How to Achieve Awesomeness at Work

Two Awesome Hours is a business self help book by Josh Davis. The author holds a doctorate from Columbia University and is the director of research and lead professor for the Science-based Leadership Institute.

The focus of the book is on work effectiveness rather than efficiency. Too much attention is given to efficiency according to the author. Efficiency focuses on how to squeeze more work out of each day. Effectiveness focuses on the ability to get the priority work done.

Efficiency, Davis contends, is a metric for machines, not for people. He turns to research in neuroscience and psychology for answers as to how to set ourselves up for the most effective mental performance at work. Out of this research he offers five strategies:

1. Recognize your decision points. When you finish one task, and before you move on to another, you should pause and consider what your priorities are, and what would be the best use of your time right now. This strategy recognizes that your brain goes in to “automatic mode” when focused on monotonous or repetitive tasks like answering emails.

2. Manage your mental energy. Some tasks take more mental energy than others. You would benefit by assessing the tasks on your task list knowing which will take a lot of of you, and which should be less stressful. Don't put two draining tasks right after each other.

3. Stop fighting distractions. Letting your mind wander on occasion can actually engage your mind in ways that can help you be more effective afterwards, and better than if you had spent that time on some other task that has grabbed your attention.

4. Leverage your mind-body connection. Emotions are not all in your head but can be felt physically as well, since your mind and body are deeply interconnected. Conversely,, physical activity can help quell anxiety and relieve tension, allowing you to be more effective at your mental tasks.

5. Make your workspace work for you. Be conscious of your work environment. Noise and lighting can have a big impact on your effectiveness. If you work in an open plan office environment you may need to schedule some private time in a conference work on a periodic basis so that you can focus on priority work.

RATING: Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

RATING COMMENTS: A short ready to read business self-help book that shared science based strategies for work place effectiveness

WHERE I GOT MY COPY: I read an ebook copy that I checked out of the Brisbane Public Library.