Atomic Focus

Who this ebook is for

Readers working through interruptions, unclear starts, and the challenge of returning to meaningful work after a break.

Revised and expanded edition. Ten chapters, five in-depth worked lessons, an integrated practical project, a subject glossary, ten worksheets, and a four-week plan.

Read an excerpt

It is difficult to concentrate on an instruction that has no finish line. “Catch up,” “be productive,” and “work harder” ask for effort without describing what that effort should change. Before protecting your attention, give it a concrete destination.

From Atomic Focus, revised and expanded edition, Paper & Pixel.

Inside the book

1. Give attention a destination
2. Observe the first five minutes
3. Not every interruption is alike
4. Choose a useful unit of time
5. Give stray thoughts somewhere to go
6. Read for the decision in front of you
7. Make boundaries understandable
8. Leave a trail back
9. Measure what helps the work
10. Let focus serve a larger life

Also included: 10 reusable worksheets and a four-week practice plan. Page counts include the cover, front matter, worksheets, and editorial notes.

Worked lessons and a complete project

The expanded edition develops the chapter ideas through these detailed lessons:

• Turn a project into an executable work packet
• Create an interruption protocol that people can use
• Handle an open loop without following it
• Read to answer a bounded question
• Use evidence that improves the next session

Apply the ideas together

1. Finish a short report in three sessions
2. Draft with a clear boundary
3. Review the output and the process

A subject glossary provides a quick reference while you work.

Edition and reading notes

Original editorial content. The PDF uses a fixed page layout with printable worksheet lines; it is not a fillable form or reflowable EPUB. No independent specialist review is claimed. Read our editorial policy.