Create Space

How to Manage Time and Find Focus, Productivity and Success

by Derek Draper

4.6(51 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book offers practical strategies for reclaiming your time, creativity, and emotional well-being. It guides you to create room in your schedule and mind so you can think deeply, connect genuinely, and act effectively. By cultivating focus, reflection, and deliberate planning, readers will discover fresh ways to work smarter and live more fully.

Introduction

We often find ourselves running on autopilot, juggling emails, calls, and endless to-do lists. In this rushing around, we lose sight of deep thinking, heartfelt connections, and sustainable well-being. This book challenges that frantic approach, showing that taking a step back can unlock greater productivity and purpose.

By carving out time, we also create a mindset shift. Instead of reacting to everything that appears urgent, we can identify what is truly important. This book encourages us to slow down our minds, so we can sharpen our focus for better decisions and more meaningful collaboration.

You’ll learn why reflection, openness to learning, and emotional intelligence are core ingredients to any genuine transformation. By applying simple, practical tools, you can create enough space so that your best ideas, strongest relationships, and fullest life can take root.

Redefining Reflection

Many people think of reflection as a luxury, saved for quiet weekends or vacations. But regular reflection is essential. Without it, we operate on shallow assumptions and repeat the same habits. By stepping back, reviewing our decisions, and asking questions, we uncover overlooked insights.

A big challenge is carving out this time amid continuous distractions. We often remain glued to screens or notifications, thinking we’re being productive. Yet research shows that breaks and pauses actually sharpen our skills. Stepping away from the churn of tasks helps us approach problems with fresh perspective.

Effective reflection also takes a willingness to face uncomfortable truths. Sometimes, we discover unproductive habits or misguided beliefs. Still, shining a light on them paves the way for improvement. It’s a chance to adapt, refine, and grow into better versions of ourselves.

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What is Create Space about?

In "Create Space: How to Manage Time and Find Focus, Productivity, and Success," author Derek Draper delves into the multifaceted concept of creating space—mentally, emotionally, and physically—to foster deeper reflection, connection, and productivity. Through practical advice and compelling anecdotes, Draper outlines the necessity of carving out mental space in our cluttered, fast-paced lives to cultivate purposeful living and effective decision-making.

Central to the book's thesis is the notion that leaders must not only manage their time but also their inner landscapes to thrive. By embracing strategic planning, reflection, and interpersonal connection, readers discover pathways to improve their professional and personal lives. This book acts as a beacon for those striving to focus on what truly matters, balancing their priorities amid chaotic environments. "Create Space" is especially impactful for its actionable insights, encouraging readers to integrate intentionality into their daily routines effectively.

Derek Draper skillfully bridges self-help and leadership guidance in this insightful book, making it a valuable asset for individuals seeking to elevate their personal and professional trajectories. Its rich blend of psychological wisdom and practical strategies makes "Create Space" a critical tool for anyone aiming to optimize their time, relationships, and success.

Review of Create Space

"Create Space: How to Manage Time and Find Focus, Productivity, and Success" by Derek Draper is a compelling examination of how strategic space creation can positively alter the personal and professional landscapes of our lives. Notable for its nuanced approach, the book deftly tackles the over-scheduled, overwhelming nature of modern life through the lenses of reflection, connection, and productivity.

Draper offers a refreshing take on productivity, linking mental clarity with professional success. The book's strength lies in its balance of theoretical concepts with practical applications, showing readers how to master the art of creating space in everyday life. From understanding the emotional undercurrents that shape decision-making to strategies for minimizing distractions, the book provides a suite of intuitive techniques applicable across myriad situations.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book resonates powerfully with its target audience—those who feel constantly bombarded by life's demands yet crave purposeful achievement. Regardless if you are a seasoned leader, an aspiring professional, or someone seeking greater work-life balance, Draper's insights are easy to implement and profoundly transformative. "Create Space" comes highly recommended for anyone eager to reshape their path, not just by what they do, but through where they focus their mental and emotional energies.

Who should read Create Space?

Busy professionals seeking to improve time management and work efficiency can greatly benefit from this book's insights on focus and productivity.
Individuals feeling overwhelmed by daily demands will find practical strategies for decluttering their schedules and fostering mental clarity.
Managers and leaders focused on inspiring their teams will uncover techniques to create a supportive environment conducive to growth and collaboration.
Anyone on a self-improvement journey will appreciate the book's focus on reflection, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction.
Students or recent graduates looking to enter the workforce with a strategic mindset can harness the book’s wisdom for personal development and career advancement.

About the author

Derek Draper is a multifaceted professional who has worked as a political adviser, lobbyist, psychotherapist, and journalist. He has written several books, including "Create Space: How to Manage Time and Find Focus, Productivity and Success," which focuses on strategies for personal and professional growth through effective time management and productivity techniques. Draper has also authored "Blair's 100 Days" and "Life Support," showcasing his diverse writing interests. With a career spanning various fields, he brings a unique perspective to his work on personal development and productivity.