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Focus: A Simplicity Manifesto in the Age of Distraction
It’s about how to find focus in this age of distraction — focus for getting amazing things done, for reflection and contemplation, for what you’re passionate about. It’s about how to do that and still live in this digital world.
121 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2010
96 people are currently reading
1578 people want to read
About the author
Leo Babauta
93 books710 followersLeo Babauta is a simplicity blogger and author. He created Zen Habits, a Top 25 blog (according to TIME magazine) with 260,000 subscribers, mnmlist.com, and the best-selling books focus, The Power of Less, and Zen To Done.
Babauta is a former journalist of 18 years, a husband, father of six children, and in 2010 moved from Guam to San Francisco, where he leads a simple life.
He started Zen Habits to chronicle and share what he's learned while changing a number of habits.
Babauta is a former journalist of 18 years, a husband, father of six children, and in 2010 moved from Guam to San Francisco, where he leads a simple life.
He started Zen Habits to chronicle and share what he's learned while changing a number of habits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 18, 2011
Ok, I knew I'm way too easily distracted and having a hard time getting things done because of it, but I really didn't think I was addicted to all this e-crap. After all, I'm not even on Twitter, I don't have a smart phone, I don't text and hate calls. But then Leo proposed disconnecting completely for 2-3 days--no phone, no email, no news, no facebook, no blogs, no websites--and I realized my first instinct was panic. Also, I used to ignore the computer at home all weekend, but now I find myself popping into facebook or checking my email or blogs enough to waste a good bit of weekend time, especially when I'm too tired to really feel like doing something meaty. I guess that means I definitely need to try this detox thing.
...
"There will be some among you who will admit that it would be nice to
slow down, but you just can’t do it...
"I say bullshit.
"Take responsibility for your life."
Yeah.
...
section 3, Ch 6: letting go of goals
I love this idea. Leo used to be super organized, with the three most important tasks each day, the three most important goals/projects he was working on--he had a whole system. But now he just does the thing he's most excited about at any given time. He doesn't worry about achieving or whatever, he just does what he wants.
That sounds like heaven. It's tempting to say he has the luxury of doing that because he's already successful, though. I mean, if I never did the shit I don't want to do, like he suggests, surely I'd eventually get fired from my job. Even on my own business, I take more of this approach, but I'd still probably never get around to some of the important business-y stuff. I would love to live this way, though, and will ironically set it as my goal and start working toward it.
section 4, ch 1: a simple system for getting amazing things done
1. Find something amazing to work on every day. (significant work that you enjoy and care about, or just something fun) Do it first thing in the morning.
2. clear away everything else
3. Focus on the Something Amazing. (Remember, do it first.) Don't interrupt. Keep working for a good chunk.
4. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Part 4, ch 5: walking, disconnection, & focus
Everyday walking vacation routine: spend 20-30 minutes walking to a destination. Work or read there for 30-40 minutes. Then walk somewhere else.
Yes! I want to do this!
Disconnect and connect routine: disconnect from the internet entirely for a day or two. Then connect for a day or two and get your online stuff done. Repeat.
Might be good.
...
It took me forever to get around to reading the second half of this book. I would have just sent it to "returning-unfinished," but one reviewer said the best stuff was at the end.
I don't know, I guess I've read enough of Leo's stuff now--it's all starting to sound the same. I do love the idea of doing only what I'm excited about, and wandering around all day. When I was only planning to take the summer off, that's how I was visualizing my life. Get up, eat breakfast on the beach, write. Then wander into town, maybe check out the farmers' market or the library. Write. Wander around some more or sit on the beach. Make dinner and eat. Read, spin, play, whatever. Then bed. That's what I used to do on my summers off, and it was a very good life. I want that again.
...
"There will be some among you who will admit that it would be nice to
slow down, but you just can’t do it...
"I say bullshit.
"Take responsibility for your life."
Yeah.
...
section 3, Ch 6: letting go of goals
I love this idea. Leo used to be super organized, with the three most important tasks each day, the three most important goals/projects he was working on--he had a whole system. But now he just does the thing he's most excited about at any given time. He doesn't worry about achieving or whatever, he just does what he wants.
That sounds like heaven. It's tempting to say he has the luxury of doing that because he's already successful, though. I mean, if I never did the shit I don't want to do, like he suggests, surely I'd eventually get fired from my job. Even on my own business, I take more of this approach, but I'd still probably never get around to some of the important business-y stuff. I would love to live this way, though, and will ironically set it as my goal and start working toward it.
section 4, ch 1: a simple system for getting amazing things done
1. Find something amazing to work on every day. (significant work that you enjoy and care about, or just something fun) Do it first thing in the morning.
2. clear away everything else
3. Focus on the Something Amazing. (Remember, do it first.) Don't interrupt. Keep working for a good chunk.
4. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Part 4, ch 5: walking, disconnection, & focus
Everyday walking vacation routine: spend 20-30 minutes walking to a destination. Work or read there for 30-40 minutes. Then walk somewhere else.
Yes! I want to do this!
Disconnect and connect routine: disconnect from the internet entirely for a day or two. Then connect for a day or two and get your online stuff done. Repeat.
Might be good.
...
It took me forever to get around to reading the second half of this book. I would have just sent it to "returning-unfinished," but one reviewer said the best stuff was at the end.
