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The Art of Focus: Find Meaning, Reinvent Yourself and Create Your Ideal Future
Look around.
We are on the brink of catastrophe.
A dystopia of excessive pleasure, comfort, and a false sense of security as to how successful you will be is no longer just a relatable movie scene.
Since birth, you were spoon-fed ideas, beliefs, and routines that program you into the same default path as everyone else. This leads to the same quality of life as everyone else.
It’s no wonder why most people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and have a cloud of meaninglessness hovering over their heads at all times.
Focus is the cure.
But not the narrow focus we associate with deep work and study.
Focus is what separates action from distraction, meaning from meaningless, and success from failure.
Focus is how you conduct your own adventure to stop hurling toward the dead end that was assigned to you by society for their benefit.
This will be a painful journey to find meaning, reinvent yourself, and create your ideal future.
The only thing more painful than seeing what you are capable of is not seeing what you are capable of, and I can’t think of anything more worthwhile to dedicate your life to.
We are on the brink of catastrophe.
A dystopia of excessive pleasure, comfort, and a false sense of security as to how successful you will be is no longer just a relatable movie scene.
Since birth, you were spoon-fed ideas, beliefs, and routines that program you into the same default path as everyone else. This leads to the same quality of life as everyone else.
It’s no wonder why most people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and have a cloud of meaninglessness hovering over their heads at all times.
Focus is the cure.
But not the narrow focus we associate with deep work and study.
Focus is what separates action from distraction, meaning from meaningless, and success from failure.
Focus is how you conduct your own adventure to stop hurling toward the dead end that was assigned to you by society for their benefit.
This will be a painful journey to find meaning, reinvent yourself, and create your ideal future.
The only thing more painful than seeing what you are capable of is not seeing what you are capable of, and I can’t think of anything more worthwhile to dedicate your life to.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2024
541 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
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January 28, 2024
Man, what a disappointment!
I've been following Dan for a year now, ever since I started studying about the so-called "one-man business" world. This is basically an update to the "four-hour workweek" idea of Tim Ferriss, which promised the freedom to live a life of financial comfort while traveling the world and doing what one loved.
I found Dan on Twitter/X after I decided I wanted to start building an audience there. Unlike the multitude of "bros" and gurus, Dan stood up by giving a more spiritual, low-BS take on building an audience on which one could build a business.
His content is both insightful and useful to build a life like his. Even though he rarely talks about the money he makes, Dan seems to live a meaningful life, one where he works as much as he wants, doing the thing he loves while making an impact.
I trust his advice, knowing that I may reach a similar outcome if I follow his steps. He's not a guru—I hate that term—he's an inspiration or role model, if you will.
After discovering him, I dutifully subscribed to his email newsletter, where I received weekly long posts where he muses about finding one's niche, building a business, and creating content. He never disappoints. I even bought one of his courses to dig deeper into his methods.
So when he announced he was planning on launching a book, I immediately took notice. I knew it would be great. It had to be, right?
On the day of the launch, I bought the book and started reading it right away.
The book's first section, "Find Meaning," starts with the first chapter where Dan lays out the definitions—the "principles," as he calls them—around which he builds his arguments. It was interesting and refreshing, given that it's common for non-fiction authors to use the first chapters to introduce a context, a problem, or an early history of the topic at hand. This is where you get to see the main thesis of the book, whether implicit or explicit, which pushes you to start reading the book with intention and excitement.
(In some sense, the introduction played this context-setting role, but I didn't see a thesis there to make it count as such.)
As a fan of his, there wasn't a lot out there that I wouldn't expect from him. A mix of spirituality with philosophy and psychology ideas that one can use to interpret Dan's ideas.
In the second chapter, he introduces the core pillars of his "mental feedback loop" model upon which he built his success:
1. Focus, the perspective one has based on the goals one sets for oneself
2. Energy, the attention one pays and dedicates to achieving said goal
3. Experience, the lessons one finds and the perspective one develops after exerting energy on one's goals
And then, things took a downward turn.
I know this because I barely took any notes from the third chapter onwards. I just didn't see the point.
Dan starts rambling about the Universe (with a capital U), which is...I don't know. Blame this on my ADHD or cynicism, but ironically, I couldn't keep focus on his ideas. At first, I thought it could be just a bump in the book's progression towards a unified thesis.
But I was wrong. Throughout the rest of the book, Dan repeats himself constantly. For example, he repeats the idea that if you don't have a goal, somebody will give you one. This is the same thing he says in his regular blog/YouTube content. I don't mind that; I just can't stand having someone repeat an idea that seems disconnected from the rest of the book.
It feels like he mish-mashed a bunch of ideas—some old, some new—without any clear goal for where he's going.
And here's where I got to come clean. I never really paid attention to what the book promised to be about. I didn't even read the entire book title. I just bought it because I liked Dan's content. That's how much I trusted him.
Whenever I buy a new book, I take the time to read the reviews on Goodreads. My goal is to avoid wasting time on a book I'm not interested in and start with an idea of the book thesis. But since this book is new, I didn't have much choice. Moreover, I tend to avoid this process whenever I see a book from an author I respect or admire, such as Tim Ferriss.
At this point, I took the time to read the book blurb, the one you can read in the above-the-fold section here on Goodreads.
The book promises to be about finding focus to "find meaning, reinvent yourself, and create your ideal future."
Uhm, okay.
After I finished the first section, I didn't find meaning, but whatever. I wasn't expecting to achieve such a literal outcome here. I kept going on to the second section—"Reinvent Yourself."
Dan starts talking about the self and the survival systems we develop to protect our identities. He explains that we protect our identities based on the goals that form them and that to live a meaningful life, we must also make our identity's survival meaningful.
This chapter, along with the following ones, isn't bad per se. I agree with his ideas. My problem is that he uses fancy words borrowed from computer science and physics to describe things that could be easily explained in simpler words.
In fact, he almost always ends up doing that because he knows he's not being clear. I'm all in for unique takes on well-known ideas. That's what I bought the book for. But reading a cacophony of words that don't seem to make an argument or move one forward does nothing but confuse me. And bore me. Ultimately, I slowly started to lose interest in his words. I started jumping between paragraphs, knowing it wouldn't make a difference. And it didn't.
Reading some parts back, I realize there are sections where he doesn't make sense. I could show several examples, but I would rather not because I clearly missed the point of the book here. I'm not trying to attack Dan in any way. I'm probably not the right person for his book.
However, I'll say this: I doubt the book has a clear argument or thesis.
This is the crux of the matter. He didn't start with a clear thesis, so the rest of the book falters quickly. There's just a mix of ideas—some interesting on their own—that don't move the book forward.
Ironically, a book about focus lacks focus.
Another thing I dislike is that he abuses the "they want to control you" and "take the red pill and break free from the matrix" arguments. I understand where he comes from, but I dislike conspiratorial arguments.
Anyone can say, "It's not your fault your life sucks; THEY are to blame." Blair Warren explains this perfectly in his book "The One-Sentence Persuasion Course." It's why scammers and tyrannical politicians use it all the time. It's easy to use and effective but exploitative and illogical.
Dan makes it seem like life is a battle against the forces of evil—the status quo and society's rules—and that there's no middle ground; if you're not an entrepreneur, you're a fool and won't make it. I can agree with that idea to some extent, but with some nuance, which Dan lacks.
Due to the lack of solid arguments or clear ideas, Dan ends up giving in to bro advice—e.g., write specific and detailed goals; if you're in pain, understand it and create a plan to overcome it. I mean, really? I've read this countless times; is that what the book is truly about?
If I had to summarize what the book is about, I'd say it's bro spirituality. It's pop psychology. It's business advice without substance. He's writing to bros, not people who want to think critically and find true focus. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari and Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman are two books that achieve this purpose; The Art of Focus does not.
You can tell I was expecting more, which is why I gave The Art of Focus a one-star review, a true rarity in the 550 books I've read in the past 12 years. I hoped to find a thesis and solid arguments that sustain it—even if I disagreed with them—not this mess of big words and cheap shots to exploit the reader's insecurities.
