Best Books About Time Management: 11 Books To Read

Are you someone who continually struggles with time management? Wherever you’re at in your life journey, there’s always room for improvement. If you’re looking around for the best books about time management, you’ve come to the right place.

Time management may be easy for some individuals, but challenging for many people these days.

UPDATED: JANUARY 1, 2023

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Best books about time management: This post is a list of my book recommendations for the new year.

Best books about time management: Which ones to read?

Some of the books are instant classics, while others aren’t as well-known. Regardless of the type of book, they’re still relevant in today’s world. I have read some of these books, but I plan on reading the ones I haven’t gotten to yet. There are 11 books to check out if you’re interested.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the list below. 

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (David Allen)

Known as “The Bible of business and personal productivity,” Getting Things Done (GTD) is one of the most well-known books on productivity. Allen’s book contains several approaches to organizational and personal productivity that can help anyone improve their focus. These are approaches that anyone can quickly implement into their daily routines. This book is one of my favorites on time management.

Getting Things Done overview: Getting Things Done is a well-known book on time management. David Allen is recognized for the work he has done.

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret To Success By Achieving More With Less (Richard Koch)

This book is one of the most relevant topics in the world of entrepreneurship. If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re likely familiar with the 80/20 principle (or the Pareto principle). The idea behind this is that 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts individuals put in. The end goal is to achieve more while working less and looking over the things that matter the most. It’s a great principle that helps increase our effectiveness, improve our careers and personal goals.

The 80 20 Principle Book: This book goes over the Pareto principle more in details.

The Pomodoro Technique: The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work (Francesco Cirillo)

This book goes over one of the most popular time management techniques. While in college, Cirillo developed a method that significantly increased his productivity. Using a tomato-shaped timer, he divided his time into 25-minute time blocks, followed by 5-minute breaks. After doing it multiple times, it would be followed by a more extended break afterward. The Pomodoro technique is a method I often use to break down my work tasks efficiently.

The Pomodoro Technique: This picture is the book cover by Cirillo.

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done In 12 Weeks Than Others Do In 12 Months (Brian Moran & Michael Lennington)

Most companies and organizations lay out their goals and strategies on an annual basis. Instead of a 12-month plan, this book gives out a 12-week program to get more done. The authors give details on avoiding common pitfalls and emphasize what matters most to get the best results possible. With the 12-week year, there is a sense of urgency to get more done while bringing in better outcomes for 12 weeks. This book is also one of my favorites, and the approach I use to plan out my personal/business goals each quarter.

The 12 Week Year: This book lays out a plan to set goals in a 12-week period over a 12-month period.

Deep Work: Rules For Focused Success In A Distracted World (Cal Newport)

In the modern era of constant distractions, more people are not able to focus for long periods. If you’re not familiar with deep work, it’s the ability to focus on work tasks without distractions. Deep work is a skill that’s become rare and difficult to master these days. Newport’s book goes over some tips to learn the concept of deep work- a must-read if you want to master a valuable life skill.

Deep Work: This book primarily discusses focus and how it's implemented to deep work.

Free To Focus: A Total Productivity System To Achieve More By Doing Less (Michael Hyatt)

Most people think that productivity is all about getting things done faster. But Hyatt argues that productivity is about getting things done the right way. This book goes over a system that helps individuals achieve what matters the most. This system is the main focus of the book to redefine work.

Free To Focus: Staying focus is a different concept in this book. Michael Hyatt goes over this in great details.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business (Charles Duhigg)

This book discusses why habits exist and how they can be changed. It dives into a deep understanding of human nature and the science of how and why practices change. An instant classic that shows how changing our habits can improve our lives. It’s also one of my favorites and a highly recommended book to read.

The Power Of Habit: This book is a classic on building great habits.

The Myth Of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done (Dave Crenshaw) 

Crenshaw debunks this myth that too many people believe. Multitasking tends to do the exact opposite of being productive. Instead, it ends up costing more money and time, while being far less efficient than people think. Crenshaw does justice to this massive myth in this well-written book.

Why is multitasking bad? Dave Crenshaw's book on multitasking is a great read for best practices.

The Time Chunking Method: A 10-Step Action Plan For Increasing Your 

Productivity (Damon Zahariades)

If you’re struggling to manage your time efficiently, the time chunking method may be the best approach for you. You’ll go over the basics of using the technique. Also, you’ll learn how to modify the method to complement your workflow. Overall, it’s a neat method to help achieve your personal and professional goals in life.

The Time Chunking Method: Working in time chunks is an effective approach to working productively.

No B.S. Time Management For Entrepreneurs (Dan S. Kennedy) 

This book is best suited for entrepreneurs and managers who end up wearing many hats. In Kennedy’s book, it gets straight to the point on what entrepreneurs need to know to be successful. The main point is that your time is precious, and you are always “running out of it.” This book also lays out some of the best time management techniques and how to accurately measure the value of your time.

No BS Time Management For Entrepreneurs: This book is a straight-forward approach to time management- by Dan Kennedy.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join The New Rich (Tim Ferriss)

This book has been around for over a decade now, written by one of the most well-known entrepreneurs and time management experts. Ferriss discusses how to work less while having more free time on hand. The goal is to leave the traditional route of life while living a more fulfilling one, and Ferriss breaks it down nicely in this book. If you follow the steps and take action, you’ll better equip yourself for success down the road.

