Let’s face it — most of us are constantly overwhelmed, busy, and distracted. Between never-ending meetings, endless social media feeds, and overflowing inboxes, we barely have time to breathe, let alone focus on what really matters. But what if we could break free from this chaos? Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky offers a practical, human approach to reclaiming your day and designing a life driven by intention, not reaction.
From the New York Times bestselling authors of Sprint comes “a unique and engaging read about a proven habit framework [that] readers can apply to each day” (Insider, Best Books to Form New Habits).
“If you want to achieve more (without going nuts), read this book.” —Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit
Nobody ever looked at an empty calendar and said, “The best way to spend this time is by cramming it full of meetings!” or got to work in the morning and thought, Today I’ll spend hours on Facebook! Yet that’s exactly what we do. Why?
In a world where information refreshes endlessly and the workday feels like a race to react to other people’s priorities faster, frazzled and distracted has become our default position. But what if the exhaustion of constant busyness wasn’t mandatory? What if you could step off the hamster wheel and start taking control of your time and attention? That’s what this book is about.
As creators of Google Ventures’ renowned “design sprint,” Jake and John have helped hundreds of teams solve important problems by changing how they work. Building on the success of these sprints and their experience designing ubiquitous tech products from Gmail to YouTube, they spent years experimenting with their own habits and routines, looking for ways to help people optimize their energy, focus, and time. Now they’ve packaged the most effective tactics into a four-step daily framework that anyone can use to systematically design their days. Make Time is not a one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, it offers a customizable menu of bite-size tips and strategies that can be tailored to individual habits and lifestyles.
Make Time isn’t about productivity, or checking off more to-dos. Nor does it propose unrealistic solutions like throwing out your smartphone or swearing off social media. Making time isn’t about radically overhauling your lifestyle; it’s about making small shifts in your environment to liberate yourself from constant busyness and distraction.
A must-read for anyone who has ever thought, If only there were more hours in the day…, Make Time will help you stop passively reacting to the demands of the modern world and start intentionally making time for the things that matter.
Why This Book Matters
Most of us feel like time is slipping through our fingers. Between checking emails, scrolling feeds, and jumping from one task to the next, our days often feel reactive instead of intentional. Make Time introduces a system designed to help you slow down, focus, and create time for what really matters — whether it’s a big project, quality time with loved ones, or simply space to think.
Key Takeaways
1. Highlight: Choose One Focal Point
Start your day by choosing a single priority — your “Highlight.” It could be a big work task, spending time with a loved one, or even a walk outside. By giving yourself permission to focus on one meaningful thing, you make space for joy and progress.
2. Laser: Beat Distraction
To stay focused, you need to protect your attention. Use tactics like turning off notifications, logging out of social media, or setting up physical cues that help you stay in “laser mode.”
3. Energize: Build Energy to Focus
Focus isn’t just mental — it’s physical. Prioritize sleep, movement, and eating well to boost your energy. The more energized you are, the more focus you’ll have to make your Highlight happen.
4. Reflect: Adjust and Improve
At the end of the day, spend a few minutes reflecting. What worked? What didn’t? Use what you learn to tweak your approach and design better days ahead.
About the Authors
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky are former Google and YouTube designers turned productivity coaches and writers. They created the “design sprint” process at Google Ventures and have worked with teams at Slack, Airbnb, and other top companies. Their background in tech and design gives them a unique perspective on time, attention, and human behavior — and they bring that knowledge into practical tools anyone can use.
What Readers Are Saying
This book is amazing. The authors write in a light, entertaining, and approachable style that feels more like a conversation with a good friend than a productivity manual. The charming illustrations and practical advice make the content both engaging and memorable. Readers especially love the tips on disconnecting from devices and prioritizing life goals. One touching example includes an author who made time to fulfill his dream of sailing to South America—proof that small changes in focus can lead to big life wins.
Instead of being preachy, Make Time feels supportive, self-aware, and fun. Many readers describe it as life-changing and highly recommend it to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life. If they could, some say they’d give it ten stars!
Personal Review
This book changed how I think about my day. I used to feel guilty for not getting more done — now, I focus on getting the right things done. The Highlight tactic alone has made my days feel more meaningful and less rushed. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.
Related Reads on BetterSelfReads.com
Looking to expand your focus and productivity toolkit? Here are more summaries that align perfectly with the ideas in Make Time:
- The Productivity Project Summary – Accomplish More by Managing Your Time and Energy – A deep dive into optimizing your time and energy.
- Getting Things Done Summary – The Art of Stress-Free Productivity – The ultimate framework for organizing your work and life.
- Essentialism Summary – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Learn how to say no to distractions and yes to what really matters.
🌐 External Resources
If you’d like to explore more about Make Time, here are some helpful resources:
📘🎧 Buy or Listen Now
Ready to take control of your time? Grab your copy of Make Time or listen to it on Audible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Make Time?
The book introduces a flexible system to help you focus on what truly matters each day by using four steps: Highlight, Laser, Energize, and Reflect.
Is Make Time about productivity?
Not exactly. It’s about creating intentional time for things that matter, not about doing more or being faster.
Can I use Make Time with a busy schedule?
Yes! The beauty of the system is its adaptability. Even if you’re juggling a lot, you can still design your day around one meaningful Highlight.
Who should read Make Time?
Anyone who feels constantly busy, distracted, or stuck in reactive mode. It’s especially helpful for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving more control over their time.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Make Time isn’t a magic solution — it’s a mindset shift. It helps you take back control in a world that constantly pulls your attention away. With a few simple tweaks, you can make space for joy, purpose, and progress — every single day.
So, what’s your Highlight today?
👇 Share your favorite focus tip or “aha” moment from the book. Let’s inspire each other to make time for what matters most.