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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Indistractable summary
How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
23 mins
Brief summary
Indistractable by Nir Eyal is a practical guide to help readers regain their focus in a world filled with digital distractions. The book offers actionable tips and insights on how to become indistractable by taking control of one's attention and time, and living a more fulfilling and productive life.
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Indistractable
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Key idea 1 of 8
Distraction starts from within.
Why are we prone to distraction? One common answer is technology. If you’ve ever tried to give up your digital devices and gadgets, you’ll know that not using them doesn’t necessarily stop you from procrastinating. Whether it’s doodling on a piece of paper or counting the books on your shelf, brains are masters at inventing forms of distraction.
To understand what is going on when we are distracted, we need to talk about triggers – stimuli that spur us into action or tell us to do something. These come in two forms. External triggers come from the outside world – think pop-up notifications on your laptop. Internal triggers, like feeling bored or stressed, come from within.
Triggers can either lead to traction or distraction. The former pulls us forward, triggering us to pursue our goals and ambitions. Distraction does the opposite; it drags us away from those goals.
That’s why technology alone can’t be blamed for distraction. In reality, distraction always has internal sources. Distraction is about escaping something uncomfortable such as a rumbling stomach or marital problems or deep dissatisfaction with your career. Tech is only a proximate cause. We blame it for our inability to get things done and fail to look at the underlying problem.
The bad news is that we are evolutionarily hardwired for discomfort. Our ancestors kept learning, growing and, ultimately, surviving because they weren’t content with their lot. Today, thousands of years later, that heritage shows through in our tendency to see things in a negative light, ruminate on painful experiences and quickly grow bored of new situations.
This makes us vulnerable to distraction. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to be slaves to our negative feelings – we can also harness them. Let’s find out how.
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What is Indistractable about?
Indistractable (2019) addresses one of modern life’s most common problems – distraction, often blamed on contemporary technology. Nir Eyal, however, claims that while smartphones and apps might get in the way of more meaningful work, they are not the root cause of the issue. So what is? In these blinks, Eyal provides an actionable four-part framework that breaks down how distraction really works and what you can do to overcome it.
Indistractable Review
Indistractable (2019) by Nir Eyal is a thought-provoking exploration of how to stay focused and avoid distractions in today's digital age. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers practical strategies and techniques for managing distractions and improving productivity, empowering readers to take control of their attention and time.
- With its research-based approach and real-life examples, the book provides a solid foundation for understanding the psychology behind distraction and how to overcome it.
- Through its engaging storytelling and relatable anecdotes, the book ensures that the topic of self-control and focus remains captivating, making it far from boring.
Who should read Indistractable?
- Anyone who has ever given-in to procrastination and distraction at one time or another
- Self-starters set on cultivating better habits
- Parents worried about their kids’ relationship with tech
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Indistractable FAQs
What is the main message of Indistractable?
The main message of Indistractable is to help readers regain control over their attention and focus in an increasingly distracting world.
How long does it take to read Indistractable?
The estimated reading time for Indistractable varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Indistractable a good book? Is it worth reading?
Indistractable is worth reading as it provides practical strategies and insights to help individuals become more focused and avoid distractions in their daily lives.
Who is the author of Indistractable?
The author of Indistractable is Nir Eyal.
What to read after Indistractable?
If you're wondering what to read next after Indistractable, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
- Hooked by Nir Eyal
- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
- Unstoppable Brain by Kyra Bobinet
- Beyond Order by Jordan B. Peterson
- This Is Strategy by Seth Godin
- Limitless by Jim Kwik
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius