GRIP: Practicing the art of working smart

When you consider what a huge role work plays in our lives, it’s strange we’re never really taught how to do it. Working is just supposed to come naturally, as if we all just magically know how to set priorities, juggle a schedule, make good plans, and stay on top of things. These skills may sound simple, but they’re not.

Rick’s book GRIP turned into a bestseller in the Netherlands overnight, selling over 50,000 copies in its first year. The country’s major newspapers, magazines, and online publications were intrigued: Why are people so excited about another new book on work? They soon found out.

Rick's friendly, no-nonsense approach, the level of practical detail, and a structure that makes it easy to dive in – means you apply what you read straightaway. GRIP has helped thousands get better at getting things done and find time for what matters most.

Let me know when the book’s available

“In a time when we all face so many demands, expectations, and uncertainties, GRIP will help you take back control of your week and your life.

Tony Crabbe, business psychologist and bestselling author of BUSY
Photo by Merlijn Doomernik

Getting better at work

Rick Pastoor has always liked experimenting at work. He’ll try things out, then keep what works, ditch what doesn’t. Try. Rinse. Repeat. In his time at Blendle, the NYT-backed Dutch startup, Rick steadily refined his methods. All while filling a demanding management role at the fast-growing operation and after the birth of his first child.

Rick was struck by how many people came to him for advice and practical tips. He realized they were looking for a guide on how to work. And while there’s a lot of productivity fare out there, those books didn’t really do the trick. So Rick decided to put together his own.

Clearly written with fond friends and coworkers in mind, GRIP is for anyone who could use a hand with work: Turning dream goals into doable tasks. Getting your priorities out of your mind and onto your calendar. Putting your head down to do the detail work while not losing sight of the big stuff. It’s the ultimate guide to getting better at work.

Rick Pastoor
Rick Pastoor

GRIP is more than a book

Reading GRIP is one thing, applying it is something else.
That’s why you’ll get access to the GRIP app. I’ll help you bring GRIP to your world through well-timed email coaching. So you can master it faster. And get on with what’s important.

This is GRIP:
  • How to structure your workweek to get more done
  • Using familiar tools in new ways: email, your calendar, and a to-do list
  • How to stop storing things in your head
  • Reclaim your brain for more important tasks with the help of a smart to-do list
  • Getting your calendar to reflect your priorities
  • How to put email in its place and take charge of that overflowing inbox
  • What a weekly review can do for you and how to get started
  • Experience the clarity and peace of mind a Friday recap brings
  • A simple framework to figure out what makes you tick
  • Start setting goals you actually complete, using my think big, start small techniques
  • What a yearly review can do for your sense of direction
  • Finding an accountability partner to keep you on track
  • How to think strategically to tackle even the most complex issues
  • Why it pays to talk less and listen more
  • What experts and mentors can give you and how to connect with them
  • How to get started on your wildest dreams. Today

“GRIP helped me get annoying tasks under control, like keeping up with emails and invoices, and then helped me map out and pursue the goals that make my life more meaningful.

Lois van Baarle (Loish), digital artist and character designer

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Check the archive. I write about things like how to get more focus today, the easiest way to get your to-do list back on track, and fresh strategies for reflecting on the year ahead.

What others are saying about GRIP

“One of my best time investments ever. This book changed how I make my decisions in work and life. Alexander Klöpping, Blendle CEO

“GRIP helps me get more done and then really unplug when I’m not working. Super inspiring! Anna Drijver, actress from the Netflix Original “Undercover”

“GRIP packs a punch with powerful strategies that will reinvent your ability to get more done than ever. Jeff Sanders, keynote speaker and author of The 5 AM Miracle

“Rick has completely reimagined the strategy for your calendar, email, and to-do list. His tips are clear and accessible, and his approach is genius. This is a book I wish I’d had ten years ago. Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, founder and CEO of The Next Web

“GRIP is a book to turn to often: I love the structure it brings to my workweek. Rick’s strategic approach is remarkably relevant for anyone. Taco Carlier, CEO and cofounder of VanMoof

“A practical approach for getting more done. Ali Niknam, Bunq CEO

“GRIP is unique: it helps you step by step, but it has surprising depth. In my work I’m continuously looking for tools to help colleagues, and GRIP is high on my list of suggestions. Kristel Moedt, Head of People & Culture, Tony’s Chocolonely

“Before I read GRIP, I thought I was pretty organized, at work and otherwise. Turns out that’s not the case. GRIP fundamentally changed my productivity and the way I run my department on a day-to-day basis. Stef van Grieken, Product Manager at X (Google's Research Lab)

“This is one of those books you don’t just read and put aside. It keeps on giving: a clear guide to turn to daily. Implement Rick’s practical suggestions and start making smarter decisions – both professionally and in other parts of your life. Mark de Lange, Founder and CEO Ace & Tate

“Finally! A sane and down-to-earth manual to help you get the most out of your workweek. I don’t know of a book that gives you this many spot-on tips. Ernst-Jan Pfauth, cofounder and CEO of The Correspondent