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How to Have a 48-Hour Day
?How to Have a 48-Hour Day is an entertaining, common sense page-turner of a book on productivity by a very productive person. It is not a compilation of research written in a stuffy, academic way, nor is it a hook to buy an elaborate and expensive calendar or software. It is, quite simply a highly-readable, powerfully motivating book you?ll find difficult to put down.? The man who helps Americans do their housework 75% faster and better now shows how you can apply this magic to every area of your life. This is the book Don wrote to answer the thousands of people who have asked him, ?How do you get so much done, Don?? There have been many books on time management, but here is a refreshingly different one that really delivers (readers agree!). A book that will show you how to achieve the impossible dream, how to ?stretch? the clock and DOUBLE your usable time, every day.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
4 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 20, 2025
I picked this book up on a whim. Why did I do it? I liked the idea of a self-help, go-getter type of book (of the 90s) that also happened to have cartoons. I also thought the book could help push me in my aspirations for minimalism and making the most out of my time.
I was not disappointed!
In addition, I needed some of the antiquated can-do-ness of this book. Throughout the book you get a lot of these type of messages: put in the effort; hard work pays off; the world works for those who have the right attitude and work ethic...
This ethos is very much rooted in the Dale Carnegie spirit of self-improvement.
...and that is needed from time to time. Really, I mean that...kind of.
But you should never read a book like this uncritically.
I needed the go-getterness of this book, but it only worked for me up to a point. As an adult who has been in the workforce for almost twenty years now, unfortunately, I know in my bones that hard work does not always equate to result. There is also a lot of randomness at work in the world (see the works of Nassim Nicholas Taleb for more on that topic...but if you study the liberal arts, you're also aware that 1) randomness and 2) a hero's virtues working against them are underlying principles of tragedy).
This book, written in 1996, also makes one HUGE mistake -- it mistakes "production" for "value". The word production, production, production is repeated ad nauseum. I think this point is harder to make these days when so many advanced economies are relying more on services. As someone who has worked in research, education, and services, this is a strange word to hear over and over again. As someone who has worked in a large hierarchical organization, I also know that what seemingly "high producers" "produce" is actually fairly worthless, or worse, value-destroying.
In many of these cases, a bit of quiet and seemingly unproductive critical thinking could have saved a lot of wasted man-hours.
The book isn't totally oblivious to these problems. The early chapters are spent on the subject of reducing unnecessary things and tasks, as well as taking time to make sure you're not re-inventing the wheel. Still, the focus on "production" in the later chapters threatens to drown out this early message (which I think is the more important one).
In this sense, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Repair", I think, has a better overall message. In that book, the message is: make "good time" with an emphasis on "Good" over time.
The book also doesn't pay enough attention to productive goofing off, creative play, and flaneurship (trying new things and tinkering with stuff). The fine art of goofing off has been an important part in almost all creative activities and high-value problem-solving. In fact, I pick up books like this in part BECAUSE I'm not overly goal-focused.
It's important to have goals and directions, but it's also important to be what I call a "life-tinkerer" (what Taleb calls a "flaneur"). There are many words for it -- a wanderer, a bohemian, a life-surfer...
...whatever you call it, I hope it takes me toward more reading experiences like this.
I was not disappointed!
In addition, I needed some of the antiquated can-do-ness of this book. Throughout the book you get a lot of these type of messages: put in the effort; hard work pays off; the world works for those who have the right attitude and work ethic...
This ethos is very much rooted in the Dale Carnegie spirit of self-improvement.
...and that is needed from time to time. Really, I mean that...kind of.
But you should never read a book like this uncritically.
I needed the go-getterness of this book, but it only worked for me up to a point. As an adult who has been in the workforce for almost twenty years now, unfortunately, I know in my bones that hard work does not always equate to result. There is also a lot of randomness at work in the world (see the works of Nassim Nicholas Taleb for more on that topic...but if you study the liberal arts, you're also aware that 1) randomness and 2) a hero's virtues working against them are underlying principles of tragedy).
