Hyperfocus
by Chris Bailey
Bailey distinguishes hyperfocus (deliberate single-tasking) from scatterfocus (deliberate mind-wandering) and shows how to use both: choose what to attend to, reduce distractions in advance, and let the mind wander on purpose for creativity. It is practical and well-sourced, with a lot of self-experiments.
Read it if…
you want a practical attention manual that respects daydreaming as well as focus.
Skip it if…
you have read Deep Work and want something different; the overlap is partial.
Three things you will actually use
- Choose your focus before you start.
- Create a distraction-free mode in advance.
- Schedule scatterfocus: walks, showers, nothing.
Do this first
Set one intention for the next work block, remove the three nearest distractions, and start a timer.
Our verdict
Practical and balanced; a good attention guide.
Compare with other Focus books
How to Break Up with Your Phone
Catherine Price · Focus
Practical and doable; a phone program that sticks.
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Attention Span
Gloria Mark · Focus
Measured and authoritative; the research behind the problem.
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The Shallows
Nicholas Carr · Focus
Thoughtful and prescient; the argument behind the attention books.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Focus book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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