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What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done Paperback – September 13, 2016

by Matthew Aaron Perman (Author), John Piper (Foreword)

209 customer reviews

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Do work that matters.

Productivity isn’t just about getting more things done. It’s about getting the right things done—the things that count, make a difference, and move the world forward. In our current era of massive overload, this is harder than ever before. So how do you get more of the right things done without confusing mere activity for actual productivity?

When we take God’s purposes into account, a revolutionary insight emerges. Surprisingly, we see that the way to be productive is to put others first—to make the welfare of other people our motive and criteria in determining what to do (what’s best next). As both the Scriptures and the best business thinkers show, generosity is the key to unlocking our productivity. It is also the key to finding meaning and fulfillment in our work.

What’s Best Next offers a practical approach for improving your productivity in all areas of life. It will help you better understand:

• Why good works are not just rare and special things like going to Africa, but anything you do in faith even tying your shoes.

• How to create a mission statement for your life that actually works.

• How to delegate to people in a way that actually empowers them.

• How to overcome time killers like procrastination, interruptions, and multitasking by turning them around and making them work for you.

• How to process workflow efficiently and get your email inbox to zero every day.

• How your work and life can transform the world socially, economically, and spiritually, and connect to God’s global purposes.

By anchoring your understanding of productivity in God’s purposes and plan, What’s Best Next will give you a practical approach for increasing your effectiveness in everything you do. This expanded edition includes a new chapter on productivity in a fallen world and a new appendix on being more productive with work that requires creative thinking.

What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is simply extraordinary.... I doubt there is a person on the planet who knows both theological issues and time management literature to the depth and extent Matt Perman does."

--John Piper, founder and teacher, desiringGod.org; author, Don't Waste Your Life

"...a Christian companion to Getting Thing Done."

--Hugh Whelchel, Executive Director, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics; author, How Then Should We Work?

"In this amazing volume, Matt Perman offers a wealth of practical, real-world productivity solutions, all framed within the context of the Gospel. He provides the know-how and the know-Who we need to be faithful stewards over the gifts we have been given."

--Michael Hyatt, New York Times bestselling author of Platform; MichaelHyatt.com

"A refreshing, lively, remarkably insightful, deeply God-centered approach to productivity. I kept taking notes about ideas that I wanted to implement in my own life. Everyone from any walk of life who reads this book will be helped and encouraged by it."

--Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies

Phoenix Seminary; author, The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution

"Love your neighbor at work! That's the ultimate message of Matt's book What's Best Next. He shows you not only why you need to do this, but also how. Without getting lost in the details, Matt gives a comprehensive framework for identifying the most important things in your work and life and then putting them first. No matter who you are or what your work is, this is a reliable, exciting, and encouraging guidebook on making things happen and getting things done, from a God-centered perspective."

--Brad Lomenick, President of Catalyst; author, The Catalyst Leader

"As Christians, we are called by God to work with all our heart, because our work is--or should be--directly for the Lord. But beyond platitudes no one has really approached being productive at working, until now. Matt Perman approaches the task not only from his personal experience, but from a Christian worldview. Follow his model to align what you do with God's purpose in your life--and in particular in your work."

--B. Joseph Pine II, co-author, The Experience Economy and Infinite Possibility

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

"I have been learning from Matt Perman for nearly twenty years, and I am eager for leaders around the world to benefit from his work the way that I have. To my knowledge, there is no one writing today who has thought more deeply about the relationship between the gospel and productivity. You will find in these pages a unique and remarkable combination of theological insight, biblical instruction, and practical counsel that would change the world if put into practice. I could not recommend it more highly."

--Justin Taylor, Managing Editor, ESV Study Bible; blogger, "Between Two Worlds"; co-author, The Final Days of Jesus

"The question isn't 'What do I want to do for God?' but 'What does God want me to do?' For a believer, productivity is more than a set of skills. It requires a mindset and worldview. In this book, Matt Perman provides the framework for getting more done and making
a bigger difference in your work."

