1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge.
Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps.
2. Getting Things Done by David Allen
If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax.
Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists.
3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
Peter Drucker is kind of the original productivity guru — the one all the other “how to work better” people quote. His big idea? Don’t start with your work. Start with your time.
He says to track where your time really goes, then spend it on things that matter and that you’re actually good at. In short: stop being busy for no reason. Be useful instead.
4. The Progress Principle by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer
These two Harvard researchers studied a bunch of work diaries to find out what makes people feel good at their jobs. The answer wasn’t money or pressure — it was progress.
Even tiny wins make people happier and more motivated. The sad part? Most bosses forget that and think stress is a great motivator. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Progress beats panic every time.
5. Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
You know that awesome feeling when you’re so into something — a game, a song, or a drawing — that you lose track of time? That’s what this book is about. It’s called “flow.”
The author says this feeling makes life more fun and meaningful. The tricky part is, the more you try to explain flow, the harder it is to pin down. It’s like trying to grab water with your hands — easy to feel, hard to hold.
Looking for direction in the chaos? Finding My Purpose: A Soul Searching Workbook by Ruby Galvez is your gentle yet powerful companion on the path to clarity. Through reflective exercises, thought-provoking prompts, and practical steps, it helps you honor your past, uncover your deepest desires, and design a life aligned with your true self. If you’re ready to move from confusion to confidence, this workbook is for you.
Check it out on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Purpose-Searching-Workbook/dp/B0D3LX41GP/