Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity

My dad has a saying that we six kids heard a thousand times while growing up, “There’s a place for everything, and everything should be in its place.” When he said this, it was usually in relation to the hand tools being put back in the correct drawer or snow shovels being hung on the proper hook. The principle was simple and, when followed, was an essential ingredient to peaceful living in a well-ordered home. Tim Challies has a version of that same principle, which he applies to life management: “a home for everything, and like goes with like.” In other words, there needs to be a place for everything that floats around our brains related to the carrying out of the responsibilities and opportunities associated with God’s calling for our lives, and life is well-ordered and most productive when all similar stuff is in its proper place. The day it was released, I ordered it. Why? 1. A week never goes by in which I don’t wish I had been more productive; I regularly wish there were more hours in a day. 2. The book is short (120 pages), and I’m a slow reader. 3. Tim Challies is a productive guy, a brother in Christ whom I wanted to learn from. 4. Other productivity books in my library provided limited help to me, personally. I needed a coach to show me how to do it. Do More Better is not a book to read. It is a book to work—to apply—it is a working book. While the first two chapters lay out a brief, biblical philosophy for productivity, each chapter that follows contains action steps, which I considered to be mandatory for myself. And I’m very glad I did. I suggest you take 5-7 days to work the book. Here’s what I did. • The day after the book arrived in my mailbox, I read the first chapter and printed and filled out its corresponding worksheet. Day 2: I reviewed the worksheet and took it deeper. • Days 3 and 4: I read and worked through the mission statement assignment (something I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never done before). As a result, there are some things I’m not going to do anymore, some I will do less, and some more. The first two chapters are essential if you sense it is time to recalibrate your life, to evaluate what you are doing in light of your God-given responsibilities, gifting, and calling. I would discourage you from skipping these chapters. Slow down, pause, do this. It will be necessary for lasting progress. • Days 5 and 6: I read the more practical section of the book and worked through every action step exactly as Tim coached me. • Day 7: I followed through on my first daily Coram Deo review. I will not pretend, this was not easy. But, as of today, I’ve worked the system and completed daily reviews three times, and I’m loving it. The beauty of the system is in its simplicity. What I love the most about Do More Better is that Tim does not set out to become another productivity guru. Instead, he is a coach—and a good one. Too many productivity/time-management books have left me feeling like I had to copy the author’s elaborate life habits down to specifics in order to succeed. The problem with that approach is that no two of us are wired by God completely the same, and no two human lives are identical in their responsibilities and calling. This book never made me feel like other books have. Instead, Tim walked me through his life management habits—giving me enough specific examples to see how the system works—but not so many that I would be tempted to try to become just like him. I needed someone to hold my hand, so to speak, and walk me through setting up the three basic tools that I will continue to customize to suit my life the best. Tim did that. For the first time, I'm actually beginning to feel like I can get a handle on things and have a system that works. I have much further to go (there are app videos to watch and more features to learn), and will continue to tweak as I go. I’ve already signed up for Tim’s 10 Days of Productivity so I can get a better grip on my new tools, and recommend you do the same. But, first, get the book and work the book, as far as you are able to on your own. You will not regret it. It is the best little book on life management in my library.

I want to do more—better. Don’t you? The problem, however, is that my ambition often leaves me feeling like King Solomon described in Psalm 127: with vanity-ach. Rising early, going to bed late, eating the bread of anxious toil—it’s no way to live. Solomon writes, in contrast to this, God “gives to his beloved sleep” (v. 2). And it’s here that Tim Challies begins Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity, with the encouragement that if a man as busy as King Solomon could figure out how to live a productive but not anxious life then by the grace of God, so can you. For those who don’t know, Challies is a husband, father, pastor, author, and has about a half dozen other important roles, such as co-founder of a publishing company (Cruciform Press) and host of a very popular Christian blog (Challies.com). And when I say “popular,” that’s an understatement. His blog had just under 16 million pageviews in 2015. For comparison, mine had less than 16 thousand. Yet for all this, Challies maintains that he’s no productivity guru. That’s okay by me, though. He’s certainly a practitioner, and his aim in Do More Better, as he writes, is to “open up [his] life and to let you in a little bit” (7). In other words, Do More Better is decidedly not a bloated textbook of source material with footnotes. Rather, as the subtitle says, it’s a practical (and we might add “personal”) guide to productivity. Do More Better has ten short chapters, and begins by stressing the importance of knowing your purpose; you can’t be truly productive without it. Then, Challies talks about how to find your particular purpose and mission, that is, how to find the sphere of responsibility that God has called you to be productive in. The book concludes by exploring tools for collecting your tasks, planning your calendar, and gathering your information. There are two bonus chapters, one on taming your emails and another with 20 tips for increasing your productivity. What is Productivity? Let’s talk for a moment about definitions. Challies defines productivity in this way: Effectively stewarding your gifts, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of others and the glory of God. When defined in this way, Challies underscores that productivity is first a theological issue. Thus, productivity is not merely a good thing that Type-A personalities kick-start in the early morning hours. Rather, because productivity is about “stewarding your gifts . . . for the good of others and the glory of God,” then to be unproductive is a sin of omission that must be forgiven and forsaken. In short, every Christian, not just go-getters, must strive for productivity. Drop and Give Me 20 Speaking of striving, be aware that Challies isn’t writing to simply relay information. Get ready to work. To see what I’m talking about, consider how the opening paragraph to Chapter 4 ends: “And that means you are ready for your next assignment” (35). Assignment? Wait—what? The assignment he’s talking about is related to identifying your specific purpose and mission, and the responsibilities associated with it. He’ll metaphorically hold your hand through the process, of course, but in this way Challies is more personal trainer than author. Just as it will do an athlete little good to know the proper form on squats (inhale on the way down, exhale on the way up; flat back; eyes up; and keep your knees from extending beyond your toes—by the way), so it will do the reader little good to burn through this short book without application. Remember, it’s not receiving good coaching that matters. It’s good coaching followed that matters. And by way of encouragement, I can say that I was helped as I completed the assignments. Small Book, Big Strengths There are many things I appreciated about Do More Better. Here are a few of them. First, I appreciated the simplicity. For example, if you have ever found yourself staring at a “To do list,” remember, you can only do four things with each task: delete it, do it, defer it, or delegate it (p. 59). Second, I loved the bonus chapters, especially the one on taming your email. My approach to my inbox didn’t seem so silly until Challies proposed this: “Imagine if you treated your actual, physical mailbox like you treat your email” (p. 109). If every time you received a letter or piece of junk mail you just peaked at it and stuffed it back in the mailbox, the result would be both humorous and sad. Finally, my favorite aspect was the distinctively Christian approach to productivity. For example, note this comment about delegating tasks to others. Most productivity gurus will encourage you to be as selfish as you need to be, to get rid of anything that doesn’t interest or excite you. But as a Christian you can do things that do not perfectly fit your mission but still do them out of love for God and with a desire to glorify him. (p. 42) Here, as throughout, the book is in stark relief to a selfish, secular approach to productivity. Every aspect of our lives, including our productivity, is to be bounded by godliness. For, what profit is it to us if we achieve massive levels of productivity without glorifying God? Any attainment in God-dishonoring productivity is like running the race backwards—really, really, really fast. Ultimately, you won’t win; instead, you’re productively running in the wrong direction. If there had been more space, I would have liked to see a little more discussion of Sabbath and contentment. God has appointed limits to our productivity, limits for our good. Also, more critique of the idols of achievement would have further highlighted a distinctively Christian view. The book, however, is purposefully short. I appreciated this, and I think you will too. I highly recommend Do More Better. It will help you discover God’s purposes for your life and move productively towards them.

