by Chris Bailey
First published 2018
Modern life overwhelms our attention like never before. We stay busy yet accomplish little, avoiding boredom while craving constant stimulation. Chris Bailey, whom TED.com calls the most productive person you could meet, examines how our brains operate in two distinct modes. Hyperfocus represents our state of deep concentration, while scatterfocus enables creative and reflective thinking. Bailey argues that combining both modes creates the most effective approach to productivity and creativity. His research reveals surprising truths about work and energy. Fewer working hours can boost productivity. Strategic caffeine use beats habitual consumption. Making tasks more challenging, not simpler, increases output. Our most creative moments often occur when we feel tired. Bailey draws from neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness practices to build his framework. The book provides actionable strategies for managing attention in both professional and personal contexts, helping readers focus better amid daily distractions.
Genres: psychology, business, self-help, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: informative, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: research-based, self-improvement
241 pages · Paperback · PAN MACMILLAN