A review by joebathelt
Hyperfocus: How to Work Less to Achieve More by Chris Bailey

4.0

The constant pinging of notifications and the zombie-eyed look that we see in other people as they are staring at their screen has many people longing for a solution. This is also reflected on the shelves of the popular science and self-help sections that are filling with ever more guides to tame distraction, increase mindfulness, and rebuild our relationship with technology. In my view, these books either provide a manifesto against attention-hogging technology (Cal Newport’s Deep Work), explain the science of attention (Gazzaley & Rosen’s The Distracted Mind), or offer practical advice. Chris Bailey’s Hyperfocus is an excellent contribution to the last category. The book provides sufficient background of the concepts involved, e.g. attentional space, but focuses mostly on tips to create the right conditions for concentration. Importantly, the practical tips can be easily implemented without having to commit to a digital minimalism lifestyle. It’s also quite refreshing that half of the book is dedicated to scattered thought, which can be used for creativity, problem-solving, and refreshing the mind. Altogether, I enjoyed the book and took away many tips that I integrated into my daily routine. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to improve their concentration or who is interested in productivity.