It is really difficult to write a summary that doesn't just rip off the table of contents. Basically, he explains the system that works for him. This includes a mission statement (he calls this a productivity catechism), then finding things that get in the way of your productivity and finally the tools to tackle the problems. I want to focus on the tools here, because in the month or so that I've read this book, I've tried to adopt them all. The first tool is a basic task manager. He recommends Todoist, and I've jumped on the bandwagon. It's very intuitive and I use it multiple times a day. The price of the book may be worth this chapter alone. Second tool is a calendar; he recommends Google, it's nice enough. I use a calendar for everything at work, but never tried to apply that idea elsewhere. It's been most helpful in keeping me aware of when I have time to do things and when I don't; which, in turn, helps my task management. The final tool, I still haven't gotten a hold on. He calls it something to gather your information and recommends Evernote. I really like the web clipper extension, but haven't found much else that is helpful, yet. He wraps it up by reminding us that for the system to work, you must live on the system and you must maintain it consistently. I particularly like the lazy-busy excuse/productivity thieve; it hit close to home. There are many things I'd like to do (though I sometimes put it on God) and I wish I was more productive. After adopting the first two of his recommended tools, I've already noticed a difference. It sounds like a cheesy add, but not only am I getting more done, but I have more time. This book could be very helpful to anyone who needs a productivity boost. [...]

Do More Better may not be for everyone, but for a Christian seeking not just productivity, but a clear theological foundation for why productivity matters, this book is for you. Here are 8 reasons why: 1. It’s theological. Before jumping into tools and systems, Do More Better delves into the theological underpinnings that justify our pursuit of productivity. Our purpose is to glorify God by doing good to others which drives our desire to be more effective. 2. It’s practical. Although the book opens with the necessary theological grounds for productivity, it quickly turns practical. Each section ends with an action item that prompts you to take a step toward organizing your system. Downloadable worksheets are available to guide you to think through your areas of responsibility and the tasks associated with each area. Challies describes how to use each tool and outlines a workflow to maximize your productivity. 3. It’s mission-minded. Do More Better doesn’t merely provide a framework for accomplishing the most with your day, it explores the reason behind the work. If you follow the system, you will define your major areas of responsibility and create a mission statement for each. This discovery will help you design the system to match your life, calling, and goals. 4. It’s simple. Unlike so many productivity tools, Do More Better is simple, straightforward, and succinct. I spent two hours in a local deli reorganizing my Evernote and configuring Todoist using Challies’ method. In only two hours, I had a functional system to tweak and expand. 5. It’s clarifying. As you work through the system, you’ll clarify what you are doing with your time and why. You will likely find tasks you can eliminate or delegate. You will also discover tasks that will improve your entire day. Do More Better will help you determine when to say, “Yes” and when to say, “No” to requests of your time. 6. It’s cross-disciplinary. The tools provided in this book will work for everyone who desires to be more effective. Stay-at-home moms, working moms, managers, ministers, entrepreneurs, and executives will all benefit from applying these concepts. 7. It’s digital. Challies implements his system with three ubiquitous digital tools: Evernote, Todoist, and Google Calendar. He defines the role of each tool and provides a framework for their maximum efficiency. He explains what do to then goes a step further to describe how to do it, leaving no gap between the theoretical and practical. If you use a computer and have a smartphone, this system will simplify your life. 8. It’s maintainable. Challies says, “You have probably noticed that there is nothing in this world that coasts toward order. There is nothing on all this sinful planet that, when left on its own, gets more orderly.” In response to this reality, Do More Better recommends daily and weekly tasks to keep your system in good working order. The daily tasks help you quickly assess your day and only take a few minutes to complete. Weekly maintenance takes a bit longer but is essential to keep the system in good working order. By completing my daily tasks in the morning, my day is more focused and peaceful.

