Core Concepts: The Make Time System

This book is built around four daily practices that help you reclaim your day. Highlight means choosing one priority each morning—the task that truly matters. Laser offers over 60 simple tactics to stay focused, from blocking distracting apps to scheduling short bursts of deep work. Energize tackles the physical side: movement, food, light, and sleep. Finally, Reflect lets you fine-tune the system by deciding what to keep, drop, or try next. What sets Make Time apart is its flexibility: you experiment and build a personalized routine rather than following a rigid plan.

About the Authors

John Knapp and Jake Zeratsky are designers and former Google Ventures partners who developed the Sprint method. Their experience helping teams focus on what matters led them to adapt those principles for individuals. Their approach is grounded in real-world experimentation, not abstract theory—perfect for Canadians who want practical, no-nonsense advice.

Key Takeaways

• Highlight: Pick one daily priority that deserves your full energy.
• Laser: Use proven tactics to cut through distractions and stay in the zone.
• Energize: Boost your body and brain with small, sustainable habits.
• Reflect: Evaluate what worked and adjust your approach accordingly.

Who Should Read This?

This book is ideal for busy professionals, students, creatives, or anyone who feels their day slips away. If you've tried other systems like GTD or Pomodoro but found them too rigid, Make Time offers a lighter, more adaptable alternative. It's also perfect for those who want to reduce screen time and be more present in their personal lives—a common goal in our always-connected world.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Highly actionable—each chapter ends with a short list of tactics you can try immediately. The tone is conversational and encouraging, not preachy. The Reflect step promotes continuous improvement, making the system sustainable over the long haul.

Cons: Some readers might find the sheer number of tactics overwhelming (though you're not expected to use them all). A few suggestions, like deleting social media, may feel extreme. The focus on work productivity may not fully address household or family time management.

Comparison with Similar Books

Unlike Cal Newport's Deep Work, which emphasizes long stretches of concentration, Make Time is about daily rituals and quick experiments. Compared to James Clear's Atomic Habits, it's less about habit loops and more about creating a highlight each day. The authors' design background shines through in the book's visual layout and easy-to-scan format—built for busy people who want to start immediately.

Overview

In a world of constant distractions, Make Time offers a refreshingly simple system to help you take back control of your day. Written by former Google Ventures designers, this book doesn't just preach productivity—it gives you a customizable toolkit to carve out time for what truly matters. Whether you're overwhelmed by notifications or struggling to finish important projects, the four-step framework helps you cut through the noise and focus on a single priority each day.

Final Verdict

Make Time delivers on its promise: a practical, non-intimidating system for regaining focus. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a flexible toolkit that respects your individuality. If you're tired of feeling busy but unproductive, give this book a try—you may find your highlight sooner than you think.