Four Thousand Weeks
by Oliver Burkeman
Burkeman's argument is that you will never get on top of everything, that productivity culture promises an impossible control, and that a finite life is better spent choosing what to neglect. It is philosophical, funny and oddly freeing. The practical chapters at the end are short but good.
Read it if…
you have read every productivity book and still feel behind.
Skip it if…
you want a system; this book is an argument against the belief that a system will save you.
Three things you will actually use
- Pay yourself first with time, not just money.
- Limit work in progress to three things.
- Decide in advance what to fail at.
Do this first
Write down three things you are going to consciously neglect this month.
Our verdict
The most thoughtful anti-productivity book; a relief for the over-optimized.
Compare with other Time books
Make Time
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky · Time
Friendly, modular and easy to start; a good first productivity system.
CLICK TO SEE
First Things First
Stephen R. Covey · Time
Thorough and principled; the weekly planning method is the keeper.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Time book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.