I just finished this book and I loved it. I agree with with Nick McDonald: This isn't a book I READ, this a book I DID. I am glad -- so glad! -- I'm now doing more better. There's already 130+ reviews on this book. You can find the ones you like, the ones you don't like. For me, I particularly enjoyed this book for three reasons: Because it's succinct, because it's applicable, because it's intimate. SUCCINCT: Tim gets right to the point. He is clear, concise, and doesn't waste any words. I think this might be the book's greatest strength. In only 108 pages (minus the bonus material), Tim shows you what, why, and how you should get more done. You can easily read this book in one sitting. On the contrary, I'm also currently reading (via Audible) another book on productivity, and I enjoy it. I really do. Except for one thing: It's a little too long. This is ironic, of course, since it's a book on productivity. But Tim's book is not like that. It is not a book that is too long, or too short, but just about the perfect length. And that reason alone is worth the price of the book. APPLICABLE: This book is, among other things, applicable -- right away. You can leave the book and experience a life change. I particularly love how Tim walks you step-by-step in moving forward, and even gives you a sneak peak into his own life. I've even started using the tools he recommends Todoist (Task Management), Google Calendar (Scheduling), Evernote (Information Storage), and have noticed benefits of each. My life is much better as a result of using these tools. And that's what you want from a productivity book: Tips and tricks to immediately apply to your life, and this book succeeds in this area. INTIMATE: This book is intimate, and that's not something you can say about many productivity books. I say it's intimate because Tim walks you through a catechism of sorts, and he mentions prayer as a guide for productivity, something we Reformed folks need to hear. The catechism help you think deeply as to why you desire to be productive, and I just love when Tim says, "It is important to pray. No, it is more than important. It is paramount . . . with prayer I ask God to help me identify and prioritize the most important tasks for the day ahead. And I believe he answers that prayer." And I believe you should read this book -- you won't regret it.

Tim Chailles does an admirable job of briefly discussing our purpose in life through a purpose driven catechism question and answer format for just a few pages, grounds them in Scripture, and connects them to our ultimate purpose: to glorify God by going good to others, regardless of our station in life, career, life roles, or education/SES background. He then discusses our God given call to steward our gifts, talents, energy, and resources to fulfill this purpose and our need to overcome our natural tendencies towards laziness, busyness, or other inner obstacles that thwart our stewardship. Chailles then spends the bulk of the book with short but powerfully excellent discussions of our roles and responsibilities in church, personal, social, work, and family spheres of influence, defining our God given mission in each of these areas, and then collecting the tasks that need to be done. He discusses and gives empowering and freeing organizing principles of how to accomplish these tasks and mission. Then the larger remaining detailed discussion is about using three software tools of Todoist (tasks management tool), Google calendar (calendar/scheduling planning tool), and Evernote (information collecting, organizing, accessing tool) in one simple system to ensure you are more productive in achieving your purpose, fulfilling your mission, and your roles and responsibilities. He offers other software (free and bought both) alternatives to do the three tools/one simple system for productivity. He then pours over the daily and weekly living and maintenance of the system and principles and priorities in its use. He adds in his system a detailed written review of handling interruptions and keeping your heart idols from sabotaging your productivity. Chailles finishes his short but detailed and informative book on productivity with a bonus chapter on taming the shrew of email. Along with his books on spiritual discernment and how to manage the digital world and media as a Christian ("The Next Story"), they form a modern critique and solution system for Christians living in a postmodern, information oriented world. I gave these books to my college aged son and the senior graduates of our church. Their report: they loved his style and found his ideas compelling and highly relevant and immediately useful in their daily lives.

I am a pretty big fan of Tim Challies and his writings. He is a pastor, a speaker, a great blogger, and an avid reader--whose book reviews are both excellent and extensive. When I heard that he had released a new book (that was a short length and about productivity) I jumped at the chance and immediately bought it on my kindle. In the introductory pages (an possibly my favorite part of the book) Tim paints a Biblical framework for productivity. Why are we doing this in the first place? Why do we do anything? Tim defines productivity as "effectively stewarding your gifts, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of others and the glory of God." Since we are created by God for the purpose of glorifying God, everything we do matters. This should revolutionize the way we see productivity. It is not about us getting more stuff done for the sake of ourselves. It is about us getting more stuff done in order that we may bless others and glorify God--thereby being good stewards of all God has entrusted to us. "Do More Better" is as practical as it gets. Though gospel fueled throughout, Tim quickly gets out of the conceptual world and goes straight to application. He provides a step by step rubric to getting your life organized. By promoting free programs like: evernote (information management), todoist (task management), google calendar (scheduling tool), "Do More Better" is more like a sequential instruction manual than a book about productivity. It is very much based on the "How to"--with clear and effective tips throughout. As a rather disorganized young man myself (with growing responsibilities on the way), I think the publishing of this book was well timed. I am not sure how effective the implementation of the online tools will be for me--but I will give them a shot. More than anything this book helped see productivity through a gospel lens; a legitimate and important tool to glorify God and build His Kingdom.