--Mark Sanborn, bestselling author, The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader

"Those of us in management, leadership, ministry, and other kinds of 'knowledge work' often feel overwhelmed with all of the tasks, responsibilities, and relationships that demand our time and attention. This book gives practical, specific guidelines for becoming better organized, more effective, and more productive. But what makes this book stand out is the way Matt Perman integrates all of this down-to-earth advice with the doctrine of vocation--how the Gospel of Christ bears fruit in love and service to God and our neighbors in every facet of life--a truth that animates every page.

--Gene Edward Veith, Professor of Literature and Provost of Patrick Henry College; author, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life

"This book has been on Matt's heart and mind for a long time. It's the fruit of experience as well as insight drawn from Scripture and common sense--without doing injustice to either. There is a lot of wisdom here and I look forward to making use of it in daily life."

--Michael Horton, Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; author, The Gospel-Driven Life

"Plain and simple: learning to effectively manage your time and tasks is one of the most practical and tangible ways you can love your neighbors, coworkers, family members, and the world at large. There is no one who has articulated this better than Matt Perman in this unique book. It has changed the way I think and work, and I commend it to anyone who strives to love their neighbor as themselves."

--Matt Heerema, Owner and Director, Mere Design Agency; Pastor, Stonebrook Community Church

"What's Best Next is both practical and inspiring as it addresses both the "why" and "how to" aspects of productivity. The result is an engaging, motivating, and exciting vision for your work and the things you do every day right along with helpful, clear, and practical instruction on how to become more effective with less stress. Want to be more productive for the glory of God? Read What's Best Next."

--Ed Stetzer, President, LifeWay Research; author, Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them; edstetzer.com --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product details

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Enlarged ed. edition (September 13, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310533988
ISBN-13: 978-0310533986
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 209 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Churches & Church Leadership > Church Leadership
- #77 in Books > Business & Money > Skills > Time Management
- #90 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Business & Professional Growth

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Top customer reviews

"Mind Like Tsunami"? Gospel-Driven Productivity (GDP) Inspires Hope and Extends Help for GTD, ZTD, and GRAW Practitioners

ByDaniel E. Burrowon March 4, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Disclosure: Matthew Perman generously provided an advance PDF copy of this book. I'm so very happy he did!

Perman candidly testifies that his hope of a achieving a "mind like water" was very rarely ever achieved through GTD practices. Instead, he found his state of mind of being one of "mind like a tsunami" (15). Mine, too.

"Getting Things Done" (GTD, Allen), "Zen to Done" (ZTD, Babauta), and "Getting Results the Agile Way" (GRAW, Meier) are brilliant and practical authors whose methodologies have helped me in becoming more efficient and productive. Yet, too many good things have been left undone, too many people have not been loved and served as I would want to be loved and served, and too many opportunities to do great things of eternal impact have been wasted. These facts have left me heartsick.

What have I been doing wrong in implementation? Was there a better tool than OmniFocus that I needed to find? Should I switch from Moleskine to Rhodia?

Was there no hope? I'm a full-time pastor of a small but thriving country church in rural Washington. My wife's chronic, debilitating and incurable disease is ever worsening. My own recently diagnosed Polycystic Kidney and Liver disease, according to the exceedingly caring and thorough docs at the VA, will continue to degrade my energy level. Could it ever be true that there was a system that would adapt to not only a "mind like tsunami" but a "life like tsunami"?

Brother Matthew has helped me to see that I've been first looking for a system that would enable productivity when I should have been first looking for a person--the Savior! Perman writes, "Productivity is specifically about doing 'the will of the Lord.' It’s about specifically orienting our lives and decisions around God’s will. We are to ultimately be Christ-centered, not just principle-centered....It makes productivity personal in the fullest sense, and makes our whole lives one of fellowship with God, rather than a following of principles. It gives us even more guidance than simply being principle-centered, for God is a living being" (56).

This is good news! Further good news, and hope, is offered when Matt writes, "I mentioned earlier that effectiveness must be learned. Here’s the good news: Drucker found that everyone who worked at becoming effective succeeded" (42).

In the pages of this book you will find foundational concepts and practical helps toward becoming a hope-filled knowledge worker who can expect to succeed as you continue working "at becoming effective" while living out a loving life of good works that brings you abiding joy and magnifies God's glory through Jesus.

