You have found our list of best selling focus books
Focus books are guides that teach readers how to focus and tune out distractions. These self-help books cover topics like limiting technology, disciplining the mind, and developing healthy habits. the purpose of these books is to increase attention and productivity.
You are reading: Books on focusing the mind
These guides are similar to time management books and habit books. you can also improve your concentration with a pomodoro timer.
this list includes:
- focus self help books
- focus and concentration books
- focus and productivity books
- focus improvement books focus
here we go!
list of focus books
From contemporary hits to classic bestsellers, here’s a list of book recommendations focused on improving focus and increasing productivity.
1. hyperfocus: how to be more productive in a world of distractions by chris bailey
hyperfocus is one of the most useful focus improvement books. Using neuroscientific principles and scientific studies, the book shows readers how to hone their attention and be more productive. The halves of the book describe the two different forms of focus: hyperfocus, which is the more purposeful maximum production mode, and scatter focus, which is a more creative and idea-friendly mindset. Chris Bailey suggests best practices for each type of approach, showing readers how to turn off autopilot, act with intent, and adopt a mindset that empowers problem solving and imagination.
Notable Quote: “We are what we pay attention to, and almost nothing influences our productivity and creativity more than the information we’ve consumed in the past.”
read hyperfocus.
2. indistractable: how to control your attention and choose your life by nir eyal
indistractable is one of the best books on focus and concentration. Nir Eyal is the author of Hooked, a guide to creating habit-forming products. In this book, Eyal studies obsession from the opposite angle by forcing readers to resist attention-grabbing temptations. The book looks at the elements that cause us to succumb to distraction and presents a four-part framework for resisting interruptions. indistractable recommends ways to focus at work and at home and makes a compelling case for the ways mindful attention management can improve your life. The book delves into what triggers distraction and what prevents it and doesn’t, and even includes tools like distraction trackers to help readers put these ideas into action.
Notable Quote: “Dissatisfaction and discomfort dominate our brain’s default state, but we can use them to motivate us rather than defeat us.”
read indisputable.
3. deep work: rules for focused success in a distracted world by cal newport
deep work is one of the best selling focus self help books of all time. the first part of the book defines the concept of “deep work”, an ultra-focused state of maximum concentration, and distinguishes it from “shallow work”, which is easy and pointless. the second half of the book lays out rules for deep work and mental discipline, such as “embrace boredom” and “get off social media.” Throughout, the book contains entertaining anecdotes and scientific facts to support these practices. cal newport features a step-by-step system for shutting down the outside elements and directing all attention to a single chase. deep work is a how-to manual for blocking out distractions, increasing focus, and investing energy in priorities.
remarkable quote: “who you are, what you think, feel and do, what you love, is the sum of what you focus on.”
read deep work.
4. flow: the psychology of optimal experience by mihaly csikszentmihalyi
flow is a bestseller by psychologist mihaly csikszentmihalyi. the author explores the concept of states of flow, defined as “the feeling of total commitment in a creative or playful activity. “Flow is not merely absorption in an activity, but an active enjoyment of the process. the state is a kind of easy, automatic approach, but it takes practice and attention to achieve. The book explains the conditions that can prevent or contribute to flux and provides a wealth of data and scientific history to support the principles outlined. sections cover topics such as awareness, loneliness, flow at work, and the ways flow manifests physically and mentally. flow is a guide to focus in its purest form, which is a happy immersion in the task at hand.
Notable quote: “Attention is like energy in that without it you can’t do any work, and in doing so it dissipates. we create ourselves by the way we use this energy. memories, thoughts and feelings are determined by how we use them. and it is an energy under control, to do with it what we please; therefore, attention is our most important tool in the task of improving the quality of the experience.”
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read stream.
5. digital minimalism: choosing a focused life in a noisy world by cal newport
digital minimalism is a guide to disconnect and limit your time online. Author Cal Newport’s insightful work shows readers how to reduce technology to essential use, unplug from social media, and reconnect with their inner selves. To illustrate this philosophy, Newport uses examples of digital minimalists ranging from Amish community members to Silicon Valley executives. Wherever they are on this spectrum, readers can redefine their relationship with technology and take back control of their time by following the principles Newport outlines. digital minimalism offers an antidote to the attention economy and a set of steps for using technology meaningfully rather than mindlessly.
Notable Quote: “To restore control, we must go beyond adjustments and instead rebuild our relationship with technology from the ground up, using our deeply held values as a foundation.”
read digital minimalism.
6. focus: the hidden driver of excellence by daniel goleman
Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence is one of the most popular books on focus. The book identifies and describes three types of approach and asserts that knowing when and how to use each form is key to success. This work presents focus as a prerequisite for high performance and suggests ways to discipline the mind and achieve peak performance. This guide features case studies and scientific studies that suggest ways to cultivate awareness, strengthen self-control, and become more organized and attentive leaders. Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence offers a recipe for training the brain for optimal attention in any endeavor and aligning actions with ambitions.
Notable Quote: “Getting attention where it needs to go is a primary task of leadership.”
reading focus: the hidden driver of excellence.
7. The Productivity Project: Accomplish More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy by Chris Bailey
the productivity project is one of the best focus improvement books. Chris Bailey spent a year embarking on experiments to measure his productivity in different situations. the result is a collection of insights and observations about what behaviors and environments lead to the best outcome and, by extension, the highest levels of focus. The book covers topics such as identifying time wasters, eliminating unimportant activities, attempting one task at a time, and recharging when energy and motivation run out. Bailey suggests practical steps and tricks to optimize your focus and efficiency. the productivity project does the hands-on research on the approach so readers can skip the trial and error and get to results sooner.
