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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
A book that’s worth taking time to read and annotate. It’s definitely helped with my workflow and oddly enough, my personal relationships.
In what I am sure must be some form of irony, I had a really hard time paying attention to this book! I have listened to countless (at least 100!) books in the car and I never felt I had an issue with paying attention to them. Of course, if I was concentrating on driving directions or traffic, I might have to rewind. But for this one, I just completely zoned out at times!
But, I am still giving this book 4 stars because when I did actually pay attention, I really liked what I heard. I am familiar with much of the research surrounding focus, productivity, etc. and Bailey was still able to provide some fresh and new information. Most unique are his conclusions on scatter focus, which I would probably call "zoning out" (perhaps what I was doing instead of listening in the car!) I also love concrete examples and tips for how to apply science to your everyday life and this book certainly delivered on those.
But, I am still giving this book 4 stars because when I did actually pay attention, I really liked what I heard. I am familiar with much of the research surrounding focus, productivity, etc. and Bailey was still able to provide some fresh and new information. Most unique are his conclusions on scatter focus, which I would probably call "zoning out" (perhaps what I was doing instead of listening in the car!) I also love concrete examples and tips for how to apply science to your everyday life and this book certainly delivered on those.
This has been my first full book on the topic, which is why i probably evaluate it in a fairly skewed way.
I was superficially familiar with the most concepts, but suprised by the scientific depth of the research that exists in the area of productivity, concentration etc.
Two things stand out that provided good value for me: (1) The scientific references i am now eager to go after since i now know some basics about what they are investigating, and (2) (probably far more impactful) a general sense of how the brain is on the one hand an inextricable part of my body but on the other hand a part that does not need to be treated as magic. It is far more fun and valuable to check out what you want and need your brain to do and to then treat it accordingly. I read this book motivated by my insufficient ability to concentrate and desire to work more efficiently. Will this book do that for me only by now having been read? I don't think so. But it offered me some reliable approaches and sources to go to if i really intend to improve on the way i use and treat my time and thinking instead of resorting to my own solutions that do not work or conventional wisdom that sounds nice but is not convincing.
However, a lot of advice in this book was useless and it took far too much time to finish it front to back. (Please don't do that and save yourself some time by skimming and checking out the references.)
I was superficially familiar with the most concepts, but suprised by the scientific depth of the research that exists in the area of productivity, concentration etc.
Two things stand out that provided good value for me: (1) The scientific references i am now eager to go after since i now know some basics about what they are investigating, and (2) (probably far more impactful) a general sense of how the brain is on the one hand an inextricable part of my body but on the other hand a part that does not need to be treated as magic. It is far more fun and valuable to check out what you want and need your brain to do and to then treat it accordingly. I read this book motivated by my insufficient ability to concentrate and desire to work more efficiently. Will this book do that for me only by now having been read? I don't think so. But it offered me some reliable approaches and sources to go to if i really intend to improve on the way i use and treat my time and thinking instead of resorting to my own solutions that do not work or conventional wisdom that sounds nice but is not convincing.
However, a lot of advice in this book was useless and it took far too much time to finish it front to back. (Please don't do that and save yourself some time by skimming and checking out the references.)
Nothing profound here, but always good to remind yourself of the basics. Set yourself up for greatness by removing distractions BEFORE they distract you, sleep more, meditate more, let your mind unwind often so that you can focus when you need to.
informative
reflective
medium-paced