Flashback Friday: John Zeratsky Talks About Designing Your Environment for Focus

A Productive Conversation

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit my insightful discussion with John Zeratsky, co-author of Make Time. This conversation dives into practical tips on optimizing focus, creating a conducive environment for productivity, and the fascinating concept of caffeine naps. John’s background in design and tech shines through as we explore strategies that help you make the most of your time and attention every day.

John and I share our thoughts on everything from the evolution of productivity tools to the importance of designing your environment in a way that promotes focus. We also discuss how minor tweaks can help you take control of your day without relying solely on willpower. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or looking for new ways to optimize your energy, this episode offers actionable tips to boost your daily productivity.

Key Discussion Points

• The concept of a caffeine nap and how it can boost your energy for focused work.
• The importance of designing your environment to make the right actions easier.
• Strategies for overcoming time craters—small decisions that end up consuming more time and energy than expected.
• How reflecting on your day can lead to better focus and productivity.
• The role of friction in breaking bad habits and fostering positive change.
• Why breaking down your daily highlight into small, actionable steps leads to greater focus and achievement.

As always, this episode is packed with actionable advice. John’s insights into how small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in focus and productivity are worth revisiting. (Originally Released August 2020)

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with John: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
• Get John's Book: Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
• Jake Knapp
• Time Dorks
• Google Ventures
• Design Sprint Process
• Design Sprint | Amazon
• Getting Things Done | Amazon
• Related Episode: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
• (Another) Related Episode: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
• Sleep Cycle
• 43 Folders
• Indistractable | Amazon
• Philips Wake Up Alarm Clock
• Austin Kleon’s caffeine nap
• Mori App
• TeuxDeux
• MakeTime.blog

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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