I believe the key to earthly success is doing things in our power to grow our knowledge and better our skill-set. When we humble ourselves, prepare our minds for learning new systems and processes of achieving our long to do lists, and actually implement that advice; that’s when we are on the road to truly enriching our business/ministry. I believe that nobody is too late to change and get better, but I also know that it’s super helpful for teens to learn good habits and character NOW, rather than later. I ALSO believe that a solid book can change your life, and this one has the power to do so. In 119 pages, this book sure packs in loads of information! Do More Better will challenge you to take a look at your chaotic schedule, poor time management, and inefficient “productivity” and present clear-cut steps to a more organized life. (And mind!) One of the many things I appreciated about this book rather than the other ones I’ve read on this subject, is that this one doesn’t just inspire and motivate you. It has sustenance. Do More Better not only shows you what you need to change, it gives you a straight path to follow in order to do that. He also gives you “Action” prompts and tasks in order to immediately instill the habits you learn. Not only is it a great book on working, Tim Challies is a reformed Christian, a deacon at Grace Fellowship Church, and a co-founder of Cruciform Press (a Christian publishing company); his beliefs obviously seeped into his writing, giving the world of business a refreshing Christian worldview. Tim recommends 3 tools to help you out in your daily life including ToDoIst and a software called Evernote. I’m very excited to try them out! I highly recommend this book for anyone (because it is short and won’t take up too much time) but especially for people who feel they aren’t getting as much done as they should OR if they are doing too many things that they are doing nothing well. Seriously, check this book out!

I was pleased that the idea is not "do more stuff" but "do more good", a very important distinction. Challies comes at it from a biblical viewpoint, explaining first that our purpose is to glorify God, then giving the practical steps. I found the section on defining your responsibilities very helpful, as well as choosing your tools. While I am more old-school and prefer writing things on paper, I did find some online tools that have helped me organize and look at steps for larger projects, and set up a basic "what to do each day" schedule. The book was very helpful and I've been applying the things I learned (both spiritual and practical) for over a year now.

I read this a year ago in a moment of my life in which I was drowning in work and ministry. I've been following Tim Challies ministry for a while and when I found out that he had written a book about God glorifying productivity I didn't think twice to buy it. It drastically changed the way I go through my day and how I prioritize my work, I used to be behind schedule most of the time and now it's the opposite. I'd dare to say that understandig, that the use of my time also glorifies God and using the tips that are in this book, I increased my productivity three-fold.

I really enjoyed every moment of reading this book. It's only short, but if you take the time to actually implement what is described in it as you go, then you will find it takes longer. The biggest benefit to my life is the task management tool described in the book. It has literally revolutionised the way I do things. I get more things done in less time simply by not having to constantly recall what it is that I have to do. Also that guilty, nagging feeling that I've forgotten something no longer exists! I know where to find everything now! Thanks, Tim, for writing this book. It ministered to me in a way the Christian books usually don't. Bless you.

I purchased this book in May 2022. In those 3.5 years it has delivered, and some, on enabling me to do more better. The system Challies proposes has helped me to order every aspect of my life so that nothing is missed or forgotten. I have recommended this book to countless friends. 100% recommend to all, especially those who aim for "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph 5:16)

Tim Challies gibt sehr viele, reiche und praktische Tipps, die dein Leben organisierter gestalten und aus diesem Grund produktiv macht. Allerdings geht er eher auf ein produktives Leben ein, welches großen Nutzen an digitalen Medien macht. Obwohl altmodische Menschen auch vom Buch profitieren, ist es besser für digitale Nutzer geeignet.