This Blog contains affiliate links, If you purchase any of the books below I may receive a small amount of commission from the purchase.
5 Productivity Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read!
Running a business is an exciting but demanding journey. Between managing clients, growing your team, and chasing new opportunities, productivity can feel like a constant uphill battle. The right book, however, can shift your perspective and help you find strategies to work smarter rather than harder. Here are five of the best-selling productivity books every entrepreneur should have on their reading list.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
James Clear’s Atomic Habits has become a global bestseller, and for good reason. Clear explains how small, consistent improvements compound into remarkable results over time. For entrepreneurs, the lessons are invaluable: build habits that stick, eliminate those that hold you back, and design an environment that makes success easier. It’s practical, accessible, and packed with strategies you can put into action immediately.
2. The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
At its core, The One Thing asks one powerful question: What’s the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary? For busy entrepreneurs, this book is a reminder that not everything on your to-do list is equally important. By focusing on your most impactful task, you’ll avoid spreading yourself too thin and create real momentum in your business.
3. Deep Work by Cal Newport
In an age of constant notifications and distractions, Cal Newport’s Deep Work argues that the ability to focus deeply is becoming rare—and therefore incredibly valuable. Newport shares strategies for cultivating intense concentration, cutting out digital noise, and producing high-quality results in less time. Entrepreneurs who master “deep work” often find they can achieve far more while actually working fewer hours.
4. Getting Things Done by David Allen
David Allen’s Getting Things Done, often referred to as GTD, is a productivity classic. Allen introduces a five-step system—capture, clarify, organise, reflect, and engage—that helps clear your mind and structure your work. For entrepreneurs, GTD can transform overwhelming projects into manageable actions, bringing calm and clarity to even the busiest days.
5. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Greg McKeown’s Essentialism is all about cutting through the noise. The book encourages readers to eliminate the “trivial many” in order to focus on the “vital few”. For entrepreneurs constantly juggling multiple opportunities, this is a refreshing reminder that doing less—when done with intent—often leads to greater impact and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about getting the right things done. Each of these books offers a slightly different perspective, from building habits and prioritising tasks, to working deeply and focusing on what truly matters. Whether you’re just starting out or running a growing business, these reads can help you work smarter, reduce stress, and move your entrepreneurial journey forward.
References
- Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits. Penguin Random House.
- Keller, G. & Papasan, J. (2013). The One Thing. Bard Press.
- Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work. Piatkus.
- Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done. Penguin.
- McKeown, G. (2014). Essentialism. Crown Publishing.
Which of these books have you read, and which one is next on your list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Add comment
Comments