This book, written in 1996, also makes one HUGE mistake -- it mistakes "production" for "value". The word production, production, production is repeated ad nauseum. I think this point is harder to make these days when so many advanced economies are relying more on services. As someone who has worked in research, education, and services, this is a strange word to hear over and over again. As someone who has worked in a large hierarchical organization, I also know that what seemingly "high producers" "produce" is actually fairly worthless, or worse, value-destroying.
In many of these cases, a bit of quiet and seemingly unproductive critical thinking could have saved a lot of wasted man-hours.
The book isn't totally oblivious to these problems. The early chapters are spent on the subject of reducing unnecessary things and tasks, as well as taking time to make sure you're not re-inventing the wheel. Still, the focus on "production" in the later chapters threatens to drown out this early message (which I think is the more important one).
In this sense, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Repair", I think, has a better overall message. In that book, the message is: make "good time" with an emphasis on "Good" over time.
The book also doesn't pay enough attention to productive goofing off, creative play, and flaneurship (trying new things and tinkering with stuff). The fine art of goofing off has been an important part in almost all creative activities and high-value problem-solving. In fact, I pick up books like this in part BECAUSE I'm not overly goal-focused.
It's important to have goals and directions, but it's also important to be what I call a "life-tinkerer" (what Taleb calls a "flaneur"). There are many words for it -- a wanderer, a bohemian, a life-surfer...
...whatever you call it, I hope it takes me toward more reading experiences like this.
July 10, 2009
As much as I hate to admit that I really like Don Aslett, I have to admit that he's very cool. He was also my mom's hero. That's why I hate admitting it. Dang it! But he's so right about everything.
This book is all about time saving devices, ways to get more work done, and in general how to be a "producer". I also just started reading a book about Rex Lee (old pres of BYU who died of cancer), and I thought 'Every single thing that Don Aslett says about people who are achievers and producers is true of Rex Lee'. It's almost like they collaborated and made up their own definitions of how to be super heroes. Don Aslett says, "All people who are super successful and seem to have 48 hours in a day do this." Then Rex Lee says in his book, "This is what I do each day. And I am super successful and seem to have 48 hours in my day. Like, I can still be Bishop and run a law firm while in my death bed receiving cancer treatments. Can't everyone?" (Okay, so he wasn't even remotely snotty like that, but you get the point!) Anyway, there must be something to they way these two guys live, because they are both very successful and happy.
Here's some of what I got from the book for my own life application:
1. BE EARLY. Not, show up for concerts three hours before they start (as that would be a WASTE of time), but do things before they need to be done. Rather than worry or stress about it for days or months, just DO IT and get it over with. If I make dinner and don't like it, I'll throw it out right after, rather than let it sit in the fridge until it grows mold, hoping someone else will come eat it. If I have to make an unpleasant call, I'll just make it and get it over with. If the phone is ringing and I don't want to talk to the person, I'll just answer and get it over with. I'll fix things BEFORE they break and it's an emergency. Just do everything early, before it has to be done.
2. No napping. When I get snoozy in the afternoon and little people are sleeping, I'll go do something physical and wake right back up and have accomplishment to be happy about, rather than have bed hair for the whole evening.
3. Have a frontlog, instead of a backlog. Have a whole list of projects and stuff you can be doing, so that you never have a down moment. If something gets rained out, you have ten other productive things you could go do.
4. Stop listening to talk radio all the time. I'm real bad at this. My brain has no time to think and produce. It's just processing info from someone else all the time. I've been trying to shut it off more.
5. I made this one up myself: WALK FASTER. Everyone, please! I hate slow walkers. I was in Walmart about to turn out of an aisle when a couple pushing a cart came walking by. Rather than jump in and cut them off, I stopped and waved them ahead. They didn't even acknowledge me and plodded forward at an insanely slow pace. I then had to turn and walk behind them, wishing I had just cut them off. That's when I picked this resolution. There is no way those super slow walkers are producers. How can you get anything done when you move that slowly through life?
6. Spend less time on time wasting, non productive stuff. Less time on goodreads would be a good start. So, I better go. Read this book!
This book is all about time saving devices, ways to get more work done, and in general how to be a "producer". I also just started reading a book about Rex Lee (old pres of BYU who died of cancer), and I thought 'Every single thing that Don Aslett says about people who are achievers and producers is true of Rex Lee'. It's almost like they collaborated and made up their own definitions of how to be super heroes. Don Aslett says, "All people who are super successful and seem to have 48 hours in a day do this." Then Rex Lee says in his book, "This is what I do each day. And I am super successful and seem to have 48 hours in my day. Like, I can still be Bishop and run a law firm while in my death bed receiving cancer treatments. Can't everyone?" (Okay, so he wasn't even remotely snotty like that, but you get the point!) Anyway, there must be something to they way these two guys live, because they are both very successful and happy.
Here's some of what I got from the book for my own life application:
1. BE EARLY. Not, show up for concerts three hours before they start (as that would be a WASTE of time), but do things before they need to be done. Rather than worry or stress about it for days or months, just DO IT and get it over with. If I make dinner and don't like it, I'll throw it out right after, rather than let it sit in the fridge until it grows mold, hoping someone else will come eat it. If I have to make an unpleasant call, I'll just make it and get it over with. If the phone is ringing and I don't want to talk to the person, I'll just answer and get it over with. I'll fix things BEFORE they break and it's an emergency. Just do everything early, before it has to be done.
2. No napping. When I get snoozy in the afternoon and little people are sleeping, I'll go do something physical and wake right back up and have accomplishment to be happy about, rather than have bed hair for the whole evening.
3. Have a frontlog, instead of a backlog. Have a whole list of projects and stuff you can be doing, so that you never have a down moment. If something gets rained out, you have ten other productive things you could go do.
4. Stop listening to talk radio all the time. I'm real bad at this. My brain has no time to think and produce. It's just processing info from someone else all the time. I've been trying to shut it off more.
5. I made this one up myself: WALK FASTER. Everyone, please! I hate slow walkers. I was in Walmart about to turn out of an aisle when a couple pushing a cart came walking by. Rather than jump in and cut them off, I stopped and waved them ahead. They didn't even acknowledge me and plodded forward at an insanely slow pace. I then had to turn and walk behind them, wishing I had just cut them off. That's when I picked this resolution. There is no way those super slow walkers are producers. How can you get anything done when you move that slowly through life?
6. Spend less time on time wasting, non productive stuff. Less time on goodreads would be a good start. So, I better go. Read this book!
January 5, 2024
Review to come
July 6, 2009
The gist of this book is---get off your butt, de-clutter your house/self, and be early to everything, and have projects you can be working on in between and you'll get WAY more accomplished.
It's enough to make you want to puke, because we all KNOW we should do this, but Aslett is so enthusiastic in his "no excuses" way, that you want to jump right up and get going. (for a little while, at least!)
It's enough to make you want to puke, because we all KNOW we should do this, but Aslett is so enthusiastic in his "no excuses" way, that you want to jump right up and get going. (for a little while, at least!)
March 14, 2016
I'm currently reading this book for the 4th time... It's that good. After just reading the first chapter I always feel motivated and inspired to write a book, run a marathon, and do 101 other amazing things. Every time I re-read this book I'm learning!! And I am still learning how to apply Don Aslett's principles so I can have a "48-hour day!
June 13, 2021
Some very good principles. I think the author has A.D.D.
February 6, 2024
He seems to be focused more on quantity than quality, but I still got a few decent tidbits, notably:
Chapter 3, p. 21-23 -
De-Junk / discard excess objects, anything broken, useless, redundant, or ineffective. This applies to objects, activities, etc. Tending to excess baggage robs us of valuable life / time (because time is life).
Prune before prioritizing! Also, eliminate distractions, noises, "busy work" etc. whenever possible.
Chapter 7, p. 111-112 and 115-117 -
Get moving to get motivated. Mood is made by movement. Beginning something is half the battle. Stop stalling - waiting causes dread to build up - facing something is easier than fearing it. If you get stuck, move on to something else and circle back. "Done" is better than "perfect"
Strike while the iron is hot - do important things during your productive times (first thing / morning for most people) - don't waste those hours on mindless tasks.
Preventative Maintenance prevents headaches and saves time in the long run.
Chapter 3, p. 21-23 -
De-Junk / discard excess objects, anything broken, useless, redundant, or ineffective. This applies to objects, activities, etc. Tending to excess baggage robs us of valuable life / time (because time is life).
Prune before prioritizing! Also, eliminate distractions, noises, "busy work" etc. whenever possible.
Chapter 7, p. 111-112 and 115-117 -
Get moving to get motivated. Mood is made by movement. Beginning something is half the battle. Stop stalling - waiting causes dread to build up - facing something is easier than fearing it. If you get stuck, move on to something else and circle back. "Done" is better than "perfect"
Strike while the iron is hot - do important things during your productive times (first thing / morning for most people) - don't waste those hours on mindless tasks.
Preventative Maintenance prevents headaches and saves time in the long run.
February 25, 2019
I really liked this book, and I have put many of the concepts into practice. I think that the most helpful part of the book is the section on the differences between being late, on time, and early.
August 27, 2009
This is a great motivational book with good tips on fitting more into your day. It was a little hard for me to agree on some of his tactics though. For example, it's clear that he thinks any distraction from your busy day is something to avoid at all costs. Well, that's a little hard with a 2-year old wandering around the house! But the rest of his input I think was great- I just have to allow distractions at times because those distractions in some ways are something that I need to accomplish: raising my daughter, spending time with her, meeting her needs, etc. Otherwise a great book for those wanting to find "more time" in their day!
December 12, 2009
has a lot of common sense, but not always obvious ways to save time, albeit, if you followed all of them you would surely be labeled "scrooge"! Easy to read, but a lot was geared towards business managers.
November 21, 2010
It has been over 25yrs since I read this book so this is not going to be much of a review. I read his previous book. I just loved his style of writng - very humorous. He goes straight to the point' Giving the information to get you on track, just what you need.
May 17, 2011
At least motivational while I was reading it.
I've been trying to get up at 7 (chapter 5: "The Magic of Early"), but there are two small people who seem to get up at 6:50 or so after the first day I set my alarm.
I've been trying to get up at 7 (chapter 5: "The Magic of Early"), but there are two small people who seem to get up at 6:50 or so after the first day I set my alarm.
March 2, 2011
Don Aslett has written a ton of books and sells lots of stuff on HSN or QVC and runs a cleaning empire. This book was really an excellent book on using your time wisely and getting more hours from your day.
April 16, 2016
Great ideas on accomplishing more in your day. I'm not sure I agree with all of them, but I'm looking forward to doing a few of them and being more productive with my time. Easy to read with many personal examples and a bit of humor thrown in.
May 31, 2009
I read this a long time ago. I enjoy Don Aslett's books. He's direct, motivating, and entertaining.
August 23, 2009
I couldn't get into this book. I've read several of Don Asletts books in the past and gained stuff from them but this one just didn't hold my interest.
January 25, 2010
Under the frothy, inspirational cheese-whiz, there be much good in this book.
January 29, 2011
I don't care for his writing style, but he does have some good tips about being more productive. Worth a quick read.
April 26, 2013
Quick, simple, and one of my all time favorite books on productivity and motivation. Timeless principles. Should be required reading for teens!
June 15, 2014
This book is full of tips, motivation and humor. I look at things differently now that I have read it.
May 24, 2015
wow this man makes me tired. He is amazing. When Scott saw what I was reading he said." I don't want to have a 48 hour day I am tired enough with 24." nuff said.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews