This one was right in the edge of 3-4 stars... some really good snippets, but also lots of pretty common stuff. Would be a compelling long-read or blog series, but just had a bit too much fluff for a book, at least compared to other books with a similar focus. Also, some of the content didn't age well in terms of specifics (apps, etc.), which probably added to the lower ranking.
The premise here is: we are also responsible for being addicted to technology so the author discusses some tactics to make us less prone to use it mindlessly. But, I don't think it is for everyone. There are some drastic measures that I think might work for some.
I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.
Valuable practical lessons in how to combat distractions. I have implemented a few, like reorganizing my phone's home screen and turning down the number of notifications I get even more.
A good synthesis of the state of knowledge and the author's experience on the topic of distraction. The chapters are refreshingly short, there isn't a lot of wasted exposition like in many books in the genre. I absolutely intend to implement.
I wanted to read this because, like many people, I am susceptible to distractions and wanted to get some tips on how to control them. I'd say that much of this book provided that–mostly in the form of tips for taming my devices to leave me alone when I should be working or tricks to keep me from engaging them until I really need or want to. I also like the way the book is written–shortish chapters with “Remember this” sections at the end to reinforce the main message of that chapter. The last two parts of the book were of no value to me because they dealt with distractions in the work place (I work at home, by myself) and teaching children to manage their distractions (no kids). (I listened to the author narrate the audio book; if I'd had a physical copy of the book or even an eBook, I might have known those sections were coming and skipped them.)
Actually it's a great book for people who are addicted to their gadgets and not even aware of it.
Not to say I'm not addicted but I was using at least the 70% of the tools suggested for hacking your phone distractions. Also liked some of the other “hacking” tools and some fundamental knowledge about distraction/traction.
However I was expecting much more deeper and broad coverage I'd the topic.
Interesting coverage from the person who literally wrote “the” book on how to make games and social media addictive. Good advice and for a fairly directive self-help book, recognition that the problems to be solved fit everyone but not every technique for addressing them will fit everyone. It was definitely useful for his framework on how we get distracted and ways to interrupt those cycles.
A great book overall, but probably a bad timing, as most of the things I've already read in other places. A bit longer than needed.
This was a good book, just not aimed at me, someone who has already implemented a lot of the suggestions outlined within. Some of the internal triggers solutions we too vague to be put into practice, and I'm not sold on scheduling every moment (waking AND sleeping) of my day. I did put some of the advice to use though, especially the distraction tracker and the scheduling of the work day.
A nice little reminder of the dangers of distraction with some tips on how to fix it, all of which I listened to on audiobook while doing other things.
Some of these other Goodreads reviews make it sound like I missed out and should've read one of his other books. It has made me rethink my own rating immediately.
4 stars. Worth a read, relevant, easy to digest.
As someone who has struggled with procrastination since I was a kid, and most recently a difficulty in resisting distraction, this book has been valuable in providing:
1. An easy and quick read
This is important because if the read is long and arduous, we have learnt in the internal triggers that it creates enough discomfort to make one seek or accept distraction.
2. A simple Indistractable framework in understanding traction/distraction and internal/external triggers
This enables easy recollection of the different dimensions for reflection and assessment of why and how we got distracted from what we originally planned.
3. Action-oriented advice
The book is geared towards people who want to immediately put things into action. App recommendations and outlook settings, of which some I already know of but there are some I don't. Some reviews said the case studies are brief but I think there really isn't more needed to make the case in point.
One consequence of my distraction is juggling multiple books and never finishing most of them. By the first few chapters, I had already made a pact to myself that my first task of putting what I learnt into action is to finish the book itself. So I did, and I'm proud of myself!
Perhaps one thing I didn't enjoy so much was the section about distractions at the workplace, but it is simply because it is much harder to execute and effect change in the workplace as compared to other external triggers. But I will try.
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My Rating System:
5⭐️: Excellent book AND influenced a change in my views
4.5⭐️: Excellent read
4⭐️: Great read, will recommend ⬅️⬅️⬅️
3.5⭐️: Enjoyable read but missing something that will make it great
3⭐️: An okay read that I didn't regret spending time on it
2⭐️: Didn't enjoy
1⭐️: Didn't enjoy and had serious issues. Will suggest to avoid.