Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg Book Review

In Smarter Faster Better, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg explores the science of productivity and how managing how we think can transform our lives.

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 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.

The main theme of the book is that staying productive and motivated is possible by making choices, whether in everyday life or the most ambitious goals.

It covers topics such as setting big goals and breaking them down, overcoming distractions by being well prepared, and making the right choice not only benefits you personally, but also the whole team.

The book also introduces the concept of “Locus of Control” – everyone wants to feel like they have some control over the factors that impact their lives, and he says that leaders understanding that is key to motivating their people. It also covers setting effective goals, building mental models, and utilizing old ideas to create something new.

What I Liked

Loved, loved, loved this book. I’m fascinated by the fact that, in every field, there are individuals with the same resources of time, money and opportunity who compete on a completely different level. And then – even among the top 1% – there is usually one person who is on an even higher level than anyone else. In women’s swimming, there’s Katie Ledecky. In American football, there’s Tom Brady, etc, etc. This book digs into what those people are doing differently – and what they are not doing. It’s fascinating and worth the read.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing! Great author – and a great book that I frequently browse for ideas.

Takeaways

Here are a few photos of key pages –