Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day

by Jake Knapp

you must fill every minute with productivity.

Infinity Pools are apps and other sources of endlessly replenishing content. If you can pull to refresh, it’s an Infinity Pool. If it streams, it’s an Infinity Pool. This always-available, always-new entertainment is your reward for the exhaustion of constant busyness.

There are defaults in nearly every part of our lives.

React to what’s in front of you. Be responsive. Fill your time, be efficient, and get more done. These are the default rules of the Busy Bandwagon.

Make Time is a framework for choosing what you want to focus on, building the energy to do it, and breaking the default cycle so that you can start being more intentional about the way you live your life. Even if you don’t completely control your own schedule—and few of us do—you absolutely can control your attention.

Being more productive didn’t mean I was doing the most important work; it only meant I was reacting to other people’s priorities faster.

The first step is choosing a single highlight to prioritize in your day. Next, you’ll employ specific tactics to stay laser-focused on that highlight—we’ll offer a menu of tricks to beat distraction in an always-connected world. Throughout the day, you’ll build energy so you can stay in control of your time and attention. Finally, you’ll reflect on the day with a few simple notes.

Your Highlight might be something you don’t necessarily have to do but want to do, like playing with your kids or reading a book.

your Highlight isn’t the only thing you’ll do each day. But it will be your priority.