Gemba Kaizen: A Commonsense Approach to a Continuous Improvement Strategy

Make: The Bootstrapper’s Handbook: Learn to build profitable startups the indie way

Pieter is an impressive serial entrepreneur who uses a bootstrap approach to building companies – he is able to launch and scale companies without external funding and with minimum headcount. Read this if you are embarking on the entrepreneur’s journey. Venture capital money and expensive startups is not the only way to go.

7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy

Very insightful book on business strategy: it provides a new framework on how to create long lasting power in a market despite the competition.

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

The rule is simple but effective. Over time it becomes a habit, and you’ll notice that you can get yourself to do many more things on command, especially those that your instincts suggest you should do but that scare you. I’m giving a high rating because the rule works, although the book itself is somewhat repetitive. Watching the TEDx video might save you time, but I preferred reading the book to let the concepts sink in.

Slow productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

Recommended. It is the natural continuation of his previous book, Deep Work.

Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

I found the idea of breaking plans into 12-week sprints to be very powerful. However, when it comes to personal goals, I’m starting to doubt the effectiveness of SMART goals. Maybe the sweet spot is to adopt 12-week sprints but be much more liberal in how you define your goals. I’m also skeptical that you’d know in advance exactly which tactics to adopt during the 12 weeks. If you’re already an expert in the area, the path to your goal might be clear. But in many cases, you’ll need to adjust your tactics based on what you learn along the way.