I don't know, I guess I've read enough of Leo's stuff now--it's all starting to sound the same. I do love the idea of doing only what I'm excited about, and wandering around all day. When I was only planning to take the summer off, that's how I was visualizing my life. Get up, eat breakfast on the beach, write. Then wander into town, maybe check out the farmers' market or the library. Write. Wander around some more or sit on the beach. Make dinner and eat. Read, spin, play, whatever. Then bed. That's what I used to do on my summers off, and it was a very good life. I want that again.
June 13, 2015
كتاب رائع يستعرض مشكلتنا الرئيسية التي سببتها لنا التقنية وهي تشتت التفكير وفقدان القدرة على التركيز في العمل أو الإنتاج من غير مقاطعات الأجهزة التقنية المشتتة، يميز هذا الكتاب أن من كتبه كان يعاني من نفس المشكلة واستطاع تجاوزها بنجاح، وبذلك يكون قد ابتعد عن المثالية بشكل كبير، يعجبني أيضاً أنه لايقيّدك بطريقة معينة أو حل معيّن وإنما يطرح عليك الحلول الشائعة التي تناسب غالب الناس وأنت الذي يقرر الأسلوب الأمثل لك. الكتاب مجاني يمكنك تحميله من موقع الكتاب
http://focusmanifesto.com/
والأخ ناصر الناصر لخص الكتاب تلخيصاً جميلاً باللغة العربية في مدونته سيفيدك خاصة إذا لم تتمكن من قراءة الكتاب باللغة الانجليزية
http://www.geeker.co/2011/11/%D8%A7%D...
It is simply a small-sized guide to understand and deal with our surrendering to distractions. The book is not well organized where many ideas are repeated throught the chapters. But it gives a clear diagnosis of our unability to focus for a long time. We may know most of the ideas he sorts in the book but we try to ignore them! The book is very practical and written in very easy language.
http://focusmanifesto.com/
والأخ ناصر الناصر لخص الكتاب تلخيصاً جميلاً باللغة العربية في مدونته سيفيدك خاصة إذا لم تتمكن من قراءة الكتاب باللغة الانجليزية
http://www.geeker.co/2011/11/%D8%A7%D...
It is simply a small-sized guide to understand and deal with our surrendering to distractions. The book is not well organized where many ideas are repeated throught the chapters. But it gives a clear diagnosis of our unability to focus for a long time. We may know most of the ideas he sorts in the book but we try to ignore them! The book is very practical and written in very easy language.
February 3, 2017
It's a great book and my friends and I have been started to translate this book in Persian, that you can find the whole story in Foad's blog
http://foad-ansari.ir/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8...
http://foad-ansari.ir/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8...
March 8, 2011
This review applies to the free version of Focus; there are larger, more extensive versions available for purchase, both on Kindle and on the Focus Manifesto website. I cannot comment on either one.
I came across this during my recent reading and thinking on minimalism, and download it because a) focus is something that I can always use practice on and b) the price was right. I realize that the second may not be the noblest reason for getting a book, but hey, it worked for me.
The free version of Focus is (as you might expect from an author writing about Zen and minimalism), short and to the point. Babauta breaks the book up into five sections. The first, “stepping back”, is sort of a manifesto of the manifesto. It explains what the purpose of the book is, who the author is, and why he believes focus is both extremely important, and extremely difficult to come by.
Sections two, three, and four, provide the meat of the book, with a variety of solid ideas, drills, and tools to help the reader clear distractions away from their life. I don’t know that any of them are extremely groundbreaking, but they are all worthwhile.
The fifth section discusses dealing with others in your question for focus, particularly those who aren’t as supportive as you’d like them to be. It also includes a chapter for parents, and a chapter for business managers.
I liked this book. A lot. Babauta writes in a simple, clear, and unpretentious tone, which is extremely refreshing. One of the things that has bothered me about some of the minimalist writers I’ve read is that they come across with this holier-than-thou, “just throw all of your possessions in a dumpster, you worthless human being” sort of way that is not only uninspiring, but downright unhelpful. Babauta, by contrast, acknowledges that some of what he’s suggesting is challenging (if it was easy, everyone would do it), but offers a lot of useful guidelines on how to make his ideas work for you. With each activity, he suggests a few variations if one doesn’t work, but always reiterates the point that the goals is to find something that works for you.
I don’t know if I will buy the full version of this book or not. Probably not yet…frankly, there’s enough stuff in the free version for me to work on without adding things, and it seems silly to purchase more until I feel like I need it. But if you’re one of those folks who feels like there is never enough time, or that you just can’t find your focus, I suggest grabbing some version of this. It’s worth the read.
I came across this during my recent reading and thinking on minimalism, and download it because a) focus is something that I can always use practice on and b) the price was right. I realize that the second may not be the noblest reason for getting a book, but hey, it worked for me.
The free version of Focus is (as you might expect from an author writing about Zen and minimalism), short and to the point. Babauta breaks the book up into five sections. The first, “stepping back”, is sort of a manifesto of the manifesto. It explains what the purpose of the book is, who the author is, and why he believes focus is both extremely important, and extremely difficult to come by.
Sections two, three, and four, provide the meat of the book, with a variety of solid ideas, drills, and tools to help the reader clear distractions away from their life. I don’t know that any of them are extremely groundbreaking, but they are all worthwhile.
The fifth section discusses dealing with others in your question for focus, particularly those who aren’t as supportive as you’d like them to be. It also includes a chapter for parents, and a chapter for business managers.
I liked this book. A lot. Babauta writes in a simple, clear, and unpretentious tone, which is extremely refreshing. One of the things that has bothered me about some of the minimalist writers I’ve read is that they come across with this holier-than-thou, “just throw all of your possessions in a dumpster, you worthless human being” sort of way that is not only uninspiring, but downright unhelpful. Babauta, by contrast, acknowledges that some of what he’s suggesting is challenging (if it was easy, everyone would do it), but offers a lot of useful guidelines on how to make his ideas work for you. With each activity, he suggests a few variations if one doesn’t work, but always reiterates the point that the goals is to find something that works for you.
I don’t know if I will buy the full version of this book or not. Probably not yet…frankly, there’s enough stuff in the free version for me to work on without adding things, and it seems silly to purchase more until I feel like I need it. But if you’re one of those folks who feels like there is never enough time, or that you just can’t find your focus, I suggest grabbing some version of this. It’s worth the read.
September 28, 2011
Понеже от известно време чета блога на Лео за минимализъм - http://mnmlist.com/ , а и от Све видях, че тази книга има безплатна версия, а и имам малко проблеми с фокусирането и вършенето на задачи, реших да зачета. Книгата звучи като един дъълъг блог-пост, което донякъде е забавно, но и я олекотява малко повече от здравословното. Като почетеш малко от господин Лео, забелязваш как той ужасно се повтаря и вече имаш чувството, че си чел всичко и дори не искаш да си помисляш с какво е успял да напълни толкова много "книги".
Focus накратко казва: Абе вършете само или преди всичко работа, която ви харесва, бъдете осъзнати и не се оставяйте светът да ви разсейва прекалено. Сякаш хората имат нужда да им се напомня от време на време, но книгата не съдържа нищо кой знае колко ново и интересно, което да се научи. За мен беше полезна, защото ме провокира да си помисля по-добре за някои неща, да се организирам и т.н.
Focus накратко казва: Абе вършете само или преди всичко работа, която ви харесва, бъдете осъзнати и не се оставяйте светът да ви разсейва прекалено. Сякаш хората имат нужда да им се напомня от време на време, но книгата не съдържа нищо кой знае колко ново и интересно, което да се научи. За мен беше полезна, защото ме провокира да си помисля по-добре за някои неща, да се организирам и т.н.
August 2, 2016
Ok, to be honest I read this book because it was free and it bugged me that I downloaded it and it was just sitting on my hard drive. I really like the minimalist communication style of the author. If you are familiar with zenhabits then it won't be a surprise for you.
I've got some great ideas from the book about how to focus better in my work, family and in my relationships.
- setting up focused / meetingless days
- turning off all the notifications on my phone
- switching to a feature phone instead of a smart phone
as a manifesto I expected to get a memorable list or something which I can apply in my life. to sum it up what I got is something like this
- cut back every noise
- focus on one thing at a time
- introduce changes gradually
I've got some great ideas from the book about how to focus better in my work, family and in my relationships.
- setting up focused / meetingless days
- turning off all the notifications on my phone
- switching to a feature phone instead of a smart phone
as a manifesto I expected to get a memorable list or something which I can apply in my life. to sum it up what I got is something like this
- cut back every noise
- focus on one thing at a time
- introduce changes gradually
April 11, 2017
He writes like he preaches. Short and focused.
I don't normally read books like this, yet, I am greatly appreciated that I picked up Leo Babauta's books. This is very practical and helpful.
I don't normally read books like this, yet, I am greatly appreciated that I picked up Leo Babauta's books. This is very practical and helpful.
April 6, 2016
This is a very good book with tips on finding focus in several aspects of life. Nothing revolutionary, but a lot of condensed common sense, written in a simple and appealing way, that leaves us with energy to really and finally find more focus. There are parts of the book that could have been written by my, for they adjust so well to my own life. Such as this one (except for Twitter): “In my life, for example, I try to focus on work but have children in my home/office who want my attention. When I spend time with them, there’s the temptation to check email or Twitter. When I want to spend time alone, the siren’s call of work and the neverending call of my children make focusing on my solo activity a challenge.” Or this: “And if there are moments when they’re not requiring our attention, often we’re thinking about things we need to be doing with them, for them. We’re thinking about what we should be doing but aren’t: reading to them more, taking them to parks to play, teaching them to build or garden or write, working on craft projects, taking them to museums, handing down the key lessons in life.”
October 9, 2016
Pieejama Online bez maksas.
Brīnišķīga lasāmviela par to, kā fokusēties un kāpēc multitaskings ir vairāk laika šķiešana nekā produktīvs. Apstiprināja manas sajūtas par "nekā nedarīšanas" lietderīgumu. Praktiski padomi par to, kā atslēgt dažādus traucēkļus, kas neļauj fokusēties.
Top padoms: dienas sākumā izvēlēties trīs galvenos mērķus (uzdevumus), ar ko strādāt. Tos paveikt pirmos, tikai pec tam darboties ar telefonu, internetu, e-pastiem u.tml. Jau izmēģināju, patika.
Kontrolfrīkiem - jo vairāk centīsies kontrolēt lietas (citus cilvēkus), jo vairāk ciešanu tas sagādās.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Lao Tzu
Brīnišķīga lasāmviela par to, kā fokusēties un kāpēc multitaskings ir vairāk laika šķiešana nekā produktīvs. Apstiprināja manas sajūtas par "nekā nedarīšanas" lietderīgumu. Praktiski padomi par to, kā atslēgt dažādus traucēkļus, kas neļauj fokusēties.
Top padoms: dienas sākumā izvēlēties trīs galvenos mērķus (uzdevumus), ar ko strādāt. Tos paveikt pirmos, tikai pec tam darboties ar telefonu, internetu, e-pastiem u.tml. Jau izmēģināju, patika.
Kontrolfrīkiem - jo vairāk centīsies kontrolēt lietas (citus cilvēkus), jo vairāk ciešanu tas sagādās.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Lao Tzu
May 10, 2021
Honestly wondering if I should just write reviews without star ratings. They just seem so... reductive somehow.
Anyway, this book (technically a manifesto) is exactly what I needed to listen to this week as I re-organize my own focus towards my business and my personal life. It's been an incredible book and the narrator made it all the more enjoyable too.
Pick it up if you're interested in enhancing your own focus and are finding it odd to find that focus in an age of distraction. I enjoy how Leo makes it both doable and practical. There are so many little tips that add up to become this hugely comforting book.
Anyway, this book (technically a manifesto) is exactly what I needed to listen to this week as I re-organize my own focus towards my business and my personal life. It's been an incredible book and the narrator made it all the more enjoyable too.
Pick it up if you're interested in enhancing your own focus and are finding it odd to find that focus in an age of distraction. I enjoy how Leo makes it both doable and practical. There are so many little tips that add up to become this hugely comforting book.
July 19, 2020
This book is a wealth of context and practical tips about dealing with distractions. Although, I heard of using these strategies before, due to context and step-by-step execution plan, I found them more useful.
January 12, 2021
Nice little ebook full of useful down-to-earth advice to block out distractions.
January 12, 2023
Pustil jsem se do čtení knihy o soustředění, protože se nedokážu soustředit, ale nedokázal jsem se soustředit.
November 1, 2015
Focus
, this book is about how to focus on things that matters to you the most, it's about how to get things done when you are living in a world which is full of distractions.
In this book the author talks about focus, disconnections and distractions.
According to him people these days waste a whole lot of time in connecting with the world and they lose focus on what they actually want to do and accomplish, he talks about how people are not able to focus because of distractions that is coming from every direction, for example you get distracted when you check for new email, or new notifications, maybe a call or even a instant message. You feel like responding to everything, sometimes you just wait for people to text you or call you(maybe just because you want validation from them, that you are important).
But in this book he tells you to do what you think is important, work for it, do simple tasks and do them efficiently.
He also talks about disconnection, here he advice to disconnect with world totally for few hours of the day everyday and focus on important tasks, don't ask for validation from other people instead focus on yourself and on what you want to achieve.
In this book he gives you practical tips and advises on how to focus, how to avoid distractions and how to disconnect with the world.
Also he don't ask you to totally avoid distraction, it is like two faces of a coin, you don't need distraction to come in your way of completing your tasks, however he says it is also important because it helps you to relax and connect with people, which certainly help you in personal growth and development and learning because you get to communicate different ideas and learn a whole lot of stuff. So, here he don't ask you to eliminate distraction, but instead list out few ways to balance it in your life so as to improve productivity and quality of your work.
This one is a great book, a light read , very well written, full of great tips and advises.This book contains some really good theories and problems that affect our productivity and also our lives. I liked most of his suggestions and I'm going to try some of them.
Easier said than done, ya it will be difficult to implement them. But this book offers a ton of different ways to make everything you do more meaningful. And I believe if you read it, it will help you as well in being more productive.
Also there is no reason to not to read it, but I may very well give you some reasons to read it:
1.It is a short book, so probably won't take much of your time.
2.It's free, you don't even have to buy it, maybe not the best reason but hey, it worked for me (the paid version have more stuff in it, more content I mean, so you can go for that as well, if you like the free version).
3.It's resourceful, you'll love it, believe it!( But if for some reason you don't like it then please don't curse me though the probability of occurrence of this event is very less, you'll learn at least something).
4.Creative content.
What more you want!
Do something amazing everyday! this is something I'm taking away from this book.
Loved it!
In this book the author talks about focus, disconnections and distractions.
According to him people these days waste a whole lot of time in connecting with the world and they lose focus on what they actually want to do and accomplish, he talks about how people are not able to focus because of distractions that is coming from every direction, for example you get distracted when you check for new email, or new notifications, maybe a call or even a instant message. You feel like responding to everything, sometimes you just wait for people to text you or call you(maybe just because you want validation from them, that you are important).
But in this book he tells you to do what you think is important, work for it, do simple tasks and do them efficiently.
He also talks about disconnection, here he advice to disconnect with world totally for few hours of the day everyday and focus on important tasks, don't ask for validation from other people instead focus on yourself and on what you want to achieve.
In this book he gives you practical tips and advises on how to focus, how to avoid distractions and how to disconnect with the world.
Also he don't ask you to totally avoid distraction, it is like two faces of a coin, you don't need distraction to come in your way of completing your tasks, however he says it is also important because it helps you to relax and connect with people, which certainly help you in personal growth and development and learning because you get to communicate different ideas and learn a whole lot of stuff. So, here he don't ask you to eliminate distraction, but instead list out few ways to balance it in your life so as to improve productivity and quality of your work.
This one is a great book, a light read , very well written, full of great tips and advises.This book contains some really good theories and problems that affect our productivity and also our lives. I liked most of his suggestions and I'm going to try some of them.
