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Flashback Friday: John Zeratsky Talks About Designing Your Environment for Focus Episode 546

Flashback Friday: John Zeratsky Talks About Designing Your Environment for Focus

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit my insightful discussion with John Zeratsky, co-author of Make Time. This conversation dives into practical tips on optimizing focus, creating a conducive environment for productivity, and the fascinating concept of caffeine naps. John’s background in design and tech shines through as we explore strategies that help you make the most of your time and attention every day. John and I share our thoughts on everything from the evolution of productivity tools to the importance of designing your environment in a way that promotes focus. We also discuss how minor tweaks can help you take control of your day without relying solely on willpower. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or looking for new ways to optimize your energy, this episode offers actionable tips to boost your daily productivity. Key Discussion Points The concept of a caffeine nap and how it can boost your energy for focused work. The importance of designing your environment to make the right actions easier. Strategies for overcoming time craters—small decisions that end up consuming more time and energy than expected. How reflecting on your day can lead to better focus and productivity. The role of friction in breaking bad habits and fostering positive change. Why breaking down your daily highlight into small, actionable steps leads to greater focus and achievement. As always, this episode is packed with actionable advice. John’s insights into how small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in focus and productivity are worth revisiting. (Originally Released August 2020) Links Worth Exploring Connect with John: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter Get John's Book: Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day Jake Knapp Time Dorks Google Ventures Design Sprint Process Design Sprint | Amazon Getting Things Done | Amazon Related Episode: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen (Another) Related Episode: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Sleep Cycle 43 Folders Indistractable | Amazon Philips Wake Up Alarm Clock Austin Kleon’s caffeine nap Mori App TeuxDeux MakeTime.blog Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit my insightful discussion with John Zeratsky, co-author of Make Time. This conversation dives into practical tips on optimizing focus, creating a conducive environment for productivity, and the fascinating concept of caffeine naps. John’s background in design and tech shines through as we explore strategies that help you make the most of your time and attention every day.

John and I share our thoughts on everything from the evolution of productivity tools to the importance of designing your environment in a way that promotes focus. We also discuss how minor tweaks can help you take control of your day without relying solely on willpower. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or looking for new ways to optimize your energy, this episode offers actionable tips to boost your daily productivity.

Key Discussion Points

  • The concept of a caffeine nap and how it can boost your energy for focused work.
  • The importance of designing your environment to make the right actions easier.
  • Strategies for overcoming time craters—small decisions that end up consuming more time and energy than expected.
  • How reflecting on your day can lead to better focus and productivity.
  • The role of friction in breaking bad habits and fostering positive change.
  • Why breaking down your daily highlight into small, actionable steps leads to greater focus and achievement.


As always, this episode is packed with actionable advice. John’s insights into how small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in focus and productivity are worth revisiting. (Originally Released August 2020)

Links Worth Exploring


Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


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