Recommended Reading
Mindful Productivity & Intentional Time Management
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
A refreshingly realistic look at time and productivity, Burkeman’s book explores embracing limits and meaning over busyness.How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
This book challenges conventional productivity culture, urging readers to reclaim their attention and find purpose in presence and resistance.The Art of Not Working: How to Play and Relax at the Same Time by Brent D. Farrell
A lesser-known but insightful read that redefines work and rest, encouraging a gentler, more intentional relationship with productivity.Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
This book explores the societal pressures around productivity and pushes for self-compassion and realistic expectations for rest and work.Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee
A call for balance and a counter-narrative to “busyness culture,” this book encourages readers to work with purpose and embrace the value of rest.Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Newport’s book explores the benefits of deep focus in an age of distractions, offering a framework for those seeking more intentional, undistracted work.Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Newport’s follow-up to Deep Work advocates for minimalism in the digital age, offering actionable steps to reclaim time and attention.
Creativity, Consciousness & The Artistic Life
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Rubin’s profound guide to the creative process blends philosophy with practical wisdom, inspiring readers to cultivate creativity as a way of life.The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
A classic guide to creativity and self-discovery, Cameron’s book offers exercises and reflections that inspire a more authentic creative practice.Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This light yet impactful book encourages artists to embrace influence and originality in a realistic, accessible way.Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
An exploration of the mysteries of creativity, Gilbert’s book encourages readers to live creatively and embrace the unknown.The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World by Lewis Hyde
Hyde’s book explores the concept of art as a gift, looking at creativity as something shared freely with the world, rather than commodified.Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Lamott’s heartfelt guide to writing and life is both practical and philosophical, helping writers find courage and perspective.Consciousness and the Brain: Deciphering How the Brain Codes Our Thoughts by Stanislas Dehaene
Dehaene delves into the science of consciousness, perfect for those curious about the connection between creativity, awareness, and the mind.Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
A fascinating collection of creative routines from notable artists, writers, and thinkers, showing how they harness time, habits, and energy for creative work.Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
May’s book encourages readers to embrace the quiet, slower periods in life, offering a refreshing approach to resilience and self-care.The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
A series of joyful essays, Gay’s work is a reminder to savor the small moments and appreciate the beauty in daily life.
Craft & The Philosophy of Making
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
A wise, comforting guide for anyone working through the challenges of art-making, with a focus on persistence and resilience.On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
A blend of memoir and practical advice, King’s reflections on the craft are invaluable for writers of any kind.The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp
Tharp’s book is a wonderful exploration of the routines and rituals that support a creative life, offering practical wisdom for artists of all forms.The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
This motivating classic tackles creative resistance, making it an invaluable read for artists and anyone facing creative hurdles.Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
Bell’s book provides a practical, iterative approach to writing, useful not only for novelists but for anyone working through creative projects.The Shape of Content by Ben Shahn
Shahn explores the relationship between form and substance in art, addressing questions on the philosophy and meaning behind creative work.A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
Saunders shares writing insights drawn from classic Russian literature, offering valuable lessons on storytelling and the nuances of craft.On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser
Zinsser’s book is a timeless guide to clear, impactful writing, filled with practical advice for anyone crafting nonfiction.Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
This groundbreaking book on visual creativity offers techniques to tap into more intuitive, perceptual ways of thinking and seeing.Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
In this collection of letters, Rilke offers advice on creativity, solitude, and the nature of art, making it a classic for anyone pursuing a creative path.
Rest, Mindfulness & Personal Fulfillment
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
This insightful book promotes rest as a productive and necessary part of life, encouraging readers to integrate it intentionally.Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
A foundational guide to self-compassion and mindfulness, Brach’s book is ideal for readers seeking gentler approaches to self-growth.Silence: In the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge
Part meditation, part philosophy, Kagge’s exploration of silence and stillness in a noisy world is a beautifully resonant read.The Path: A New Way to Think About Everything by Michael Puett and Christine Gross-Loh
Drawing from ancient Chinese philosophy, The Path suggests a new approach to mindfulness, relationships, and daily living.Your Body Knows the Answer: Using Your Felt Sense to Solve Problems, Effect Change, and Liberate Creativity by David I. Rome
This unique book introduces a mindfulness practice called “Focusing,” which uses the body’s innate wisdom for decision-making and personal insight.The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa
A blend of Buddhist teachings and modern mindfulness practices, The Restful Mind emphasizes stillness and contentment in everyday life.