Easier said than done, ya it will be difficult to implement them. But this book offers a ton of different ways to make everything you do more meaningful. And I believe if you read it, it will help you as well in being more productive.
Also there is no reason to not to read it, but I may very well give you some reasons to read it:
1.It is a short book, so probably won't take much of your time.
2.It's free, you don't even have to buy it, maybe not the best reason but hey, it worked for me (the paid version have more stuff in it, more content I mean, so you can go for that as well, if you like the free version).
3.It's resourceful, you'll love it, believe it!( But if for some reason you don't like it then please don't curse me though the probability of occurrence of this event is very less, you'll learn at least something).
4.Creative content.
What more you want!
Do something amazing everyday! this is something I'm taking away from this book.
Loved it!
March 26, 2016
Babautova kniha ZEN A HOTOVO sa stala pre mňa najväčším prekvapením a najčítanejšou (znova a znova) knihou za posledné mesiace. O to prekvapivejšie, že ide vlastne o príručku (osobnej produktivity) a nie žiadny román, či komiks. Kniha bola tak dobre napísaná, jednoducho a ľúbivo prevedená (verzia od Jan Melvil publishing, 2010), že som sa do nej jednoducho zamiloval. Ďalším plusom bolo, že to, čo Babauta píše, sktuočne funguje. Preto keď som na stránkach vydavateľstva našiel odkaz na druhú Babautovu kniu - SOUSTŘEDĚNÍ, neváhal som a knihu si kúpil.
Autor sa v nej sústreďuje na jeden z najväčších problémov dnešných pracujúcich (a samozrejme, nie len tých) ľudí - závislosť, nesústredenosť, multitaskovanie. Opäť svojím jednoduchým a konkrétnym jazykom pomenúva problémy, ktoré sprevádzajú bežného človeka denne, blokujú a bránia mu naplno využívať jeho schopnosti. Množstvo informačných kanálov, ich dostupnosť takmer na každom mieste bežného života, závislosť na mobilných zariadeniach. Dnes už snáď ani neexistuje človek, ktorý by s týmito démonmi nezápasil. Autor znova ponúka jednoduché kroky, ktorými je možné sa z tohoto začarovaného kruhu dostať. Pokiaľ si pri čítaní jeho rád poviete, že to je úplne absurdné, zrejme tým len dokazujete pravdivosť jeho slov a NAOZAJ by ste sa mali nad sebou zamyslieť (napríklad vypnutie automatickej kontroly nových e-mailov v práci mi na začiatku pripadalo ako absolútne nereálny nezmysel, dnes viem, že to bol jeden zo základných krokov pre zlepšenie pracovnej efektivity).
Kniha je, podobne ako ZEN A HOTOVO, úplným pohladením na duši, zároveň praktickým a funkčným modelom osobnej produktivity a aj keď si v týchto dvoch dielach autor mierne protirečí (problematika dlhodobého plánovania je základom ZENU, v SOUSTŘEDĚNÍ ju považuje za kontraproduktívnu), beriem to však ako logický vývoj poznania. Obe knihy dnes patria medzi základ mojej pracovnej a náučnej literatúry a ich filozofie sa stali pevnou súčasťou mojho životného štýlu.
Autor sa v nej sústreďuje na jeden z najväčších problémov dnešných pracujúcich (a samozrejme, nie len tých) ľudí - závislosť, nesústredenosť, multitaskovanie. Opäť svojím jednoduchým a konkrétnym jazykom pomenúva problémy, ktoré sprevádzajú bežného človeka denne, blokujú a bránia mu naplno využívať jeho schopnosti. Množstvo informačných kanálov, ich dostupnosť takmer na každom mieste bežného života, závislosť na mobilných zariadeniach. Dnes už snáď ani neexistuje človek, ktorý by s týmito démonmi nezápasil. Autor znova ponúka jednoduché kroky, ktorými je možné sa z tohoto začarovaného kruhu dostať. Pokiaľ si pri čítaní jeho rád poviete, že to je úplne absurdné, zrejme tým len dokazujete pravdivosť jeho slov a NAOZAJ by ste sa mali nad sebou zamyslieť (napríklad vypnutie automatickej kontroly nových e-mailov v práci mi na začiatku pripadalo ako absolútne nereálny nezmysel, dnes viem, že to bol jeden zo základných krokov pre zlepšenie pracovnej efektivity).
Kniha je, podobne ako ZEN A HOTOVO, úplným pohladením na duši, zároveň praktickým a funkčným modelom osobnej produktivity a aj keď si v týchto dvoch dielach autor mierne protirečí (problematika dlhodobého plánovania je základom ZENU, v SOUSTŘEDĚNÍ ju považuje za kontraproduktívnu), beriem to však ako logický vývoj poznania. Obe knihy dnes patria medzi základ mojej pracovnej a náučnej literatúry a ich filozofie sa stali pevnou súčasťou mojho životného štýlu.
January 6, 2012
I have to confess: I read this book in fits and starts in transit and on breaks and wherever I could find 10 minutes at a time until I was finally able to finish the last third in one extended uninterrupted sitting. As I write this review, I have the television on and am constantly switching my attention from one screen to the other. I fear actually tallying the number of hours I spend checking the black holes of Facebook, Twitter and Gmail. And clutter? I am its queen. If there is a target audience for this book, I’m in it.
Almost everything in Focus makes sense to me and yet I can’t yet visualize myself doing most of it. Specifically, two key parts would require me to make huge changes to my outlook: decluttering and disconnecting.
Decluttering is something I have struggled with my entire life. My parents bought in bulk and hung on to things “just in case” they came in handy, and they often did. As a kid, I just assumed this was how everyone lived, surrounded by Stuff. There is nothing new to me in Focus that I haven’t already read and tried to implement at some point over the years.
Focus is a springboard book – it offers some key concepts in how to find and keep one’s mind open and clear by stepping back from some of the worlds’ distractions. If you are looking for somewhere to start, this is as good as any other you’ll find on the self-help shelves.
[excerpted from full review written in July2011]
Almost everything in Focus makes sense to me and yet I can’t yet visualize myself doing most of it. Specifically, two key parts would require me to make huge changes to my outlook: decluttering and disconnecting.
Decluttering is something I have struggled with my entire life. My parents bought in bulk and hung on to things “just in case” they came in handy, and they often did. As a kid, I just assumed this was how everyone lived, surrounded by Stuff. There is nothing new to me in Focus that I haven’t already read and tried to implement at some point over the years.
Focus is a springboard book – it offers some key concepts in how to find and keep one’s mind open and clear by stepping back from some of the worlds’ distractions. If you are looking for somewhere to start, this is as good as any other you’ll find on the self-help shelves.
[excerpted from full review written in July2011]
January 25, 2013
Ещё одна книжка про самоорганизацию и тайм-менеджмент. Вроде ничего нового не сказано, но подобные штуки хорошо время от времени перечитывать, чтоб напоминать себе. Полезно, кажется, всем в наш век избытка информации.
Это не технологий мы должны бояться. Мы должны бояться такого образа жизни, при котором мы постоянно подключены, постоянно разрываемся между разрушителями внимания, постоянно отвлекаемся и подвергаемся бомбардировке информацией и запросами. Это жизнь, в которой нет места для творчества и реального общения с людьми
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Как и любая серьезная зависимость, подключение создает быстрое позитивное подкрепление и отложенные достаточно негативные последствия для вас и вашей жизни.
==========
Очень важно, чтобы вы приняли для себя правду: вы не можете прочесть все новости, информацию и потребить все, что вам попадается на глаза. Вы не можете завершить абсолютно все задачи и ответить на абсолютно все сообщения, пришедшие к вам на электронную почту, из соц. сетей и т.д. и т.п.
==========
Несомненно, если двигаться быстро, то можно успеть больше. Но это вовсе не означает, что при этом будут сделаны правильные вещи.
Это не технологий мы должны бояться. Мы должны бояться такого образа жизни, при котором мы постоянно подключены, постоянно разрываемся между разрушителями внимания, постоянно отвлекаемся и подвергаемся бомбардировке информацией и запросами. Это жизнь, в которой нет места для творчества и реального общения с людьми
==========
Как и любая серьезная зависимость, подключение создает быстрое позитивное подкрепление и отложенные достаточно негативные последствия для вас и вашей жизни.
==========
Очень важно, чтобы вы приняли для себя правду: вы не можете прочесть все новости, информацию и потребить все, что вам попадается на глаза. Вы не можете завершить абсолютно все задачи и ответить на абсолютно все сообщения, пришедшие к вам на электронную почту, из соц. сетей и т.д. и т.п.
==========
Несомненно, если двигаться быстро, то можно успеть больше. Но это вовсе не означает, что при этом будут сделаны правильные вещи.
February 13, 2013
I love this book! It has helped me change so many things in my life really! It basically helped me become more focused on getting my tasks done efficiently.
The main tips that had made a huge difference were:
-Clearing up my desk and literally keeping ONLY a couple of items.
-Clearing my laptop desktop and taskbar.
-Listening to sounds-capes and white noise while working on a task that needs focus when being in a noisy environment.
-Using a Google chrome extension that helps block sites on the internet that distract me from my tasks.
-Disconnecting from the internet to focus on important goals/tasks.
-Leaving devices behind for some time.
-Replace bad habits with interesting and beneficial ones.
-Alternating between focus and relaxing time.
-Clearing up my email inbox and getting rid of unnecessary subscriptions.
-Stop multitasking, always single-task.
If you are looking for ways to help you get things done more efficiently, this is a great guide honestly.
I am really looking forward to read more of this author's books!
The main tips that had made a huge difference were:
-Clearing up my desk and literally keeping ONLY a couple of items.
-Clearing my laptop desktop and taskbar.
-Listening to sounds-capes and white noise while working on a task that needs focus when being in a noisy environment.
-Using a Google chrome extension that helps block sites on the internet that distract me from my tasks.
-Disconnecting from the internet to focus on important goals/tasks.
-Leaving devices behind for some time.
-Replace bad habits with interesting and beneficial ones.
-Alternating between focus and relaxing time.
-Clearing up my email inbox and getting rid of unnecessary subscriptions.
-Stop multitasking, always single-task.
If you are looking for ways to help you get things done more efficiently, this is a great guide honestly.
I am really looking forward to read more of this author's books!
February 21, 2011
If you're anything like me, you spend the day tweeting, facebooking, checking e-mail, playing Words With Friends and mostly just being distracted. If you feel like it's keeping you from doing the things you need and want to get done, perhaps reading Leo Babauta's "Focus."
You can download the free book and read it in .pdf format on your computer or print it out.
If Leo Babauta sounds familiar, it may be because his blog Zen Habits has long been successful among GTDers and minimalists.
