Make Time: How to focus on what matters every day

by Jake Knapp

The first thing we learned was that something magic happens when you start the day with one high-priority goal. Each sprint day, we drew attention to one big focal point: On Monday, the team creates a map of the problem; on Tuesday, each person sketches one solution; on Wednesday, they decide which solutions are best; on Thursday, they build a prototype; and on Friday, they test it. Each day’s goal is ambitious, but it’s just one thing. This focal point creates clarity and motivation. When you have one ambitious but achievable goal, at the end of the day, you’re done. You can check it off, let go of work, and go home satisfied.

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.

Perfection is a distraction—another shiny object taking your attention away from your real priorities.

Highlight like reading to your kids or working on a project with your

Meditation is just a breather for your brain. For human beings, thinking is the default position. Most of the time this is a good thing. But constant thinking means your brain never gets rest. When you meditate, instead of passively going along with the thoughts, you stay quiet and notice the thoughts, and that slows them down and gives your brain a break. So okay, meditation is rest for your brain. But here’s the crazy thing: Meditation is also exercise for your brain. Staying quiet and noticing your thoughts is refreshing, but ironically, it’s also hard work. The act of slowing down and noticing your thoughts is exertion that leaves you invigorated, just as exercise does. In fact, the effects of meditation look a lot like the effects of exercise. Studies show that meditation increases working memory and the ability to maintain focus.fn12