Notable quote: “The dread of doing a task consumes more time and energy than doing the task itself.”
read the productivity project.
8. Your Brain at Work: Strategies to Overcome Distractions, Regain Focus, and Work Smarter Throughout the Day by David Rock
Your Brain at Work is a deep dive into the mind of modern multitaskers. The narrative follows two professional parents, Emily and Paul, as they try to balance hectic work and family life. As he recounts anecdotes about the couple, David Rock explains the reasoning behind their habits and reactions, and connects these interactions with the instincts of human beings in general. The book unravels the mysteries of why concentrating can be such a challenge, how to control your emotions and make decisions calmly, and how to better protect and use your mental resources. your brain at work explores neurology and nature’s role in focus, and shows readers how to set themselves up for success.
starred quote: “mindfulness is a habit, it’s something that the more you do it, the more likely you are to be in that mode with less and less effort… it’s a learnable skill. it’s accessing something we already have. mindfulness isn’t hard. what’s hard is remembering to be mindful.”
read your brain at work.
9. master your focus: a practical guide to stop chasing the next thing and focus on what matters until it’s done by thibaut meurisse
master your focus is a playbook for anchoring attention. thibaut meurisse establishes strategies to increase concentration and productivity. for example, completing critical tasks in full before beginning new activities and concentrating on the most essential information while learning. This book shows readers how to beat procrastination, stop being scattered, and achieve greatness. The author also provides readers with a link to download a step-by-step action guide to help structure the focus improvement journey. master your focus provides a set of rules and guidelines that help readers pay attention more effectively.
Notable quote: “Focus acts like an axe. if you try to cut down a tree by hitting it in thousands of different places, you will never succeed. but when you focus and hit the same spot over and over again, you can cut down even the biggest tree. With laser-sharp focus, you can accomplish just about anything you want.”
reading dominates your approach.
10. free to focus: a total productivity system to accomplish more by doing less by michael hyatt
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free to focus is one of the most useful books on concentration and productivity. the author states that the key to productivity is not mastering multitasking or increasing willpower, but limiting the number of tasks and focusing on priorities. Michael Hyatt teaches readers how to say “no” to unnecessary commitments, delegate, simplify schedules, and plan and prioritize tasks. the mantra of this book is that in order to concentrate, one must eliminate. free to focus is a roadmap to sharpen focus, lower stress, and finish more often.
Notable Quote: “In a world where information is freely available, focus becomes one of the most valuable commodities in the workplace.”
read freely to concentrate.
11. no strings attached: overcome distractions, develop healthy digital habits, and use technology to create a life you love by sini ninkovic
untethered is one of the best focus books for the digital age. few people would deny that the internet and mobile devices are significant distractions and challenges to deep focus. However, while many self-help gurus advise giving up technology, Sini Ninkovic acknowledges that it is not a sustainable or realistic solution in our technology-dependent society. the book urges readers to overcome excessive reliance on technology and use devices and platforms in a healthier and more productive way. Drawing on her own experience and observations, Ninkovic advises readers on how to resist the temptations and manipulations of online advertising and social media, adopt tools that automate actions and decrease time spent online, manage notifications and compulsions to check devices, and rediscover the deepest self that technology bores. untethered is a non-preachy, practical guide to getting untethered in a world that demands we stay connected constantly.
starred quote: “and I know you can do the same, create more awareness, more satisfaction and a better understanding of yourself, with your devices by your side instead of believing that putting them away will create the life you want.” desire.”
read without ties.
12. focus (hbr emotional intelligence series) from harvard business review
focus on emotional intelligence hbr series is an anthology about concentration. Building on previous harvard business review publications, the collection selects thought-provoking essays on the topic of mindfulness and focus. The book covers a variety of topics such as leadership, teamwork, and self-motivation, and includes works like “To Improve Your Focus, Watch How You Lose It” and “5 Ways to Focus Your Energy During a Work Crisis.” HBR’s Emotional Intelligence series sets out to empower readers with soft skills, and this installment is a masterclass in the art of mindfulness.
Notable quote: “Cognitive control” is the scientific term for putting your attention where you want it and keeping it there in the face of the temptation to wander. This focus is an aspect of the brain’s executive function, which is located in the prefrontal cortex. a colloquial term for this is “willpower”.
read focus (hbr emotional intelligence series).
final thoughts
According to some studies, the average attention span of modern man is eight seconds. The internet and mobile devices provide people with a constant stream of information and produce a siren song to keep checking back and stay up to date. Add in the demands of modern society and the juggling act that a balanced life requires, and it can be challenging to focus for short periods of time, never mind in the long run.
Fortunately, focus books can help readers reduce distractions and reduce non-essentials, increase willpower and mental self-discipline, and accomplish more with less panic. Focus is an essential trait to master not only for the sake of the career, but also because mindfulness and the ability to concentrate contribute to an overall sense of peace and well-being. Being able to control your own mind gives you more confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations, and these books show you how to quiet your thoughts and act with intent.
For more book suggestions, check out this list of company biographies and this list of career books.
faq: focus books
here are answers to common questions about books on focus.
what are focus books?
focus books are self-help guides on concentration and attention. These books often identify the triggers and causes of distraction and present strategies for blocking out interruptions and working more mindfully. the purpose of these books is to enhance concentration and productivity.
what are some good books on focus and concentration?
Some good books on focus and concentration include insightful work by cal newport, indistractable by nir eyal, hyperfocus by chris bailey, and focus: the hidden driver of excellence by daniel goleman.
why should you read books about focus?
Reading books on focus can help you identify the source of your distraction and develop more productive and mindful habits. many of these books include steps and tools that make it easier to focus in your professional or personal life.
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