Make Time

About the Author

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, the authors of "Make Time," are both seasoned veterans of the tech industry, having spent years working at companies like Google, YouTube, and Microsoft. Knapp is best known for creating the Design Sprint process at Google Ventures, a method that allows teams to solve complex problems in just five days. This process has been adopted by numerous companies worldwide, showcasing Knapp’s deep understanding of productivity and time management. Zeratsky, on the other hand, has a rich background in designing consumer-facing products, particularly at YouTube, where his focus was on how people interact with technology in their daily lives. Together, they have crafted a book that reflects their experiences and knowledge, aiming to help readers take control of their time in a world filled with distractions.

Both authors realized that the products they were designing were contributing to the very problem they wanted to solve. As part of the tech industry, they were at the forefront of creating tools and apps that demanded more and more of users' time and attention. It was this realization that led them to apply their design thinking skills to their personal lives, leading to the creation of strategies that prioritize intentional time management over the chaos of digital distractions. Their book "Make Time" is a culmination of these strategies, offering a practical guide to reclaiming focus and energy in an increasingly busy world.

Main Idea

The central premise of "Make Time" is that modern life is overwhelmingly busy, filled with constant distractions that prevent us from focusing on what truly matters. Knapp and Zeratsky propose a simple yet powerful framework to help people reclaim their time and attention. Instead of getting caught up in the endless cycle of productivity hacks or striving for long-term goals that seem out of reach, the authors suggest a day-by-day approach. This approach revolves around choosing a single "Highlight" each day—a specific task or activity that you intentionally focus on. By doing so, you can ensure that every day includes something meaningful and satisfying, leading to a more fulfilled life.

The authors argue that in the current digital age, people are bombarded with information and demands from all sides. The constant influx of emails, social media notifications, and news alerts creates an environment where attention is fragmented, and focus is hard to maintain. In "Make Time," the authors present a solution that is not about doing more in less time but about doing what matters in the time you have. They emphasize that it’s not about getting more done but getting the right things done. As they state:

"You can’t make more time in your day, but you can make time for what matters."

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why Time Management Fails
• Step 1: Highlight
• Step 2: Laser
• Step 3: Energize
• Step 4: Reflect
• Conclusion: Making Time for What Matters

Step 1: Highlight

The first step in the "Make Time" framework is identifying your daily Highlight. This is the one task or activity you choose to prioritize above all others. The authors emphasize that your Highlight should be something that you will look back on with satisfaction at the end of the day. It could be a work-related project, a personal hobby, or simply something that brings you joy. The key is to make a deliberate choice about what matters most on that particular day.

The idea of focusing on a single Highlight each day is rooted in the belief that our attention is a limited resource. By choosing just one thing to focus on, you can avoid the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions. This approach is particularly powerful in combating the "busywork" that often fills our days. As Knapp and Zeratsky put it:

"Your Highlight is not about doing everything. It’s about making sure that at the end of the day, you’ve accomplished something meaningful."

To help you choose your Highlight, the authors suggest considering three criteria: