Book Review – Do More Better by Tim Challies (4 stars)

Occasionally I will do a book review. You can read some of my thoughts about that process here. Today’s book is Do More Better by Tim Challies.

Allow Me to Introduce You to Tim Challies

Probably one of the big benefits of this book is getting to know it’s author. Tim Challies is “a writer, a church leader, a husband, and a father with many responsibilities and with new tasks coming at me all the time.” You can read his blog at www.challies.com.

For some reason I did not become aware of Tim Challies until several years into graduate school. I don’t want that to happen to you, because I think he writes a lot of good things. Like any author, I’m not giving an unreserved, wholehearted recommendation of everything he has written because 1. I haven’t read everything he has written and 2. I don’t agree with everything I have read that he has written. But I do like a lot of it. If you haven’t had a chance to get to know Challies, I’d encourage you to take a look. This book is a great place to start.

Definitely a Practical Guide

The subtitle of this book is “A Practical Guide to Productivity,” and it fills that role nicely. Most chapters are under ten pages, the font and page design give plenty of space for the eye, and Challies’ writing style is very easy to follow. It is just over a hundred pages long. If you are looking for a quick handbook with some good tips for adding some order to your chaotic life, this is the book for you.

Challies also recommends some tools and tips helpful for any fan of productivity. His recommendations are very accessible. I found that applying his principles to my life made a huge difference in my productivity, even though I had taken leadership classes and read a lot of other material on the topic. He has some nuggets of wisdom you won’t find anywhere else.

Definitely Not More than a Practical Guide

Having said all those positive things, I don’t think Challies’ book goes in-depth enough for someone seeking a serious philosophical/theological foundation for their personal productivity. Some of you are thinking, “Why on earth would I want to read something like that?!” I get it, but if you want to go deeper, I would recommend “What’s Best Next” by Matt Perman (I’ll write a book review on that time-management book when I find the time). For that reason, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Challies’ writing style is very simple and straightforward, but sometimes that kind of writing style can leave you with unanswered questions. He is going for economy, not breadth. While this book fulfills its purpose, it may not meet your need.

That being said, I heartily recommend “Do More Better.” It is well worth your time.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Format: Print book
Reading time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours