Make Time

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, two veterans from the Google Ventures design trenches, got tired of the endless hustle and noise that comes with modern work and life. Their answer? Stop trying to do everything and instead focus ruthlessly on what actually matters to you each day. The core of their approach is surprisingly simple: pick a single priority, shield your attention like a hawk, fuel your body and brain, then reflect and tweak.

This isn’t another “rise at 5am and crush it” manifesto. Instead, it’s a toolbox of over 80 tactics you can try out to find what sticks. Want to block distracting apps? Great. Prefer a walk outside to clear your head? Even better. The key is experimentation — no one-size-fits-all here.

They call the main priority your “highlight” — the one thing that, if done, makes your day feel worthwhile. The catch is you must ruthlessly defend it from the endless barrage of digital and real-world interruptions. That means saying no to the dopamine trap of social media scrolling and email ping-pong, even if just for a little while.

Energy is often overlooked in time management books, but Knapp and Zeratsky push it front and center. Without decent sleep, movement, and mental breaks, your focus will sabotage itself. So they encourage practical habits like short walks, hydration, and even power naps to keep your brain in fighting shape.

Finally, they stress reflection—not as a chore, but as a way to learn what tactics actually help you make time. Because let’s face it, life is messy and unpredictable. What works on Tuesday might flop on Friday. You need to keep adjusting.

In 2026, with burnout rates climbing and attention spans shrinking thanks to relentless algorithmic feeds and notifications, this book’s message feels urgent. It’s not about squeezing more tasks into your day, but about carving out space to do the things that give you energy and meaning. But it’s not perfect. It leans heavily on personal discipline and experimentation, which can feel like a lot if you’re already drained. And some tactics might be old news to anyone who’s dabbled in productivity hacks before.

Still, “Make Time” stands out because it’s practical, approachable, and refreshingly free of guru hype. It’s a reminder that managing your day isn’t about mastering some mythical perfect system but about small, deliberate choices that protect your focus and sanity.