This one’s a little “off center” for my typical, but it deserves to be highlighted.
David Allen’s Getting Things Done is a book that I’ve heard from more than a few people in my professional circles (I work in tech, shocker) and I always just sort of rolled my eyes and waved my hand and went about my business. But it kept coming up as a recommended read, and I (yes, even I) can only roll my eyes so many times, so I figured I’d take a look.
It’s good. Like, really good.
Here’s why it works: he defines a process and actually, literally, advises you to avoid any specific product. I’ve found that someone who talks to you about a book has more concern for your well-being than anyone trying to sell you a product (obviously there are some misguided, obnoxious, and even toxic people out there - every rule has exceptions).
A fast reader could tear through this book in about a day and then just keep it around for reference. Depending on the edition, it may have a larger or smaller page count, but a lot of that space is filled with justifications, case studies, and anecdotes. Skip that junk and stay laser-focused on the process - that’s where the gold is.
The other win here is that he doesn’t faff about with the usual motivational-speaker garbage. You either need to get things done or you don’t, and you don’t need any help with one of those.
Bottom line: it’s a solid system, the book treats you like an intelligent and functional person, and the only “buy in” request is some basic office supplies.