159: Waking Up Early

Early Retirement Extreme presents a systems theoretical strategy for attaining financial independence in 5-10 years. The book, written by Jacob Lund Fisker, offers a philosophical and practical framework that challenges conventional consumerist lifestyles. It emphasizes the importance of reducing consumption, increasing self-reliance, and optimizing one's entire lifestyle as a holistic system. Fisker provides tools for readers to formulate their own plans for financial independence, focusing on principles rather than step-by-step plans. The book covers topics such as personal finance, economics, ecological economics, and sociology, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to break free from the financial chains of modern society and pursue a more resilient and self-sufficient lifestyle.

In 'The Productivity Project', Chris Bailey shares the results of his year-long deep dive into the science of personal productivity. The book includes 25 powerful productivity tactics, derived from hundreds of experiments and interviews with experts like David Allen and Charles Duhigg. Bailey discusses counterintuitive insights such as slowing down to work more deliberately, shrinking or eliminating the unimportant, and the concept of productive procrastination. The book is designed to be practical and entertaining, offering actionable advice and exercises to help readers improve their productivity and overall well-being.