Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive

Charles Duhigg

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In Circulation

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Power of Habit comes a fascinating book that explores the science of productivity, and why managing how you think is more important than what you think—with an appendix of real-world lessons to apply to your life. At the core of Smarter Faster Better are eight key productivity concepts—from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision making—that explain why some people and companies get so much done. Drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics—as well as the experiences of CEOs, educational reformers, four-star generals, FBI agents, airplane pilots, and Broadway songwriters—this painstakingly researched book explains that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don’t merely act differently.  

They view the world, and their choices, in profoundly different ways.A young woman drops out of a PhD program and starts playing poker. By training herself to envision contradictory futures, she learns to anticipate her opponents’ missteps—and becomes one of the most successful players in the world. A group of data scientists at Google embark on a four-year study of how the best teams function, and find that how a group interacts is more important than who is in the group—a principle, it turns out, that also helps explain why Saturday Night Live became a hit. A Marine Corps general, faced with low morale among recruits, reimagines boot camp—and discovers that instilling a “bias toward action” can turn even the most directionless teenagers into self-motivating achievers. The filmmakers behind Disney’s Frozen are nearly out of time and on the brink of catastrophe—until they shake up their team in just the right way, spurring a creative breakthrough that leads to one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. What do these people have in common? They know that productivity relies on making certain choices. The way we frame our daily decisions; the big ambitions we embrace and the easy goals we ignore; the cultures we establish as leaders to drive innovation; the way we interact with data: These are the things that separate the merely busy from the genuinely productive.

In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg explained why we do what we do. In Smarter Faster Better, he applies the same relentless curiosity, deep reporting, and rich storytelling to explain how we can improve at the things we do. It’s a groundbreaking exploration of the science of productivity, one that can help anyone learn to succeed with less stress and struggle, and to get more done without sacrificing what we care about most—to become smarter, faster, and better at everything we do.Praise for Smarter Faster Better “A pleasure to read . . . Duhigg’s skill as a storyteller makes his book so engaging to read.”—The New York Times Book Review “Not only will Smarter Faster Better make you more efficient if you heed its tips, it will also save you the effort of reading many productivity books dedicated to the ideas inside.”—Bloomberg Businessweek“Duhigg pairs relatable anecdotes with the research behind why some people and businesses are not as efficient as others.”—Chicago Tribune “The book covers a lot of ground through meticulous reporting and deft analysis, presenting a wide range of case studies . . . with insights that apply to the rest of us.”—The Wall Street Journal

What will you learn from this book

  1. Motivation and Goal Setting: Duhigg discusses the importance of setting ambitious yet achievable goals and how motivation and personal drive play a crucial role in productivity.

  2. Focus and Attention Management: The book highlights the significance of managing attention and staying focused amidst distractions, emphasizing techniques such as mental models and deliberate practice.

  3. Team Productivity: Understanding effective teamwork and fostering psychological safety within a team enhances productivity. Duhigg explores how high-performing teams operate and communicate efficiently.

  4. Decision-Making Strategies: Exploring the concept of decision-making, the book introduces various decision-making frameworks and methods to make better and more efficient choices.

  5. Innovation and Creativity: Duhigg delves into the principles of fostering innovation and creativity within organizations, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and experimentation.

  6. Managing Time and Planning: Effective time management and strategic planning are key aspects of productivity. The book offers insights into time-blocking techniques and effective planning strategies.

  7. Building Habits: Habits significantly impact productivity. Duhigg discusses how to build and change habits effectively, drawing from scientific research and real-life examples.

  8. Locus of Control: Developing a strong internal locus of control - the belief in one's ability to influence outcomes - is crucial for productivity. The book explores how mindset affects productivity.

  9. Cognitive Flexibility: Being adaptable and having cognitive flexibility is crucial in navigating complex situations and boosting productivity. The book highlights techniques to enhance this skill.

  10. Continuous Improvement: The concept of continuous improvement is central to sustained productivity. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, iterating, and adapting strategies over time.

Language English
ISBN-10 081299339X
ISBN-13 9780812993394
No of pages 400
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Random House
Published Date 21 Mar 2016

About Author

Author : Charles Duhigg

2 Books

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