Daniel Burrow,
Pastor for Preaching,
Open Heart Baptist Church,
Selah, WA

0Comment 34 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

A practical theology of work and gospel-oriented advice for ordering your life

ByE. Johnsonon May 12, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Matt Perman's book "What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done" is not a traditional productivity book, although it does include some ideas and practices for working and living more effectively. It's more like a combination of a practical theology of work and gospel-oriented advice for ordering your life.

The book starts by building a strong case for a biblical view of productivity, and distinguishing it from the world's view of getting things done. It lays the groundwork for understanding why a good theology of productivity matters, how it will help us become better Christians, and what benefits it will provide (other than getting more things done).

After establishing a strong foundation of how the Bible defines productivity, he then moves into more practical application of those principles. Some sections I found especially helpful were: how and why to create a mission statement in light of the gospel's timeless truth, how to define your roles in light of the gospel's commands, how to set up your week with a view for serving others, and how to delegate for the benefit of others (not just for yourself).

This book will challenge your thinking! It's not a fast read, although it's well-written and engaging. But it requires a lot of thought and calls for some "homework" along the way -- for instance, the chapter on creating a mission statement or defining your roles requires time out to do just that. It's not a book worth rushing through. Thankfully, each chapter closes with a box (literally called "The Box") that includes the chapter's core point, core quote, and core Scripture passage; a task for immediate application; common questions and answers; and further resources about the chapter's content.

Additionally, the book ends with a "toolkit" that can be revisited time and again, whenever you need a refresher on some aspect of gospel-driven productivity. It includes things like a 500-word recap of the topic; an easy reference guide to key issues in productivity (pointing to various pages within the book itself); an annotated bibliography for further reading on key productivity-related topics; and a list of tools available for free online, including five bonus chapters and other helpful articles.

Highly recommend for any Christian who wants to get anything done... no matter what your role may be! It shares a strong biblical worldview, keeps Scripture as the highest authority, and strikes a fine balance between grace and law. It is a resource I will be returning to in the future whenever I need a refresher on "what's best next."

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

A very unique and practical book

ByD. Daleon March 17, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is a great book. It's great for people like me (who supposedly have the gift of administration) because it reminds me to keep the bigger purposes and priorities in mind (glorifying God and loving people) rather than just cranking through a list of todos or trying to find the perfect 'system'. It's also great for people who might be on the other end of the spectrum, who may not feel like a lot of organization is necessary in their lives, because he makes it clear that doing our work well glorifies God and is actually a practical demonstration of love to others.

If you're a GTD addict who has tried every system and tool available, this is for you. If you're a person that has a hard time staying on task or finishing things, this book is for you. It's a long read, but a good investment. It's a unique book, the likes of which I've never seen before.

0Comment 7 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Most recent customer reviews

Five Stars

Great book! Still reading it, but it is just what I needed.

Published 9 days ago by Amazon Customer

Get more done! Focus and Big Rocks!

Great concept, a little redundant in the later chapters.

Published 11 days ago by Dave

Five Stars

Very helpful. Highlighted some key issues for me personally.

Published 19 days ago by George Draper

Great read

This book has given me some great insight into being effect in my work. Well worth taking the time to read.

Published 1 month ago by David Ayling

Five Stars

better than i expected...

Published 3 months ago by Amazon Customer

Excellent theological treatment to GTD.

Great theological framework to fuse the practical "Getting Things Done" with the philosophy of "First Things First".Read more

Published 3 months ago by Co Ho

Must Read

If you need to have a plan this is where you start

Published 4 months ago by cgearhart

Good book with both practical suggestions and the big picture ...

Good book with both practical suggestions and the big picture why! Worth the read although a little repetitive at times. It could probably have been said in 1/2 the pages.

Published 4 months ago by Liz Y

Wordy

The only complaint I have is it's a little wordy for a book on productivity.

Published 5 months ago by AB92

WBN does good for you so you can do good for others

This is the best productivity book I have ever read. It clearly gets across the point it is trying to and reminds us that the by becoming more productive, we can change the...Read more

Published 7 months ago by JS

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