Nearing the end of the year often means one thing for many people: setting resolutions. Often, these goals address things such as improving productivity, being more organised, career progression and time management. 

But while common, these accomplishments can feel vague and difficult to achieve without the right mindset, advice and strategies. 

There are thousands of books based on these subjects that can help you learn more about the way you think and uncover techniques that can help you achieve your goals in the coming year – whether you’re wanting a promotion or hunting for your next job. 

We’ve put together this list of highly recommended books, so you can start reading your way to a more productive and successful 2022! 

Atomic habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones – James Clear

Published in 2018, this bestselling book has received accolades for its practical proven framework for improving your everyday. Something that often holds people back from personal improvement is the idea that you need to make huge changes in order to see results. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear explains that real change actually comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions: what he calls, atomic habits. 

In this book you’ll learn simple life hacks, such as ‘habit stacking’ and the ‘two-minute rule’, and gain insights into the psychology and neuroscience that explains how they work, and why they matter. 

If you’ve found yourself struggling to be productive while working from home this year, or have fallen into unhelpful work patterns, then this might be the book for you! 

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World – Cal Newport

Your phone is a constant distraction, you need to check your inbox as soon as an email comes in and, for some reason, you just can’t seem to produce your best work… sounds like you need some deep work. 

In his Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller, author and professor Cal Newport argues that most people have lost the ability to go deep into their work—spending their days instead in a frantic blur of emails and social media. He explains how learning to ‘deep work’ (the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task) will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfilment that comes from craftsmanship. 

Newport provides scientific evidence and tips on ways you can bring yourself to a state of deep work and excel in your job and life. 

How to Be Great at Your Job: Get Things Done. Get the Credit. Get Ahead – Justin Kerr

From an author who climbed to the top of the corporate ladder before reaching age 40, this book takes the guesswork out of career success and breaks down what it takes to excel at your job. Think of this as your professional handbook, with useful tips and advice on professional basics, such as working with other people, presenting successfully and communicating effectively over email. 

Kerr also dives into how you can achieve other professional goals, like getting promoted sooner, impressing your managers, and doing this while maintaining a work-life balance. A great read for anyone new to the workplace or wanting to change careers. 

Let Go – Hugh van Cuylenburg

The second year of the pandemic brought with it more frustrations, feelings of exhaustion and questions like: “Haven’t we already done this?”, and “Haven’t we been through enough?” As a result, mental health issues rose dramatically, with many people struggling to work from home and even being let go from their jobs. 

In his latest book, educational trainer, podcaster and bestselling author Hugh van Cuylenburg shares how the pandemic resulted in experiencing the same powerful issues affecting the lives of millions: shame, expectation, ego, fear of failure, the quest for perfection and control, and our addiction to social media. 

Combining powerful insights and research with his disarming and candid storytelling, this book is great for anyone who wants to rediscover joy, create authentic connects and cope better during challenging times. 

The Power of Less – Leo Babauta 

Babuata is known well for his blog Zen Habits and this book is a direct extension of what he shares there. If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by the myriad of strategies that can be used to improve productivity, this book shares a brilliantly simple take that actually feels manageable. 



Not only will you learn productivity tips, but also be encouraged to reflect on and understand what matters most to you and why – something that could be particularly beneficial if you’re considering a career change. 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg Mceown

If you’ve ever felt simultaneously overworked and underutilised, busy but not productive and like your workday is hijacked by everyone else’s agenda, this is the book for you. 

In a world of competing priorities, Essentialism helps readers determine those tasks that are absolutely necessary, while learning to say no to the peripheral distractions that can often get in the way of significant and fulfilling professional projects. It’s about doing less, but performing better, which ultimately leads to greater results.