Make Time

How to Focus on What Matters Every Day

by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky

4.5(5,139 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book explains how to regain control of your schedule and attention in a hyper-distracted world. It provides tactics for identifying a daily priority, reducing digital temptations, and boosting physical and mental energy. By following its steps, readers can escape the feeling of constant busyness, design each day more intentionally, and make real progress on what matters most.

Introduction

Modern life is full of urgent tasks, unstoppable notifications, and endless to-do lists. It's easy to feel stuck on a treadmill where every minute is crammed with something, yet at the end of the day, we often realize we didn't accomplish what mattered most. This feeling, shared by many, is the starting point for a fresh approach to time.

In this book, the authors propose a straightforward system for regaining control: highlight one meaningful activity each day, secure focused time through wise technology usage, and sustain energy with practical daily habits. Over time, you'll learn how to dial down the constant busyness and create space for personal priorities.

To begin, we must understand the forces that shape our days: the Busy Bandwagon, pushing us to do more, and Infinity Pools, luring us with endless digital content. By recognizing these forces and tackling them head-on, we can spark lasting change.

Stop letting your day be shaped by default settings—reclaim your focus and reshape your time.

The Two Time Traps

The first trap is what the authors call the Busy Bandwagon. It's the default expectation that we must fill every minute with urgent tasks, reply instantly to messages, and book one meeting after another. This constant hustle rarely leads to real progress—only exhaustion. Instead of stepping back to choose meaningful targets, we chase fleeting demands.

Next is the Infinity Pools, those sources of endless information and entertainment at our fingertips—social media feeds, streaming videos, addictive apps. By design, they provide a bottomless supply of content, making them irresistible. Before we know it, we lose precious hours scrolling or watching, feeding a cycle of distraction.

Living on the Busy Bandwagon fosters a sense that we must show constant productivity, but it rarely leads to deep, creative work. Infinity Pools, by contrast, effortlessly consume our downtime, often leaving us more drained. Recognizing these dual threats is the first step toward focusing on what matters.

Unbounded digital content and nonstop busyness thrive on autopilot—intentional choices are your best defense.

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What is Make Time about?

"Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day," authored by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, provides a practical framework for taking control of your daily life. In a world where digital distractions are rampant and our schedules never seem to clear up, this book offers an innovative four-step system to prioritize what truly matters. The authors' approach helps readers uncover a daily highlight, effectively neutralize distractions, and maintain energy levels for peak productivity. This book promises to transform the mundane busyness of everyday life into meaningful progress and purpose.

Knapp and Zeratsky, drawing from their time at Google, share actionable insights into how to escape the "Busy Bandwagon" — a relentless cycle of perpetual hustling often mistaken for productivity — and the "Infinity Pools" — endless streams of digital content that drain attention and time. By leveraging their strategies, readers can reclaim their day amid modern chaos, move past distractions effortlessly, and achieve real breakthroughs in both professional and personal life.

"Make Time" stands out for its pragmatic advice on intentional living. Its techniques are designed not only for time efficiency but also for enhancing one's focus on truly significant pursuits. Whether implementing short bursts of intense work or optimizing morning routines against tempting screens, readers discover how to consciously design each day. The methodology is both refreshing and attainable, perfect for individuals seeking balance and fulfillment in their hectic lives.

Review of Make Time

"Make Time" excels due to its user-friendly and accessible writing style. Knapp and Zeratsky deliver their message with a blend of professional insights and relatable everyday examples. Their step-by-step guide, compounded by personal anecdotes, empowers readers to individualize the system according to their unique circumstances and goals.

One key strength lies in the book's focus on actionable strategies. Practicalities, such as the "Highlight," help readers act rather than remain in a continual state of planning without progress. The book not only provides tools for removing digital distractions but also emphasizes energy-boosting habits, all of which are pivotal for sustaining focus and achieving target milestones.

The beauty of "Make Time" lies in its versatility. Whether you're a high-powered executive, a student, or a busy parent, the system can be adapted to fit any lifestyle. It removes the guilt associated with packed schedules and instead encourages a purposeful approach to daily tasks. Its relevance is its major asset — in a world tugging everyone in different directions, this book offers clarity and actionable advice.

With its engaging narrative and practical tips, "Make Time" is both a thought-provoking and a hands-on manual for transforming your day. If you're prone to digital distractions, overwhelmed with obligations, or simply looking to inject more intention into your routine, this book is a recommended read. Explore the outlined strategies, implement them, and witness a productivity shift in your life.

Who should read Make Time?

Busy professionals who seek better time management and productivity.
Parents looking to balance family responsibilities and personal ambitions.
Students in need of effective study habits to enhance concentration and retention.
Digital enthusiasts aiming to reduce screen time and gain clearer focus.
Individuals seeking to integrate wellness practices into their daily routine.

About the author

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky are the co-authors of "Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day". Jake Knapp is a renowned designer and New York Times bestselling author, known for creating the Design Sprint process during his 10-year tenure at Google and Google Ventures. John Zeratsky is a veteran technology designer with 15 years of experience, having worked at Google Ventures, YouTube, and Google, and is also a bestselling author. Together, they bring extensive expertise in design, innovation, and productivity to their work, offering practical strategies for managing time and focus.