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7 books that will help you increase your productivity at work

Be honest: Do you give yourself completely to your work? Or have you begun to feel that it’s harder than ever to maintain a high level of productivity? Before you slip any further or slide into a full-blown case of imposter syndrome, do a little self-help.

The following books address the various obstacles that can slow your progress. From learning the art of delegation to helping you get rid of self-sabotaging habits, these works will push you from a temporary professional plateau to the top. Let yourself reach for the stars again with the wise counsel of these knowledgeable authors.

  1. “The Four Greatest Coaching Conversations: Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes, and Achieving Extraordinary Results,” by Jerry Connor and Karim Hirani.

To develop their approach, Jerry Connor and Karim Hirani combed through endless data points and anecdotal evidence. They concluded that meaningful change requires the ability to sit in the moment and develop relationships, as well as two other key mindsets. I want clients to exceed their expectations, and with this thoughtful work, I can better guide them toward beneficial outcomes.

  1. How to get things done: why women need to stop doing everything to get things done, Erin Falconer

It’s true that Erin Falconer’s book is primarily about society’s ridiculously high expectations of career-oriented women. Nevertheless, How to Get Shit Done contains useful information for any professional who lights the candle at both ends–and in the middle. As I read this guide, I discovered some of my self-sabotaging tendencies, which prompted me to write down a few ways I can start working less to get further ahead in my career. I am now even more convinced that outsourcing and delegation are important paths to true business bliss.

  1. Great at work: the hidden habits of top performers, Morten T. Hansen.

Are superstars in the workplace born or made? Morten Hansen’s book says that many outstanding corporations use some or all of seven specific techniques to get into the winner’s circle, which means that becoming a productivity hero is possible for most of us. He describes what makes a high performer worthy of attention and then offers self-assessment tools to help readers learn how to use their unique abilities.

  1. atomic habits: a simple and proven way to develop good habits and get rid of bad ones, James Clear

Have you ever been embarrassed by bad work habits? Maybe you’re procrastinating. Maybe you haven’t prepared yourself enough. James Clear uses science to show that the problem is not with you per se, but with the system you create. In other words, reversing reckless patterns comes down to establishing new ones. Atomic Habits encourages me to grapple with some weaknesses that I have always considered part of my personality. With a few new tools and ideas, I know I can make permanent changes to increase my productivity and happiness.

  1. Employee experience: create a happy, productive and supported workforce for outstanding personal and business results, Ben Witter.

In corporate environments of yesteryear, new employees were trained and then left to their own devices. Ben Witter argues that today’s employees demand a more personalized experience from their employers as a sign of commitment and loyalty. In his book, The Employee Experience, he provides concrete examples of how managers and supervisors can go hand-in-hand with team members to help them achieve personal and professional success. As part of my year-end plan, I will use some of the tips in this book to ensure my colleagues and clients have a great personal attitude.

  1. Digital Minimalism: Choosing to live purposefully in a noisy world, Cal Newport.

Have you ever experienced the real horror of seeing your smartphone run down to 10 percent? You’ll appreciate Cal Newport’s advice. Throughout his best-selling book, he helps readers stop relying on technology and regain their sense of balance. Yes, it’s hard to put my laptop away at 8 p.m., but I’m determined to switch to a low-key digital mode.

  1. Mind Hacking: How to reprogram your brain to stop thinking, create better habits, and realize your life goals , Jennifer Ferguson.

Were you even awake at 3 a.m., overwhelmed with thoughts, worries, and ideas? A one-time bout of insomnia can be written off as temporary anxiety. But what happens when we live with prolonged mental stress? Using the science of neuroplasticity, Jennifer Ferguson illustrates techniques for redirecting brain activity from toxic perceptions and feelings to more uplifting and confident ones.

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