Unlock Your Productivity Superpowers
Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
by Charles Duhigg
Productivity/Business
TL;DR
This book spills the tea on how to actually get stuff done without burning out. It's all about hacking your brain to be more motivated, focus like a laser, and make better decisions without overthinking. Think less 'grind culture' and more 'strategic laziness' – figuring out what actually moves the needle and ditching the rest. It's packed with actionable tips to stop procrastinating and start winning at life, whether it's acing exams or just remembering to do your laundry.
Action Items
Today, pick one tiny thing you usually just go with the flow on (like what to listen to, what snack to eat, or which route to walk) and consciously make that choice yourself. Own it.
Before you start your next task (homework, chore, or even just planning your day), take 60 seconds to mentally map out the first 2-3 steps. No need for fancy notes, just a quick mental run-through.
Think of one 'insane' goal you secretly want (e.g., become a millionaire, travel the world). Write it down, then list one tiny, almost embarrassing first step you could take today towards it.
Before making a small decision today (e.g., what to order for lunch, whether to text someone back), quickly think: 'What's the best thing that could happen? What's the worst? What's most likely?' Then decide.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Your Brain's Battery Pack (aka Temperament & Energy Sources)
Okay, so this chapter is all about why you sometimes feel like a deflated balloon and other times you're ready to conquer the world. It's not just about 'willpower,' fam. It's about feeling like you're actually in control of your own damn life. When you feel like a puppet on strings, motivation dips faster than your phone battery at 1%. But when you choose your own adventure, even small things, your brain gets a little dopamine hit and suddenly you're ready to tackle that mountain of assignments. It's like your brain needs to feel like the CEO, not just an intern. So, find your 'why' and take ownership, even if it's just deciding what socks to wear.
Key Methods and Approaches
Being the Main Character
(AKA: Internal Locus of Control)
Description:
Stop feeling like a side character in your own life. Take charge of your choices, even the small ones, to boost your drive.
Explanation:
Imagine your life is a video game. If you're just watching someone else play, you're bored AF. But when you grab the controller and start making moves, even if you suck, you're way more invested. Your brain's the same: it gets hyped when it feels like it's calling the shots, not just reacting to notifications. It's like giving your inner toddler a tiny bit of power so they don't throw a tantrum.
Examples:
Choosing to study for 30 minutes instead of being forced to by parents.
Deciding what to eat for dinner instead of just grabbing whatever's easiest.
Picking your own workout routine instead of following a generic one.
Today's Action:
Today, pick one tiny thing you usually just go with the flow on (like what to listen to, what snack to eat, or which route to walk) and consciously make that choice yourself. Own it.
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