Babauta came on the blogging scene originally giving GTDers advice on productivity and slowly moved into a more minimalist view, in which he focuses less on goals and more on living a more aware life. His book "Focus" shows others how they can eliminate distractions and focus on the things they love—be that creating, spending time with loved ones or just relaxing. Read more at http://compulsivebookreader.blogspot.com.
You can download the free book and read it in .pdf format on your computer or print it out.
If Leo Babauta sounds familiar, it may be because his blog Zen Habits has long been successful among GTDers and minimalists.
Babauta came on the blogging scene originally giving GTDers advice on productivity and slowly moved into a more minimalist view, in which he focuses less on goals and more on living a more aware life. His book "Focus" shows others how they can eliminate distractions and focus on the things they love—be that creating, spending time with loved ones or just relaxing. Read more at http://compulsivebookreader.blogspot.com.
August 18, 2012
I was very enthusiastic about the book during its first half, when it talked about concentrating on one thing at a time and weeding out all the digital and other distractions in your life but when it went into suggesting to do the easy things instead of the hard ones and the pleasant ones instead of the unpleasant ones, I felt like I just couldn't agree with that. Often doing the hard things now make life easy later on and doing the unpleasant ones immediately will yield more pleasant things in the long run, as opposed to all sorts of immediate gratification, which can turn unpleasant down the line. A few excellent suggestions here and there - one of which being to do at least one "Something Amazing and Something Awesome" and a few "Very Important" things each day, which I'll certainly be taking away from this book - but at times it feels like the book loses its focus.
May 2, 2013
Many reviewers state Leo Babauta books are similar. This was my first book by Babauta, and I thought it was simply amazing. Focus was full of advice on how to stay focused and complete simple task. I've always said twitter and facebook was a huge was of time, but really needed for authors and people trying to grow their business. Leo offers solutions to the social media distraction. The overall premise of this book is to slow down and focus on one task at a time until it's complete. One pointer I've started using: Make a daily to do list, pick three IMPORTANT task and focus on those task first and early in the day when I have the most energy.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed it. I will probably read it again.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed it. I will probably read it again.
April 6, 2012
Full of great resources, tools, tips and advice. My only complaint was going to be that it isn't as practical for parents but there's a chapter in there that deals with parents too. Another thing I think that's important to keep in mind is the whole minimalist lifestyle is a process not an end-goal. Just something you work on constantly so I'd keep that in mind to prevent from becoming overwhelmed.
Definitely recommend reading this book b/c its free, it's a quick read & it's an ebook that you can read on your computer/phone! :)
Definitely recommend reading this book b/c its free, it's a quick read & it's an ebook that you can read on your computer/phone! :)
March 6, 2011
A fantastic book that feels like a sip of fresh water on a very hot day. It is insane how close we are nowadays from those who are far and how far we are from those who are close. This book offers a ton of different ways to make everything you do more meaningful. I recommend that you not only read this book but even more, share it with the people you care about.
December 19, 2010
I believe this book gonna make you more productive. It talk about how to eliminate the distractions in your life, Specially that we had distraction coming from every direction. Mobiles , Twitter, Facebook,etc..
June 28, 2011
Četl jsem pouze free e-book, který však dostatečně ilustruje hlavní myšlenku knihy i autora. Myslím si, že kdo pravidelně sleduje zenhabits.com určitě mu bude verze zdarma stačit. Spoustu věcí se dozví na blogu autora.
July 5, 2017
Z mého pohledu to nejdůležitější: "Rozdělte si den: čas k tvorbě a čas ke konzumu a komunikaci. A toto dvojice ať se nikdy nesetká."
Osobně mi tato technika pomohla, být produktivnější (pracuji na volné noze). I proto jsem ji už četla podruhé. Všem kreativním volnonožcům doporučeno :)
Osobně mi tato technika pomohla, být produktivnější (pracuji na volné noze). I proto jsem ji už četla podruhé. Všem kreativním volnonožcům doporučeno :)
May 14, 2018
Mehhhh. Some good ideas (some even great ones), but largely a mix of standard fare productivity advice and McMindfulness.
November 15, 2021
I envy him. Yes, Leo Babauta, the writer. How could someone have such a clear vision towards his life? He made things seem so easy and everything seems to be done effortlessly, although I know for sure, no great things achieved or good changes being made, without facing difficulties, process, and failures.
I've read almost all of his books and there was always something new that I learnt on each of them. I love how through each book and each of his writing on zenhabits, I could see the progress and changes of his views, his most important goals, and the way he challenges himself and his life. It's like a continuous progress and it inspires me to do the same, to keep flowing and progressing.
I also love how radical he could be on taking action towards many ideas that most people would avoid from or ignored of. He doesn't hesitate to do changes and to try any ideas that he believes could give better results. He also doesn't hesitate to say No and to create his personal boundaries.
Simply said, he is being very clear about what he wants and about what he wants people to know of what they could and couldn't expect from him. Minimalist to the core.
Reading this book, I was being reminded again of few things that I haven't really minimalized in my life. Things that made me procrastinate and hold back, because I haven't been really clear of what I want, what I aim, and how I want things to be. It reminded me that I do need to sit with myself again and do the deep talk.
That to every unmotivated and self criticize me, there is unclear vision and clutters to fix, that I have to settle, there.
This is a free ebook that you could download anywhere I believe and Leo does allow this book to be read and distributed freely. A very recommended book to you who are aiming to get better focus, minimalize your life, and set a better sight on your life.
I've read almost all of his books and there was always something new that I learnt on each of them. I love how through each book and each of his writing on zenhabits, I could see the progress and changes of his views, his most important goals, and the way he challenges himself and his life. It's like a continuous progress and it inspires me to do the same, to keep flowing and progressing.
I also love how radical he could be on taking action towards many ideas that most people would avoid from or ignored of. He doesn't hesitate to do changes and to try any ideas that he believes could give better results. He also doesn't hesitate to say No and to create his personal boundaries.
Simply said, he is being very clear about what he wants and about what he wants people to know of what they could and couldn't expect from him. Minimalist to the core.
Reading this book, I was being reminded again of few things that I haven't really minimalized in my life. Things that made me procrastinate and hold back, because I haven't been really clear of what I want, what I aim, and how I want things to be. It reminded me that I do need to sit with myself again and do the deep talk.
That to every unmotivated and self criticize me, there is unclear vision and clutters to fix, that I have to settle, there.
This is a free ebook that you could download anywhere I believe and Leo does allow this book to be read and distributed freely. A very recommended book to you who are aiming to get better focus, minimalize your life, and set a better sight on your life.
April 2, 2018
An excellent introduction to the things I think make life worth living.
For the last several years, I have consciously studied "alternative" ways of life. Mindfulness, single-tasking, simplicity... This book covers them all. If I had found this book years ago, I'd be raving about how perfect it was. Instead, I found it after having already discovered these things on my own across a multiplicity of sources.
With that in mind, I found it a bit boring because it was a book full of things I already knew and accepted combined with a splattering of things that were just too out there, so to speak, for me. However, that's not to discount the value of this book. If anyone ever asks me about why I do certain things that aren't "normal" I will direct them to this book without hesitating. Babauta encompasses everything far more eloquently than I ever could, and it's considerably easier to point people to one book instead of the million and one blogs I've gained my insights from!
In fact, I think this book is most valuable as an introduction to others. Reading the whole thing beginning to end gets repetitive, but since it's so carefully organized into these sections and chapters, it's the perfect tool to be able to say "You've got problems? I bet this can help!" and show them the chapter with the title of their exact problem.
I sound like I'm trying to get people to join a cult, don't I? I've worked so hard not to become one of those people who incessantly talk about how much better life is with meditation and stuff, but it's nearly impossible to shut up when you find something that improves your life so much!
For the last several years, I have consciously studied "alternative" ways of life. Mindfulness, single-tasking, simplicity... This book covers them all. If I had found this book years ago, I'd be raving about how perfect it was. Instead, I found it after having already discovered these things on my own across a multiplicity of sources.
With that in mind, I found it a bit boring because it was a book full of things I already knew and accepted combined with a splattering of things that were just too out there, so to speak, for me. However, that's not to discount the value of this book. If anyone ever asks me about why I do certain things that aren't "normal" I will direct them to this book without hesitating. Babauta encompasses everything far more eloquently than I ever could, and it's considerably easier to point people to one book instead of the million and one blogs I've gained my insights from!
In fact, I think this book is most valuable as an introduction to others. Reading the whole thing beginning to end gets repetitive, but since it's so carefully organized into these sections and chapters, it's the perfect tool to be able to say "You've got problems? I bet this can help!" and show them the chapter with the title of their exact problem.
I sound like I'm trying to get people to join a cult, don't I? I've worked so hard not to become one of those people who incessantly talk about how much better life is with meditation and stuff, but it's nearly impossible to shut up when you find something that improves your life so much!
March 19, 2019
This book was a good reminder of the power of focus and disconnecting.
It provided plenty of practical tips how to design your lifestyle in a way that help you to stay sane in the expectations of the connected world.
One thing that I found really insightful was the power of solitude time. Solitude time has been independently endorsed by Einstein, Picasso, Kafka, many of great creators in the past. Truly great work stems from solitude. Solitude is the moment you can hear your own thoughts clearly. Nobody is diluting your thought-pattern with their opinions or comments.
It was great to get a confirmation to this as I tend to do 2-3 weeks of solo travel every year to do creative work, writing and thinking. I’ve found it to be immensely productive time.
I usually like pragmatic approach and plenty of real-life examples. However, I found that there was simply too much of them in this book. It was difficult to get clarity which ones would be worth actually implementing. Also, I got the impression that the author actually had not tried all of them.
I’d recommend this book for people who want to get a list of ideas for decluttering their digital life. And to those who are new to the ‘decluttering’ thinking.
It provided plenty of practical tips how to design your lifestyle in a way that help you to stay sane in the expectations of the connected world.
One thing that I found really insightful was the power of solitude time. Solitude time has been independently endorsed by Einstein, Picasso, Kafka, many of great creators in the past. Truly great work stems from solitude. Solitude is the moment you can hear your own thoughts clearly. Nobody is diluting your thought-pattern with their opinions or comments.
It was great to get a confirmation to this as I tend to do 2-3 weeks of solo travel every year to do creative work, writing and thinking. I’ve found it to be immensely productive time.
I usually like pragmatic approach and plenty of real-life examples. However, I found that there was simply too much of them in this book. It was difficult to get clarity which ones would be worth actually implementing. Also, I got the impression that the author actually had not tried all of them.
I’d recommend this book for people who want to get a list of ideas for decluttering their digital life. And to those who are new to the ‘decluttering’ thinking.
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