Best Books on Time Management (and the Secrets to Motivation!)

It's such a struggle to get work done, isn't it?

Having worked as a postdoc before becoming a scientific editor, I know that it can be tough to do research (let alone write a paper).

Time management is essential for our work and to achieve work-life balance.

But don't worry, I've got you covered.

I found some books that have helped me manage my time better, and I’d love to share them with you.

Whether you're battling against procrastination, distractions, or just finding it difficult to begin, these books offer tips and insights to help you take charge of your time and reach your goals.

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book is one of my all-time favorites. It teaches its readers about the notion that long-lasting change in one's life can be achieved through a focus on small, consistent habits.

These habits, referred to as "atomic," serve as the fundamental building blocks of behavior and, with a dedicated focus, can result in significant life changes over time.

The book delves into the science of habits and the power they hold, explaining that our brains are wired to form habits as a means of conserving mental energy.

Once a behavior becomes a habit, it requires less mental effort to perform, and this can be leveraged to make positive changes in our lives.

The book outlines four laws of behavior change—”make it obvious”, “make it attractive”, “make it easy”, and “make it”—and provides practical strategies for implementing these laws in forming new habits and breaking old ones.

The author stresses the importance of taking small steps and making gradual changes, rather than attempting a complete life overhaul.

This book is especially relevant for researchers, who are often seeking to balance their demanding work schedules with personal and professional responsibilities. By developing good habits, researchers can optimize their time and increase their productivity, leading to a more fulfilling and successful career.

By making small changes, and implementing the four laws of behavior change, researchers can take control of their time and lead a more productive and fulfilling life.

Notable Quote: “Small habits are the building blocks of a successful life.”

2. 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

This book is based on the fact that we all have the same time in a week, 168 hours. It is filled with a lot of strategies to become more productive and make the most out of your time.

This message is especially relevant for academics who frequently struggle to balance their demanding work schedules with other life responsibilities.

With the help of data from time-use studies, the author demonstrates that even the busiest individuals have more spare time than they think.

The solution is to prioritize what's important and dedicate time to activities that bring significance to our lives. In this way, we can maximize our 168 hours each week.

Throughout the book, the author provides practical strategies and tools to help improve time management. For instance, she encourages keeping a detailed record of how you spend your time for one week to gain a clearer understanding of where your time is going.

She also features case studies of individuals who have effectively combined their passions and interests into their hectic schedules.

Notable Quote: "Time is a choice. You can choose to waste it or use it for the things that matter."

3. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

I’m sure you know how tough it can be to balance work and life as a scientist. In this book, the authors teach you to spend your time wisely and build smart habits.

It is an excellent guide that will help you make time for activities that make us feel happy.

With a blend of research and real-life experiences, the authors present the "Highlight" method to help you prioritize your tasks and stay focused.

The "Highlight" method is all about identifying the most important things you need to get done each day and using fun and intentional tactics to make sure you get them done.

The authors also encourage taking breaks, getting some fresh air, and engaging in physical activity, as well as cutting down on distractions like emails, social media, and notifications.

This book is a lifesaver for academics and researchers who are constantly battling distractions and a packed schedule. By using the method and incorporating intentional focus tactics, they can streamline their workload and make the most of their day.

Notable Quote: “Perfection is a distraction—another shiny object taking your attention away from your real priorities.”