The 4 Hour Workweek: A classic book written by Tim Ferriss. A book worth reading about for having a great work-life balance.

Final Words

Whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur, time management is vital to overcome these days. As I’ve mentioned before, time is your most valuable asset. It can be your friend or worst enemy- once you use it, you can’t replace it or make it up. 

I highly encourage you to check out these books. Feel free to order one, some, or all of them.

Sign up today to start a free trial and look into any one of these books. 

Your Turn: Which of the books do you like from the list?

What do you think of the list? Are there any on the list that you’ve read before? Which books do you find the most exciting and likely want to read?

Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. I look forward to reading your thoughts, and I’ll gladly respond promptly.

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Eric is the owner and chief editor of notimekillers.com. 

He takes great pride in helping people manage their time and grow their businesses. 

Eric is a firm believer in financial and time freedom, as he believes in financial independence and taking ownership of your time. 

“Time is your most important asset. It can be your best friend or worst enemy. How you use your time can shape the future you desire to have.” 

In his leisure time, Eric loves to write and read whenever possible. He enjoys going for long walks outdoors while doing in-home workout videos every week. 

You can also connect with Eric via LinkedIn.

Self Photo 2019: Here's a picture at a building in downtown Chicago.

6 thoughts on “Best Books About Time Management: 11 Books To Read”

  1. Hello Eric,

    I’ve been thinking about this question lately: How do you manage your time? Do you have a system or are you just winging it?

    I’ve always thought that I was pretty good at managing my time. But then, I started googling until I reach here to this post.  I felt from the beginning that there were some areas in which I needed to improve.

    I think that the best books about time management are those that are written by experts in the field. They have spent years researching and implementing time management techniques, so they know what works and what doesn’t.

    Overall, this is a great list of books that I am adding to my reading list. It will be interesting to see how these books compare to one another.

    we will keep it in my Kindle device! Have a good day.

    Reply
    • Hi Safia,

      What’s interesting is whether people follow a system (or systems) to managing their time. I happen to think that’s a great approach to effective time management, and it can be very helpful.

      From the list laid out earlier, these are some of the best books to managing time. I myself have not read all of them, but eventually, I’ll get to reading all of the books.

      You’re right to point out the best people to reach out are the experts in this subject matter. There’s something unique about looking up to people who know much more about something than we do.

      The individuals who have spent time doing it themselves do know what works best or not. So from reading these books, it give that trust factor in those who have been there before.

      Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It’s great to know you will save them to read on later. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

      Reply
  2. Hi Eric,

    Thanks for pulling these great titles together under one post – as someone who regular struggles with time management the list is really helpful.

    I have read some extracts from “The Myth of Multitasking” by Dave Crenshaw before and have intended to buy that book for a while now. My understanding is that Dave tells people that it’s more efficient to focus on a single task at a time, perform it well and then move on to the next.

    It’s a simple and effective idea, but I know I need lots more practice to really benefit fully – in fact as I’m writing this comment, I’m looking at my email at the same time!!

    I also like the sound of the “12 Week Year” book as that’s a very interesting concept and I would like to learn more about that.

    Thanks and best wishes

    John.

     

    Reply
    • Hi John,

      The idea of putting together a list of the best books on time management can be beneficial. Especially for those who struggle with time management, it can help them immensely.

      Yes, The Myth of Multitasking is a great one to read. As you just did recently, checking your email while reading this post is a common one of that. What Crenshaw emphasizes in his book is it can slow us down more than we think.

      It’s certainly a skill to learn and practice more often. If you’re interested in learning more about it, check out a recent post I did about Crenshaw’s book in particular.

      The 12 Week Year is another great book to read. I have not done a review of that book yet. But if you want to learn more about it, check out the book listing to see if it suits your interests.

      Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It sounds like you’re interested in improving your time management skills. 

      All the best to you- your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

      Reply
  3. Eric, thank you so much for putting together this post.  I needed some suggestions on time management books and it looks like you have done the research for me.  

    I love the one that talks about habits.  I feel that is such an effective way of increasing productivity.  It does not take too long to make a new habit, I think around 21 days, but the rewards are great.  

    Productivity habits are a great way to stay on track whether working for yourself or for a boss.  Also, you say this book gets technical and I enjoy reading about the science behind our behaviors!

    I will also be checking out Ferriss’s 4 Hour Workweek, as this is the second time I have had someone recommend the book to me.   Must mean there is some good information in there.  

    Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Hi Ashley,

      There are plenty of books to read about time management out there. But for this post, I wanted to condense the best ones to check out in 2022.

      Yes, The Power Of Habit is an excellent read and one that helps people a lot. It’s been a while since I last read it, but there are plenty of psychological factors that go into building habits.

      The 4 Hour Workweek By Ferriss is definitely one to check out. It may sound easy, but the information laid out in the book is practical if done correctly. If you’re interested in reading the book, share your thoughts once you read through it. I’d love to know what you thought about it.

      Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts, and the books that you found most interesting. They’re very much appreciated.

      Reply

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