Figuring out how to get ahead in your career is, more often than not, an overwhelming prospect – not least because it’s difficult to know where to start.
Books are an invaluable tool for exploring the art of self-improvement, so if you’re ready to learn how to own the room, deploy failsafe negotiation tactics, or simply work smarter, we’ve got the perfect read for you. With this list, broken into sections on goal-setting, productivity, success, and confidence, prepare to unlock your potential and excel in the workplace.
Books about goal-setting
If you’re looking for the tools to help you build the right framework for any goal, then this is the book for you. In order to make changes, we need to think small with frequent, tiny tweaks to our daily lives, says behavioural science expert Grace Lordan . This is a rigorously researched and accessible guide to achieving big things, little by little.
Does working smarter, not harder sound like something you need in your life? This blueprint for living more and working less can be applied to everyday jobs, teaching you how to be more hands-off. The perfect read for those stuck in a work rut or not feeling enamoured with their 9-5.
Our obsession with overachievement is a trap, argues successful author and podcaster Emma Gannon. This book is the guide to breaking free. Traditional success is making us lonely, dispirited and unfulfilled, so learn how to efficiently set your own goals and move away from the disappointing trap of comparison.
If you’ve ever felt held back from wanting to learn something new, Josh Kaufman likely has the answers you need. In this book, his unique method will teach how to learn anything — and fast . Whether you want to master a new language, learn a musical instrument, or simply make progress on that big project, The First 20 Hours shows you how to do it.
Self-development coach and ‘Queen of Manifesting’ Roxie Nafousi has distilled the art of manifestation down into 7 easy steps to help you get what you want in life. A fascinating blend of science, philosophy, and self-belief, manifestation is a brilliant way to help you be clear in your vision and find your confidence.
If you’re serious about manifestation, Manifest: Dive Deeper
Books about productivity
By studying the behaviours of famously successful companies and individuals, Charles Duhigg started to work out why some of them began to thrive overnight while others struggled to make changes. The answer? Their habits. In this revolutionary and compelling book, learn how to use habitual change to transform our businesses, communities, and lives.
Entrepreneur Grace Beverley has two industry-leading businesses, a successful podcast, and a global digital reach of just over 1.5 million — all at the age of 26. With this accessible book, she addresses the pressure we face as a result of being told to both be a hustler and practice self-care. Creating your own Productivity Method, she argues, will help you focus on what works for you and allow you to prioritise your own wellbeing at the same time.
Do you self-sabotage? Is it hard for you to control your emotions or make sense of yourself? The Chimp Mind Management Model will help you understand the ways in which your mind struggles, and arm you with the tools to change it. Learn from this widely acclaimed and practical programme, based on scientific facts and principles that work with your brain rather than against it.
Bruce Daisley knows a thing or two about the workplace – he’s worked for Twitter, Google, and YouTube and runs the hugely successful podcast Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat – and he’s got some ideas for how to fix it. His 30 simple tips encourage productivity and finding reward in your daily job. Read it first, then recommend it to your boss.
Everyone knows that time is precious, but what can you do when you feel like you’re not getting the best out of yours? Not to worry, two bestselling authors and ex-Google employees are here to help, with their guide to learning how to prioritise what matters to us and building smart habits that stick to create that happier, healthier, less time-poor life.
