minute Rule, and the Goldilocks Zone, supported by cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience. With inspiring stories from Olympic gold medalists, CEOs, and scientists, “Atomic Habits” provides a practical guide to revolutionise your career, relationships, and life.
3. “Feel Good Productivity” by Ali Abdaal
- What it’s about: A former doctor turned YouTuber, Abdaal combines productivity techniques with well-being strategies to help you stay productive while maintaining a positive mindset. It's about finding joy in your work.
- Perfect for: Those looking to balance productivity with mental health and well-being.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more rigid and traditional approach to productivity.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/abdaal.jpg)
Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
In his book, Ali Abdaal shares his insights on how to stay productive while also feeling good about your work. The book covers various techniques to manage your time, build effective habits, and keep your mental health in check. Abdaal’s approach is practical, relatable, and backed by his own experiences as a successful content creator and medical professional. This book is perfect for remote workers looking to improve their productivity without sacrificing their happiness and well-being.
4. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss
- What it’s about: Ferriss shows you how to streamline tasks and automate routines to save time and boost efficiency. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
- Perfect for: Entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to optimise their work.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re in a traditional corporate job with less flexibility.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/4hour.jpg)
The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
Timothy Ferriss shows you how to escape the 9-5 grind and live life on your own terms. This updated edition of the New York Times bestseller is packed with tips on outsourcing your tasks, travelling the world, and boosting your income while slashing your work hours. Ferriss shares his own story of going from 80-hour workweeks to just 4 hours, earning the same amount each month. With real-world templates and practical advice, this book is your blueprint for living more and working less, even in unpredictable economic times.
5. “Getting Things Done” by David Allen
- What it’s about: Known as GTD, Allen’s method helps you manage tasks and projects effectively. It’s a system to keep everything organised and under control.
- Perfect for: Those who need a solid system to keep their work and life in order.
- Might not be your thing if: You find detailed systems overwhelming.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/gtd.jpg)
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-free Productivity by David Allen
David Allen delivers a masterclass in personal and professional organisation. This updated edition of the bestselling classic offers fresh insights and practical tips for the modern workplace. Allen’s methods, known as GTD,'have revolutionised the way people approach tasks, making productivity less stressful and more efficient. Whether you’re an existing fan or new to the concept, this book provides essential tools to help you get organised and stay on top of your game.
6. “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
- What it’s about: This book focuses on identifying the most important task to tackle each day. It’s about doing less but achieving more.
- Perfect for: Anyone who needs help figuring out what to focus on.
- Might not be your thing if: You enjoy juggling multiple tasks at once.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/71yH0kYhRQL._SL1500_.jpg)
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
Feeling overwhelmed by distractions and struggling to focus on what really matters? This insightful book helps you zero in on the most important task at any given moment. Aimed particularly at business professionals, it offers practical advice on building success habits, managing time effectively, and boosting productivity by addressing the common obstacles and distractions that hinder progress. With clear, straightforward guidance, it shows how concentrating on fewer tasks can lead to more significant achievements, reducing stress and increasing motivation along the way.
7. “Make Time” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
- What it’s about: Knapp and Zeratsky offer a practical approach to making time for what matters most. Their tips help you stay focused without feeling swamped.
- Perfect for: Those who feel constantly busy and need help prioritising.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for more in-depth psychological theories.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/maketime.jpg)
Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, the brains behind Google Ventures’ “design sprint,” share their secrets for reclaiming your day from constant busyness and distractions. Instead of cramming your schedule or swearing off social media, they offer a flexible framework with practical tips to help you focus on what truly matters. Drawing from their experience with tech giants and personal experiments, they present a four-step plan to help you design your day, optimize your energy, and regain control over your time. Perfect for anyone who has ever wished for more hours in the day, this book is about making small, impactful changes to live more intentionally.
8. “Eat That Frog!” by Brian Tracy
- What it’s about: Tracy’s advice is simple: tackle your toughest task first thing in the morning. That’s the surest way around beating procrastination.
- Perfect for: Procrastinators looking for straightforward strategies.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more flexible routine.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/eatthatfrog.jpg)
Eat That Frog!: Get More Of The Important Things Done Today by Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy tackles the age-old problem of procrastination with a straightforward and effective approach. He uses the metaphor of “eating a frog” to represent tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning, ensuring the rest of your day is more productive. Tracy highlights the importance of focusing on the most important tasks rather than trying to do everything. This updated edition includes new strategies for managing technology's impact on your time and offers 21 practical steps to help you stop procrastinating and get the important things done today.
9. “The Productivity Project” by Chris Bailey
- What it’s about: Bailey shares what he learned from a year-long productivity experiment. It’s packed with personal stories and practical tips.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy personal anecdotes and practical advice.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer purely theoretical and neutral content without any hint of self-oriented storytelling.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/productivity-project.jpg)
The Productivity Project: Proven Ways to Become More Awesome by Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey shares the results of his year-long quest to find the best ways to boost productivity. After experimenting with numerous techniques — like cutting out caffeine, taking siestas, living in isolation, and working 90-hour weeks — Bailey distilled his findings into practical tips. This engaging guide reveals surprising insights such as striving for imperfection, scheduling less time for tasks, and using the 20-second rule to avoid distractions. Packed with over 30 tested strategies, this book offers a fun and accessible approach to becoming more productive and, ultimately, more awesome.
10. “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
- What it’s about: Duhigg dives into the science behind habits and how you can change them to improve your productivity.
- Perfect for: Anyone curious about the psychology of habits.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a quick-fix solution.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/habit.jpg)
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg delves into the science behind why habits form and how we can change them to improve our lives. This New York Times bestseller, with over 3 million copies sold, weaves together fascinating stories from diverse arenas like Procter & Gamble, the NFL, and the civil rights movement to illustrate the profound impact of habits. Duhigg argues that by understanding and leveraging the mechanisms of habit formation, we can exercise more, lose weight, boost productivity, and achieve greater success. This insightful book offers a fresh perspective on human behaviour and its incredible potential for transformation.
11. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
- What it’s about: This book delves into the two systems of thinking that drive our decisions: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slow, deliberate, and logical system. Kahneman explains how these systems shape our judgments and choices, and how we can leverage this understanding to improve productivity and decision-making.
- Perfect for: Those looking to understand the psychological principles behind decision-making and how to use this knowledge to enhance productivity.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer straightforward, practical tips rather than in-depth psychological analysis.
![](https://www.makerstations.io/content/images/2024/07/thinking.jpg)
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
In this book, Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman offers a groundbreaking exploration of human decision-making. By distilling his life’s work, Kahneman explains that we think in two distinct ways: fast, intuitive thinking and slow, rational thinking. This influential book, which has sold over 10 million copies, reveals how our minds often fall prey to errors, biases, and prejudices, even when we believe we are being logical. Packed with practical techniques to enhance our decision-making, this psychology classic has profoundly changed our understanding of how we think and behave.
Enjoyed our recommendations? Don’t stop here! Check out this handpicked list of books on:
- How to handle burnout
- How to avoid distractions
- How to manage your time
- How to boost your creativity
- How to maintain a work-life balance
- How to keep your mental health in check
- How to develop essential skills for WFH
- How to balance family and work responsibilities
- How to deal with loneliness when working remotely
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