Time is the one resource that is both limited and particular to each of us. We all have the same amount of time available. Our fate is determined by what we do with that time. The key that unlocks the door to success and progress is productivity. The word "productivity" isn't typically paired with patience, though. One must keep in mind that, just as a tree cannot grow in an hour, you also require adequate time to develop yourself.
As renowned life and business strategist Tony Robbins says, “Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and they underestimate what they can do in two or three decades.” Bangladeshi youth can learn to become more productive if they give ample time to their work and life.
In this case, books will expedite a young professional's learning curve by bringing various perspectives, strategies, and tactics. Young professionals wishing to advance their lives and careers may want to have a look at the top books listed below.
‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones’ by James Clear: 'Atomic Habits' is one of the most well-written books on the subject of habit building. James Clear recognised that without a process, it is difficult to achieve any durable goal. And all that procedure is a habit. Youths can start with ‘Atomic Habits’ because the lessons they can acquire will be useful for the tasks they will have to complete in the upcoming months or implementing the learning from other books.
'168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think' by Laura Vanderkam: Reading a book about time management during the shortest month of February is appropriate. Laura Vanderkam provides a framework that can help you free up more time for doing what you care about more.
'The Power of Story: Change Your Story, Change Your Destiny' by Jim Loehr: "Your story is your life," said Jim Loehr. Jim Loehr provides a framework to develop life stories for many elements of your life in this short but well-written book. This book includes a chapter that assists you in identifying and defining your ultimate goal. The book then instructs you on how to develop stories you can use to further your final goal.
'The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play' by Neil Fiore: Neil Fiore provides a plan to overcome one's habit of procrastination. This book gives readers the tools to pinpoint the source of one's procrastination issues and address them. Then, Neil Fiore offers more resources with which one may address his or her problems and begin to move forward.
'The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results' by Gary Keller: Gary Keller argues that people work on too many things at the same time. And he's right. Even when it comes to new year's resolutions, people tend to make so many that they overwhelm themselves. On the basis, Keller suggests that if we concentrate on only one item at a time, we would accomplish more.
'Getting Things Done: How to Achieve Stress-free Productivity' by David Allen: 'Getting Things Done' is not a simple book. Even going through the book requires a level of self-discipline. However, it provides a customizable framework to meet your needs. Following the system, you get to bring all your trackers under one umbrella.
The first six books readers can expect ways to build sustainable habits, time management, creating a life story and purpose, getting rid of procrastination, the power of focus, a comprehensive system for getting things done. These will likely give a person a system and change him or her as a person to be a highly productive person.
The next six books will build on the system by allowing a young professional to level up. Let's dive into the next six books.
'The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right' by Atul Gawande: 'The Checklist Manifesto' may come off as being overly simplistic after a book with a complicated approach. The checklist, however, offers a number of advantages and occasionally even outperforms other manufacturing methods. This book will alter the reader's perspective on checklists.
'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey: This book is a productivity treasure as well as a manual for executives. The strategies of Stephen Covey provide you with a perspective on life and work. The popularity of this book has led to the creation of related courses.
'The Power of Full Engagement' by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz: According to Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz's research on athletes and high achievers, these individuals operate at their peak levels when specific components of their bodies and lives are being properly regulated. This book offers both a concrete strategy for increasing productivity and a means to stay energised and focused.
'Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World' by Cal Newport: Considered one of the best books on productivity, this book is an actionable guide that shows how people can train themselves to focus even when they are dealing with tempting distractions. Additionally, the book shares tips on efficient ways of working and the benefits of a consistent work ethic.
'What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings-and Life' by Laura Vanderkam: A very enjoyable read with useful information, Laura Vanderkam's book shows how to handle morning routines like a boss. Young professionals may realise by now that morning gives one an uninterrupted personal time. The sooner one can create a set of morning routines and rituals for oneself, the better off one will be.
'Time Warrior: How to defeat procrastination, people-pleasing, self-doubt, over-commitment, broken promises, and chaos' by Steve Chandler: In his book, Stevele Chandler discusses "non-linear time management." When we examine what needs to be done, our brain has a tendency to think in a linear fashion about the future. This book shatters that mould and rewires the way you approach productivity and managing your time.
Becoming a better self is a journey. A well-planned journey over a year is a good enough plan to drastically improve a person. These books give a person all the tools needed to do that as well. There is no need to recreate the wheel because of these great authors and researchers.
The writer is working as the strategic insights lead at a leading multinational company in Bangladesh. He obtained his MBA from INSEAD business school.
mofrad.muntasir@gmail.com