Make Time

Introduction

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky worked on product design at Google and later Google Ventures, where they created the 'design sprint' method. In Make Time they share a flexible system for making time for what matters every day.

Rather than one rigid routine, they offer 87 tactics organized into four steps, encouraging readers to experiment and keep what works.

Who should read this book?

Busy people who feel their days are taken over by email, meetings and phones, and who prefer trying tactics to following strict rules.

Helps with: Calm stress and anxiety, Focus and get more done

The central message

Pick one daily highlight, protect your focus from busyness and distraction, recharge your energy, and reflect on what works.

Key ideas and concepts

1. Highlight

   Choose one thing each day to prioritize, something urgent, satisfying or joyful.

2. Laser

   Fight distraction with tactics such as removing apps, logging out and hiding the clock.

3. Energize

   Look after your body with movement, real food, sleep and time away from screens.

4. Reflect

   Each evening, note what worked and adjust your tactics.

5. Busy Bandwagon and Infinity Pools

   Two forces steal time: a culture of busyness and endlessly refreshing apps.

Deeper analysis

Make Time is practical, friendly and designed for experimentation. Knapp and Zeratsky's daily highlight, one thing to prioritize each day, is simple and powerful, and their menu of 87 tactics means almost anyone can find something that fits. They're honest that not every tactic works for every person, which makes the book feel realistic rather than preachy.

Some tactics are quirky or extreme, such as using a phone with no apps or ignoring email for long stretches, and many assume some control over your schedule. The book offers less depth than research-based alternatives like Deep Work. Still, as a hands-on toolkit, it's useful and accessible.

Practical applications

• Choose one highlight each morning.
• Log out of social media and email on your phone.
• Schedule your highlight in your calendar.
• Take a short walk after lunch.
• Take notes each evening on what worked.

Your 7-day action plan

1. Day 1

   Pick a highlight and schedule it.

2. Day 2

   Remove one Infinity Pool app.

3. Day 3

   Try a distraction-free focus session.

4. Day 4

   Add movement to your day.

5. Day 5

   Eat a real meal away from screens.

6. Day 6

   Try a new tactic from the book.

7. Day 7

   Reflect on which tactics to keep.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

• A daily focus on what matters
• Fewer digital distractions
• Better energy through small habits
• A personal toolkit of tested tactics

Strengths and limitations

Reflection questions

1. What would make today a good day?
2. Which apps act as Infinity Pools for you?
3. How does your energy affect your focus?
4. Which tactic will you try first?

Related books

• Deep WorkCal Newport

  Deep Work

  Cal Newport

  A deeper treatment of focus.

• Digital MinimalismCal Newport

  Digital Minimalism

  Cal Newport

  More on reducing technology's pull.

• Atomic HabitsJames Clear

  Atomic Habits

  James Clear

  Small changes, repeated daily, add up to a life that looks completely different. A clear, practical system…

• EssentialismGreg McKeown

  Essentialism

  Greg McKeown

  Do less, but better. A calm guide to identifying what truly matters and having the courage to say no to the…

About the authors

Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 26, 2026.