Dedica tiempo: cómo enfocarse en lo que importa cada día

What is Make Time and how can it help you focus?

Written by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, two former Google designers, Make Time is not a typical productivity book. Instead of teaching you to squeeze every minute out of your day, it invites you to stop and ask yourself: what really matters? The method is based on choosing a daily priority — the Highlight — and dedicating time to it through simple tactics that help minimize distractions and maintain energy. The authors, known for developing the Design Sprint process, apply their practical and experimental approach to help you regain control of your time.

This book is ideal for those who feel overwhelmed by the constant avalanche of notifications, emails, and meetings. It offers a flexible system that adapts to any lifestyle: you can try the tactics that best suit you and adjust them according to your needs. As a result, many readers have found that they can concentrate more on what they are passionate about, whether it's a work project, a hobby, or spending time with family.

The Highlight method: your daily priority

At the heart of Make Time is the concept of a Highlight. Each morning, you ask yourself: "What is the one thing I want to be the highlight of my day?" It can be an important task, a creative activity, or even a moment of rest. Once chosen, the rest of the system is organized to protect that time. The book proposes four steps: Highlight, Laser (focus), Energize (take care of your energy), and Reflect (evaluate what worked). Each step includes multiple tactics — 87 in total — that you can try as experiments.

For example, the "Designate your Highlight time" tactic consists of blocking a specific period in your calendar. Another, "Make a three-item to-do list," helps you prioritize. Readers have noted that by adopting just 7 to 8 of these strategies, they already notice a significant improvement in their ability to concentrate during work. The key is flexibility: you don't have to apply all of them, but choose the ones that best fit your routine.

Practical strategies to eliminate distractions

One of the greatest strengths of Make Time is its focus on practicality. The authors dedicate entire sections to how to reduce digital interruptions: from "Phone Vacations" (turning off notifications during work) to "Going off the grid" (closing browser tabs and muting your mobile). They also offer tips for managing email, such as "Scheduling email" instead of constantly checking it.

Those who have applied these changes say that their day becomes more productive and less stressful. One reader commented that after following some suggestions, they noticed they had much more free time and could concentrate for longer periods. Another highlighted that, unlike other books, the tactics are easy to implement from day one, without the need for major habit changes.

Why is this book different from other productivity books?

If you've read several self-help books, you know that many get lost in complicated theories or exaggerated promises. Make Time breaks that mold. Jake and John don't intend for you to transform your life overnight; instead, they offer you a menu of options for you to experiment with. Readers appreciate that the book gets straight to the point, without beating around the bush. "You don't have to read entire chapters of theory before finding something useful," a review points out. "It's a book that can be applied immediately and adapts to each person."

In addition, the authors share their own experiences and failures, which makes the content more relatable and realistic. They don't present themselves as productivity gurus, but as people who have struggled with the same distractions as everyone else. This humble and practical approach has won over thousands of readers, who consider it the best book on time management they have ever read.

Frequently asked questions about Make Time

Is it suitable for everyone? Yes, the system is flexible and works for employees, freelancers, students, or people looking to make better use of their free time.

How many tactics should I try? The authors recommend starting with a few. It's not about implementing everything at once, but about experimenting. You can choose one tactic from each step (Highlight, Laser, Energize, Reflect) and adjust according to what works.

Can it be combined with other productivity methods? Of course. Many readers complement it with techniques like Pomodoro or GTD. The idea is for Make Time to be a foundation for building your own system.

Does it include tips for working in a team? Although the main focus is individual, there are tactics that can be applied in collaborative environments, such as "Time-limited meetings" or "Blocking time for deep work."

Do I need to read it from start to finish? No. You can jump to the sections that interest you most. The book is designed to be consulted according to your needs.