Well-known books like Atomic Habits or Deep Work are ideal for boosting productivity. But there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known productivity books that offer fresh perspectives and practical strategies. These hidden gems can help you work smarter, not harder. Here are five underrated productivity books that deserve a place on your reading list.
Ready to take your productivity to the next level? Schedule a Discovery Call.
1. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
This book is among the top productivity books for professionals. It offers a lifeline if constant distractions like emails and notifications hijack your day. Written by former Google designers, Make Time provides simple, actionable strategies to help you reclaim your focus.
Key Takeaway: The “Highlight of the Day” strategy encourages you to identify one key task that matters most and make it non-negotiable.
Why It’s Valuable: It simplifies productivity by helping you prioritize what truly matters in a distraction-filled world.
2. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Most of us equate productivity with working harder and longer, but Pang challenges this notion. He explores how deliberate rest and downtime can make you more effective and creative. That’s what makes Get More Done When You Work Less one of the best books for work efficiency.
Key Takeaway: Scheduling deliberate rest, such as a walk, time outdoors, or even boredom, can help your mind recharge and foster creativity.
Why It’s Valuable: If you’re feeling burnt out, this book can help you rethink your relationship with work and rest.
3. The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey spent years testing countless productivity hacks, and this book distills his findings into a practical guide. From time management to energy optimization, it is packed with actionable advice that is easy to implement. The Productivity Project is one of the hidden gem productivity books you can’t miss out on reading.
Key Takeaway: Small, consistent changes in managing time and energy can improve productivity.
Why It’s Valuable: The fun, conversational tone makes it an enjoyable and quick read, perfect for busy professionals.
4. Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
This follow-up to The Productivity Project dives into the science of attention and how to harness it for better results. Bailey outlines two modes of thinking:
- Hyperfocus for completing specific tasks.
- Scatterfocus for brainstorming and creative problem-solving.
Key Takeaway: Learning when to switch between these modes can help you balance productivity and creativity.
Why It’s Valuable: If you struggle to maintain focus or want to unlock creative thinking, this is one of the best productivity books for professionals offering practical insights.
Read More: 5 Books Every B2B Marketer Should Read
5. Do More Better by Tim Challies
Do More Better is an excellent choice for readers looking for a simple, structured system to manage their time and tasks. Challies focuses on aligning your productivity with your values and life goals.
Key Takeaway: Productivity isn’t just about work. It is about creating a system that helps you balance personal priorities with professional responsibilities.
Why It’s Valuable: This is one of the best books for work efficiency. It’s perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by work or struggling to balance personal and professional life.
How to Get Started
Pick one of these hidden gem productivity books and implement just a single strategy. Whether carving out your “Highlight of the Day” or scheduling deliberate rest, even small changes can greatly impact your productivity.
These underrated productivity books offer practical, actionable ideas beyond the basics. Dive in, and you might discover a new perspective that transforms your work approach.
Additional Resources
→ My Lead Generation Reading List
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
The Art and Business of Writing by Nicolas Cole
Founder Brand by Dave Gerhardt
Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross & Marylou Tyler
The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon & Brent Adamson
→ My Sales & Marketing Stack
Notion (Productivity)
