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neural_lauren_unreal's review
3.0
The productivity book to end all productivity books. Too dry. Way too fucking dry.
matthewjackson's review against another edition
5.0
Usually it's quite difficult to break through the noise that is self-help/productivity books. There's a lot of noise out there. This is one that stands out for me.
I actually have a hard copy on my shelf, which is rare. I only keep those books I know that I will return to and what Caroline Webb has done has created a manual that I have and will continue to reference.
Informative, research-based, well thought-out and an enjoyable read. Lots of little tips and tricks based on facts. It is grand!
I actually have a hard copy on my shelf, which is rare. I only keep those books I know that I will return to and what Caroline Webb has done has created a manual that I have and will continue to reference.
Informative, research-based, well thought-out and an enjoyable read. Lots of little tips and tricks based on facts. It is grand!
gavmor's review
2.0
I give it a second star for not overtly promoting violence, but I felt depressed while reading this pedestrian rehashing of painfully mainstream ideas — competitive advantage, decision fatigue, prioritizing tasks etc. — into sycophantic productivity hacks for an ambiguously broad category of white collar thought-worker.
lizburny's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this would be v bad, but I really enjoyed it. It’s basically CBT and mindfulness applied to your workday.
victorfrank's review
5.0
This book should be called “how to be an effective adult.” Although nominally it’s about how to have a good day at work, it covers a whole lot more. The book revolves around three themes:
1. The brain’s activity is split across System 1 (deliberate and controlled) and System 2 (automatic and instinctive).
2. The discover-defend axis: Our brains function best when it’s in discovery mode instead of defending against perceived threats.
3. Mind and body are deeply entwined. Simple physical interventions can immediately boost our intellectual performance, emotional resilience, and personal confidence.
Webb then applies these themes to seven main areas: Priorities, Productivity, Relationships, Thinking, Influence, Resilience, and Energy. For each of these, she gives practical, scientifically-sound principles that I’m sure have been tested up and down the halls of her famously meticulous consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
For example, to boost your energy, do these six things: think about three good things; engage in random kindness; find something interesting; give yourself a quick win; make time for human connection; find the personal purpose; and smile. To beat back procrastination, use implementation intentions, e.g. “When I first sit at my desk, I will write for 15min.” Intrinsic motivation works better than extrinsic motivation, so find your inner why. Boost your brainpower by scheduling blocks of deep thinking time, engineering your environment, prioritizing your sleep (HUGE!) and doing a short burst of aerobic exercise.
This one book is more like a summary of 12 books on productivity and self-management, boiled down to their most useful essence and presented in a highly structured, user-friendly package. Each chapter has a one-page summary, and there are three appendices at the end for mastering meetings, email, and reinvigorating your routine.
This is a superb guide and reference for getting life right. 10/10
-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil., Happiness Engineer and author of [b: The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible|33977456|The Tao of Dating The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible|Ali Binazir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485248157s/33977456.jpg|13580088], the highest-rated dating book on Amazon for 4 years, and [b: Should I Go to Medical School?: An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine|34099644|Should I Go to Medical School An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine|Ali Binazir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486004834s/34099644.jpg|55119946]
1. The brain’s activity is split across System 1 (deliberate and controlled) and System 2 (automatic and instinctive).
2. The discover-defend axis: Our brains function best when it’s in discovery mode instead of defending against perceived threats.
3. Mind and body are deeply entwined. Simple physical interventions can immediately boost our intellectual performance, emotional resilience, and personal confidence.
Webb then applies these themes to seven main areas: Priorities, Productivity, Relationships, Thinking, Influence, Resilience, and Energy. For each of these, she gives practical, scientifically-sound principles that I’m sure have been tested up and down the halls of her famously meticulous consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
For example, to boost your energy, do these six things: think about three good things; engage in random kindness; find something interesting; give yourself a quick win; make time for human connection; find the personal purpose; and smile. To beat back procrastination, use implementation intentions, e.g. “When I first sit at my desk, I will write for 15min.” Intrinsic motivation works better than extrinsic motivation, so find your inner why. Boost your brainpower by scheduling blocks of deep thinking time, engineering your environment, prioritizing your sleep (HUGE!) and doing a short burst of aerobic exercise.
This one book is more like a summary of 12 books on productivity and self-management, boiled down to their most useful essence and presented in a highly structured, user-friendly package. Each chapter has a one-page summary, and there are three appendices at the end for mastering meetings, email, and reinvigorating your routine.
This is a superb guide and reference for getting life right. 10/10
-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil., Happiness Engineer and author of [b: The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible|33977456|The Tao of Dating The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible|Ali Binazir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485248157s/33977456.jpg|13580088], the highest-rated dating book on Amazon for 4 years, and [b: Should I Go to Medical School?: An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine|34099644|Should I Go to Medical School An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine|Ali Binazir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486004834s/34099644.jpg|55119946]
jaclynday's review
3.0
Enjoyed this, but found it repetitive of several other similar books in the genre. I liked the recaps at the close of each chapter. Most of my issues with it stem from the fact that it feels bloated--like an overlong blog post.