About the Authors

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, the creative minds behind the Google Ventures “Design Sprint” and authors of Sprint, bring their product design and innovation expertise to the world of productivity. Their unique perspective focuses on real-world effectiveness rather than abstract theory. Combined, their experience helps readers cut through the noise and build lasting habits that stick.

What Is Make Time All About?

In our hyperconnected world, distractions are everywhere. Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day is a refreshingly practical guide by former Google designers Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. Instead of promising a complete life overhaul, this book offers a customizable framework to help you reclaim your time and attention. The core idea is simple: each day, choose a single “Highlight” — the one thing you want to make time for — then use a set of tactics to protect your focus and energy. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters.

Core Concepts: The Highlight and More

The book is built around four steps: Highlight, Laser, Energize, and Reflect. The Highlight is the centrepiece — a single priority that gives your day direction. Laser is about creating uninterrupted focus time by removing distractions (like your phone or email). Energize covers simple tactics to boost your physical and mental energy, such as walking, exercising, or taking breaks. Finally, Reflect helps you evaluate your day and fine-tune your system. The authors present over 80 tactics, allowing you to pick and choose what fits your life.

Key Takeaways from Make Time

• Start with your Highlight: Pick one meaningful task each day.
• Laser mode: Eliminate distractions by blocking out time.
• Energize your body: Simple physical habits boost mental focus.
• Reflect daily: Adjust your approach based on what worked.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed by constant busyness and wants practical, science-backed strategies to focus on what truly matters. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a parent juggling multiple roles, the advice is adaptable. It’s especially helpful for those who have tried other productivity systems but found them too rigid or time-consuming.

How Does Make Time Compare to Other Productivity Books?

Unlike The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Getting Things Done, Make Time is lighter on theory and heavier on immediate action. It’s designed for people who want quick wins without overhauling their entire system. Where Deep Work focuses on long stretches of concentration, Make Time emphasizes daily prioritization and energy management. It complements these other books by providing a simple, repeatable framework.

Pros and Cons of Make Time

Pros

• Actionable: Every chapter ends with specific, easy-to-try tactics.
• Flexible: You don’t have to follow everything — pick what suits you.
• Engaging: Written with humour and real-life examples.
• Science-backed: Tactics are grounded in behavioural psychology and biology.

Cons

• Some tactics may feel obvious: If you’re already familiar with productivity basics, certain ideas could seem repetitive.
• Requires consistent effort: Like any habit, results depend on regular practice.
• Less structure than some systems: The lack of a fixed plan can be less appealing for those who prefer strict routines.

Final Verdict

Make Time is a valuable addition to any productivity library. It’s practical, encouraging, and surprisingly fun to read. If you’re tired of feeling busy but unproductive, the Highlight method can help you regain control. Individual results will vary, but the tools are solid and worth trying.

Disclaimer: This book is for educational purposes and does not replace professional advice. Results may vary.