Table of Contents

5 Powerful Strategies to Boost Productivity from the Book "Make Time"

Learn practical techniques from Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky’s Make Time to stay focused, energized, and intentional in a world full of distractions.

Why does life feel overwhelmingly busy? According to Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky—ex-Google employees and authors of Make Time—two traps dominate modern life: the busy bandwagon (feeling pressured to always be productive) and the infinity pool (endless streams of notifications and content). To escape these traps, the authors propose four key principles: Highlight, Laser, Energize, and Reflect. Here’s how to apply them.

1. Highlight: Focus on What Matters Most Today

Every morning, ask yourself: “What is the highlight of my day?” This is the one task or activity that, once done, makes you feel accomplished. It doesn’t always have to be work—it could be a workout, quality time with loved ones, or completing a meaningful project. Intentionally choosing a highlight sets the tone for your day.

2. Laser: Master the Art of Deep Focus

Distractions are the enemy of productivity. The book suggests several tactics to sharpen your focus:

• Turn off notifications on non-essential apps.
• Keep your phone away—charge it in another room.
• Skip morning check-ins—avoid starting your day with emails or social media.
• Batch communications—set specific times to check emails and messages.
• Use focus soundtracks—instrumental music can improve concentration.

3. Energize: Fuel Your Body and Mind

Productivity isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Without energy, focus is impossible. Strategies include:

• Stay hydrated—keep water at your desk.
• Exercise regularly—even short 7-minute workouts help reset your mind.
• Manage caffeine wisely—delay coffee until later in the day to avoid energy crashes.
• Reduce blue light exposure—use warm light settings on screens before bed.

4. Reflect: Learn and Adjust

At the end of the day, take a few minutes to ask: “What worked today? What didn’t?” Reflection allows you to refine your habits, eliminate ineffective tactics, and double down on what helps you the most. Over time, this self-awareness compounds into sustainable productivity.

5. Experiment Like Recipes

The book contains more than 80 tactics, but you don’t need to try them all. Treat them like recipes—pick a few, experiment, and stick with the ones that suit you best. Productivity isn’t about doing everything; it’s about finding what works for you.

Key Insight

Productivity is not about squeezing in more work—it’s about designing your day around what truly matters and having the energy to follow through.

Related Reading on This Blog

Check out more practical self-growth strategies in our Self Development articles.

Conclusion

You can’t control the busyness of the world, but you can control your focus, energy, and awareness. Start by choosing one highlight each day, protect your focus, fuel your energy, and reflect regularly. Share in the comments which tactic you’ll try first—it might inspire others in their productivity journey.

Label: Self Development

References / Sources

• “DIBACAIN: 5 Jurus Auto Produktif — Make Time (Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky)” — Fellexandro Ruby (Video). Watch here: YouTube

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