The disparity between rich and poor countries is the most serious, intractable problem facing the world today. The chronic poverty of many nations affects more than the citizens and economies of those nations; it threatens global stability as the pressures of immigration become unsustainable and rogue nations seek power and influence through extreme political and terrorist acts. To address this tenacious poverty, a vast array of international institutions has pumped billions of dollars into these nations in recent decades, yet despite this infusion of capital and attention, roughly five billion of the world's six billion people continue to live in poor countries. What isn't working? And how can we fix it? The Power of Productivity provides powerful and controversial answers to these questions. William W. Lewis, the director emeritus of the McKinsey Global Institute, here draws on extensive microeconomic studies of thirteen nations over twelve years—conducted by the Institute itself—to counter virtually all prevailing wisdom about how best to ameliorate economic disparity. Lewis's research, which included studying everything from state-of-the-art auto makers to black-market street vendors and mom-and-pop stores, conclusively demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief, providing more capital to poor nations is not the best way to help them. Nor is improving levels of education, exchange-rate flexibility, or government solvency enough. Rather, the key to improving economic conditions in poor countries, argues Lewis, is increasing productivity through intense, fair competition and protecting consumer rights. As The Power of Productivity explains, this sweeping solution affects the economies of poor nations at all levels—from the viability of major industries to how the average consumer thinks about his or her purchases. Policies must be enacted in developing nations that reflect a consumer rather than a producer mindset and an attendant sense of consumer rights. Only one force, Lewis claims, can stand up to producer special privileges—consumer interests. The Institute's unprecedented research method and Lewis's years of experience with economic policy combine to make The Power of Productivity the most authoritative and compelling view of the global economy today, one that will inform political and economic debate throughout the world for years to come.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Power of Habit and “master of the life hack” (GQ) explores the fascinating science of productivity and offers real-world takeaways to apply your life, whether you’re chasing peak productivity or simply trying to get back on track. “Duhigg melds cutting-edge science, deep reporting, and wide-ranging stories to give us a fuller, more human way of thinking about how productivity actually happens.”—Susan Cain, author of Quiet In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg explained why we do what we do. In Smarter Faster Better, he applies the same relentless curiosity and rich storytelling to how we can improve at the things we do. At the core of Smarter Faster Better are eight key concepts—from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision making—that explain why some people and companies get so much done. Drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics—as well as the experiences of CEOs, educational reformers, four-star generals, FBI agents, airplane pilots, and Broadway songwriters—this book reveals that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don’t merely act differently. They view the world, and their choices, in profoundly different ways. Smarter Faster Better is a story-filled exploration of the science of productivity, one that can help us learn to succeed with less stress and struggle—and become smarter, faster, and better at everything we do.

Success is not measured by the busyness of our days, but by the depth and purpose of our actions. As a busy professional constantly striving to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced world, you have likely experienced the toll of never-ending busyness and relentless productivity. But what if there is a better way to approach your work and life, one that brings meaning and fulfillment while maintaining efficiency? In "Doing What Matters: The Power of Purposeful Productivity", this book offers a transformative journey tailored specifically for driven professionals like yourself. It delves into the challenges of our productivity-driven culture and how it can lead to exhaustion, fragmented focus, and neglect of what truly matters. The book introduces the concept of purposeful productivity, showing you how to shift your focus from quantity to quality, from ticking off tasks to making a lasting impact. Through practical strategies, you will learn to organize and gain control of your tasks and time, optimizing your efficiency while making room for creative thinking and innovation. Discover the art of saying "no" strategically, streamlining routines, and creating an environment that fosters deep work and undistracted focus. If you are ready to break free from the cycle of busyness and embrace a more intentional and purposeful approach to productivity, "Doing What Matters" is your guide to success. Make a conscious choice to align your actions with your true purpose, rediscover the joy in your work, and enhance your overall well-being. Don't wait any longer, take the first step towards transformative productivity and meaningful success. "Mario Schaefer's 'Doing What Matters: Harnessing the Power of Purposeful Productivity' is a masterclass in efficiency and focus, qualities I've seen him embody since our early days at trifermed. This book is not just a guide; it's a testament to Mario's own journey towards purposeful productivity." - Prof. Dr. Sergi X. Trilla, MBA, Founder & Chairman at trifermed "This book empowers professionals with valuable guidance on achieving success in their work through business knowledge and productive working styles." - Volker Weber, CEO at NIXDORF Kapital AG "Mario's work enables efficient project and focus management. He embodies a supportive and execution-driven spirit, devotedly pursuing his dreams while sharing knowledge generously." - Kuntal Chatterjee, Managing Partner at Pharmacircuit

A 21st century productivity guide specifically for college students.

Success is not measured by the busyness of our days, but by the depth and purpose of our actions. As a busy professional constantly striving to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced world, you have likely experienced the toll of never-ending busyness and relentless productivity. But what if there is a better way to approach your work and life, one that brings meaning and fulfillment while maintaining efficiency? In "Doing What Matters: The Power of Purposeful Productivity", this book offers a transformative journey tailored specifically for driven professionals like yourself. It delves into the challenges of our productivity-driven culture and how it can lead to exhaustion, fragmented focus, and neglect of what truly matters. The book introduces the concept of purposeful productivity, showing you how to shift your focus from quantity to quality, from ticking off tasks to making a lasting impact. Through practical strategies, you will learn to organize and gain control of your tasks and time, optimizing your efficiency while making room for creative thinking and innovation. Discover the art of saying "no" strategically, streamlining routines, and creating an environment that fosters deep work and undistracted focus. If you are ready to break free from the cycle of busyness and embrace a more intentional and purposeful approach to productivity, "Doing What Matters" is your guide to success. Make a conscious choice to align your actions with your true purpose, rediscover the joy in your work, and enhance your overall well-being. Don't wait any longer, take the first step towards transformative productivity and meaningful success. "Mario Schaefer's 'Doing What Matters: Harnessing the Power of Purposeful Productivity' is a masterclass in efficiency and focus, qualities I've seen him embody since our early days at trifermed. This book is not just a guide; it's a testament to Mario's own journey towards purposeful productivity." - Prof. Dr. Sergi X. Trilla, MBA, Founder & Chairman at trifermed "This book empowers professionals with valuable guidance on achieving success in their work through business knowledge and productive working styles." - Volker Weber, CEO at NIXDORF Kapital AG "Mario's work enables efficient project and focus management. He embodies a supportive and execution-driven spirit, devotedly pursuing his dreams while sharing knowledge generously." - Kuntal Chatterjee, Managing Partner at Pharmacircuit

In "The Power of Habit: Mastering the Art of Productivity," readers embark on a transformative journey to uncover the profound impact habits have on our lives. This comprehensive guide illuminates the path to changing old habits and forming new ones, providing a roadmap to unlock unparalleled levels of productivity and personal fulfillment. From the foundational principles of habit formation to the innovative concept of habit stacking, this book delves into the science and psychology behind our daily routines. It presents a clear, actionable strategy for integrating productive behaviors into your life, leveraging the power of small changes to create significant, lasting improvements. Featuring real-life examples, practical exercises, and an extensive toolkit of resources, "The Power of Habit: Mastering the Art of Productivity" is more than just a book—it's a mentor guiding you through the challenges and triumphs of habit change. Whether you seek to enhance your efficiency, achieve your goals, or transform your life, this book offers the insights and tools necessary to make habit mastery a reality. With a focus on adaptability, resilience, and continuous improvement, the journey outlined in these pages encourages experimentation and personal growth. As you turn the final page, you'll not only have gained a deeper understanding of how habits shape our lives but also be equipped with the strategies to shape them in return. Embark on this journey of self-discovery and mastery, and unlock the door to a more productive, fulfilling life. "The Power of Habit: Mastering the Art of Productivity" is your key to navigating the path from intention to achievement, one habit at a time.