
Hyperfocus – Mastering Your Attention in a Digital Age
Written by: Chris Bailey
Published: August 28, 2018 by Viking Press
Genre: Non‑fiction / Productivity / Self‑Help
Pages: Approx. 272
Best for: Anyone feeling overwhelmed by distractions and wants to boost work quality, creativity, and focus

Why this book stands out
We live in the attention economy, where every ping, pop-up, and social media scroll battles for our focus. Chris Bailey’s Hyperfocus isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters by training your mind to both concentrate deeply and give itself room to wander. As Adam Grant puts it, it’s “actionable, data-driven insights for sharpening your focus”
The core massage
Bailey introduces two vital modes of thinking:
Hyperfocus: A state of deep, uninterrupted concentration—ideal for tackling important, complex tasks. One hour of hyperfocus often trumps an entire distracted day
Scatterfocus: A relaxed, unfocused mental mode—perfect for connecting ideas, brainstorming, and self-reflection. It’s the creative counterpart to hyperfocus
The secret? Balance. Learn when to lock in and when to let your mind wander.
What your will take away
Attention matters more than time: Where focus goes, results flow. Manage your attention, not just your schedule
Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications, remove digital clutter, and design your environment to support deep work
Set clear intentions: Know exactly what and why you’re focusing before you begin—this sharpens your attention and purpose
Single-tasking rules: Forget multitasking. Focus on one thing at a time to maximize results .
Strategic sprints: Work in bursts (like 25–45 min), then take short breaks. It keeps both your energy and focus fresh
Use boredom wisely: Those “empty” moments? They’re actually invaluable for creativity and insight—embrace them .