During the pandemic, I have really struggled with focus and being productive. So I turned to Tim Challies’ book Do More Better for help.
Although Tim’s book wasn’t my first foray into the world of productivity, nor even ‘Christian productivity’, I knew that I had stopped many of the positive habits I had acquired in the past, and I needed a revision.
After hearing about it from Jesse’s review of Notion, I decided to give the book a go.
If you think you know everything about productivity, but you aren’t doing it; or if you have never taken a serious look at time management principles, I’d recommend you investigate Do More Better.
What Is Do More Better All About?
It’s a book that sets out the why and how of a christian approach to productivity. Unlike some “christian approaches to {insert topic}”, Do More Better offers some differences to a worldly approach and is rooted firmly in the Bible.
The start of the book lays out why we should seek to be productive and what that means for a Christian. It then moves onto the practical aspects of creating a system to help live it out.
What I Found Valuable In Do More Better
Do More Better has two unique strengths in productivity resources.
- It is rooted in theology and Christian beliefs
- It is concise–to the point.
This sets it apart from some business books which turn a blog post into 30,000+ words. The Christian approach really is significant here. It’s not a throw away comment about serving in church. Neither is it a drop-in decontextualised Bible verse but it shows Tim’s view of productivity. Let me give you an example.
In one section, Tim is talking about areas of our life to give up and stop. At this point he shares the common productivity tips and then ends with a radical departure. He states that it might be right that we do something purely because it needs doing and to not act selfishly and in our own interest. This is a radical departure from most productivity systems which say that we should focus on talents, our interests and our success.
I have read other christian resources on productivity that don’t take Tim’s position, but echo that worldly view. Tim’s challenge is refreshing.
What Could Be Better?
I really can’t find many faults with this book. One possible idea might be a section showing more example areas that other people use. Or perhaps an example of a system using different applications and tools than those which Tim recommends.
This risk, with these additions, is that they would turn the consise book into an overly long book.
I would certainly recommend that any reader try top find a friend to read Do More Better with, and then hold each other to accountable for implementing lessons. It would be helpful to discuss and share how you put to some of the ideas to practice.
Conclusion
Do More Better is now my go to productivity book to recommend for people who want a basic productivity system or have read about productivity before but want to see a Christian perspective. Reading the book can give you a clear productivity system you can put in action and adapt to fit your own needs later.
Get Do More Better on Amazon | IndieBound
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