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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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18 Minutes summary
Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done
11 mins
Brief summary
'18 Minutes' by Peter Bregman teaches how to prioritize daily tasks and focus on what truly matters, preventing distractions and managing time effectively. It provides a straightforward method to increase productivity and achieve desired outcomes.
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18 Minutes
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Key idea 1 of 5
Start by pausing and focusing on the best course of action.
Sometimes waking up in the morning and looking at your to-do list can be overwhelming. Finding enough time to take care of everything can be a daily struggle. But with the right plan and some focused attention you can be your most productive self.
First, find your focus by pausing for a moment, reflecting on what needs to be done and finding the best and most fruitful course of action.
This pause will also lead to you making fewer mistakes.
Take Gmail’s “undo send” function, for example. This feature gives you five seconds to reconsider whether you might regret that email you just sent. And five seconds is all most people need to pause and realize they’ve made a mistake.
Of course, it’s more productive to avoiding writing and sending that email in the first place.
Our initial instincts are often emotional, and the part of our brain that controls our impulses needs those few extra seconds to take control and put us on the right path. So, before you take action, slow down and take a moment to consider and to avoid wasting time.
This pause can train your mind for long term success.
You can think of life in terms of a marathon: It requires constant effort and endurance. Marathon runners gain endurance by breaking their week into four days of short runs, one day of a long run and two days of rest. And just like these runners you need this rest to reflect and put things in perspective.
Pausing also allows you to think in new ways, leading to new possibilities.
Without that break you’ll be on constant autopilot, acting out according to your idea of how things are supposed to be. This is the kind of behavior that leads to mistakes and missed opportunities. When you pause it gives your mind the chance to calm down, see things accurately and recognize the possibilities for productivity.
So take the important first step and pause.
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What is 18 Minutes about?
18 Minutes (2011) is a helpful guide to getting things done by focusing on meaningful work, reaching goals and preventing distractions. These blinks will show how to identify the kind of work that is right for you and how to stay on track and hit your targets.
18 Minutes Review
18 Minutes (2011) by Peter Bregman is a valuable read for anyone looking to make the most of their time and achieve greater productivity. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- The book provides practical strategies to help readers prioritize tasks, focus on what matters most, and eliminate distractions, resulting in improved efficiency.
- Real-life examples and relatable stories are used to illustrate key concepts, ensuring that the book remains engaging and relatable throughout.
- Through its straightforward approach and actionable advice, the book manages to keep readers engaged and inspired, proving that time management doesn't have to be dull or overwhelming.
Best quote from 18 Minutes
Your year will be best spent doing work that you enjoy so much, it feels effortless. Youll always work tirelessly at your passions – hard work will feel easier.
—Peter Bregman
Who should read 18 Minutes?
- People who want to get things done
- Anyone feeling overwhelmed with work
- Anyone searching for happiness and meaning in their lives
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18 Minutes FAQs
What is the main message of 18 Minutes?
The main message of 18 Minutes is to help readers master their time and focus on what truly matters.
How long does it take to read 18 Minutes?
The reading time for 18 Minutes varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a couple of hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is 18 Minutes a good book? Is it worth reading?
18 Minutes is worth reading for its actionable insights on time management and productivity. It empowers readers to make the most of their time and achieve their goals.
Who is the author of 18 Minutes?
Peter Bregman is the author of 18 Minutes.
What to read after 18 Minutes?
If you're wondering what to read next after 18 Minutes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Focus by Daniel Goleman
- 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management by Kevin Kruse
- The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani
- Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner
- Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Successful Time Management by Patrick Forsyth
- The Skills-Powered Organization by Ravin Jesuthasan
- AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan
- The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom