Quick Take

Based upon his weekly Harvard Business Review columns (which is one of the most popular columns on HBR.com, receiving hundreds of thousands of unique page views a month), 18 MINUTES clearly shows how busy people can cut through all the daily clutter and distractions and find a way to focus on those key items which are truly the top priorities in our lives.Bregman works from the premise that the best way to combat constant and distracting interruptions is to create productive distractions of one's own. Based upon a series of short bite-sized chapters, his approach allows us to safely navigate through the constant chatter of emails, text messages, phone calls, and endless meetings that prevent us from focusing our time on those things that are truly important to us.Mixing first-person insights along with unique case studies, Bregman sprinkles his charming book with pathways which help guide us -- pathways that can get us on the right trail in 18 minutes or less.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done

Introduction

"18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done" by Peter Bregman is a highly regarded book that offers practical advice on how to overcome distractions and focus on what truly matters in life. With his background as a CEO and management consultant, Bregman draws on his personal experiences and insights to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to achieving productivity and success. In this article, we will delve into the book's content, analyze readers' views, and discuss the reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Peter Bregman

Peter Bregman is the CEO of Bregman Partners, Inc., a global management consulting firm that advises CEOs and their leadership teams. He is a renowned speaker, writer, and consultant on leadership and personal development. Bregman has authored several books, including "18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done," which has received widespread acclaim for its practical and insightful approach to time management.

Analysis of Views

Focusing on Priorities: Many readers appreciated the book's emphasis on setting priorities and focusing on the most important tasks. They found it helpful to narrow down their goals to just five areas each year and to allocate 95% of their time to these priorities, leaving only 5% for less essential activities. This approach allowed them to achieve greater productivity and make better use of their time.
Overcoming Distractions: The book offers practical tips for managing distractions and staying focused. Readers found Bregman's advice on using productive distractions to combat constant interruptions to be particularly valuable. By creating intentional distractions, they were able to minimize the impact of external distractions and maintain their focus on their priorities.
Systematic Approach: Some readers appreciated the book's systematic approach to time management. Bregman's daily rituals of checking in every hour, reviewing progress at the end of the day, and setting goals for the next day were seen as helpful tools for staying on track and ensuring productivity.
Inspirational and Motivational: Many readers found Bregman's writing style engaging and motivational. His personal anecdotes and insights added depth to the book's content, making it a compelling read that inspired readers to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
Practicality and Brevity: The book's brevity was praised by readers who appreciated its concise nature. They found it easy to read and digest, with short chapters that provided bite-sized pieces of advice that could be applied immediately. The practicality of the book's content was also highly valued by readers who found it applicable to their own lives and situations.

Reasons for Recommendation

Practical Advice: Readers found the book's practical advice on time management and prioritization to be highly valuable. The systematic approach outlined in the book helped them stay focused on their goals and overcome distractions, leading to increased productivity and better decision-making.
Motivational Content: Bregman's writing style was praised for its motivational qualities. His personal anecdotes and insights inspired readers to take action and make positive changes in their lives, providing a sense of inspiration and motivation that resonated with many readers.
Easy Readability: The book's brevity and concise nature were seen as strengths by readers. They appreciated the book's ability to provide practical advice in a concise format, making it easy to read and apply the concepts presented.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Depth: Some readers felt that the book lacked depth in certain areas, particularly in terms of exploring broader philosophical or psychological concepts related to time management and productivity. They felt that the book could have delved deeper into these topics to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Lack of Comprehensive Guidance: A few readers felt that the book did not offer a comprehensive guide to time management, as it primarily focused on specific techniques and strategies rather than providing a broader framework for managing one's time effectively. They felt that additional resources or guidance would be necessary to fully address their time management needs.

Conclusion

"18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done" by Peter Bregman is a highly recommended book for anyone seeking practical advice on time management and focus. With its emphasis on prioritization, overcoming distractions, and implementing a systematic approach to productivity, the book offers valuable insights that have resonated with readers from various backgrounds. While some readers felt that the book lacked depth or comprehensive guidance, the majority found it motivational, practical, and highly applicable to their own lives. Overall, "18 Minutes" is a worthwhile read for those seeking to improve their time management skills and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.