Can you tell I'm disappointed?
I've been following Dan for a year now, ever since I started studying about the so-called "one-man business" world. This is basically an update to the "four-hour workweek" idea of Tim Ferriss, which promised the freedom to live a life of financial comfort while traveling the world and doing what one loved.
I found Dan on Twitter/X after I decided I wanted to start building an audience there. Unlike the multitude of "bros" and gurus, Dan stood up by giving a more spiritual, low-BS take on building an audience on which one could build a business.
His content is both insightful and useful to build a life like his. Even though he rarely talks about the money he makes, Dan seems to live a meaningful life, one where he works as much as he wants, doing the thing he loves while making an impact.
I trust his advice, knowing that I may reach a similar outcome if I follow his steps. He's not a guru—I hate that term—he's an inspiration or role model, if you will.
After discovering him, I dutifully subscribed to his email newsletter, where I received weekly long posts where he muses about finding one's niche, building a business, and creating content. He never disappoints. I even bought one of his courses to dig deeper into his methods.
So when he announced he was planning on launching a book, I immediately took notice. I knew it would be great. It had to be, right?
On the day of the launch, I bought the book and started reading it right away.
The book's first section, "Find Meaning," starts with the first chapter where Dan lays out the definitions—the "principles," as he calls them—around which he builds his arguments. It was interesting and refreshing, given that it's common for non-fiction authors to use the first chapters to introduce a context, a problem, or an early history of the topic at hand. This is where you get to see the main thesis of the book, whether implicit or explicit, which pushes you to start reading the book with intention and excitement.
(In some sense, the introduction played this context-setting role, but I didn't see a thesis there to make it count as such.)
As a fan of his, there wasn't a lot out there that I wouldn't expect from him. A mix of spirituality with philosophy and psychology ideas that one can use to interpret Dan's ideas.
In the second chapter, he introduces the core pillars of his "mental feedback loop" model upon which he built his success:
1. Focus, the perspective one has based on the goals one sets for oneself
2. Energy, the attention one pays and dedicates to achieving said goal
3. Experience, the lessons one finds and the perspective one develops after exerting energy on one's goals
And then, things took a downward turn.
I know this because I barely took any notes from the third chapter onwards. I just didn't see the point.
Dan starts rambling about the Universe (with a capital U), which is...I don't know. Blame this on my ADHD or cynicism, but ironically, I couldn't keep focus on his ideas. At first, I thought it could be just a bump in the book's progression towards a unified thesis.
But I was wrong. Throughout the rest of the book, Dan repeats himself constantly. For example, he repeats the idea that if you don't have a goal, somebody will give you one. This is the same thing he says in his regular blog/YouTube content. I don't mind that; I just can't stand having someone repeat an idea that seems disconnected from the rest of the book.
It feels like he mish-mashed a bunch of ideas—some old, some new—without any clear goal for where he's going.
And here's where I got to come clean. I never really paid attention to what the book promised to be about. I didn't even read the entire book title. I just bought it because I liked Dan's content. That's how much I trusted him.
Whenever I buy a new book, I take the time to read the reviews on Goodreads. My goal is to avoid wasting time on a book I'm not interested in and start with an idea of the book thesis. But since this book is new, I didn't have much choice. Moreover, I tend to avoid this process whenever I see a book from an author I respect or admire, such as Tim Ferriss.
At this point, I took the time to read the book blurb, the one you can read in the above-the-fold section here on Goodreads.
The book promises to be about finding focus to "find meaning, reinvent yourself, and create your ideal future."
Uhm, okay.
After I finished the first section, I didn't find meaning, but whatever. I wasn't expecting to achieve such a literal outcome here. I kept going on to the second section—"Reinvent Yourself."
Dan starts talking about the self and the survival systems we develop to protect our identities. He explains that we protect our identities based on the goals that form them and that to live a meaningful life, we must also make our identity's survival meaningful.
This chapter, along with the following ones, isn't bad per se. I agree with his ideas. My problem is that he uses fancy words borrowed from computer science and physics to describe things that could be easily explained in simpler words.
In fact, he almost always ends up doing that because he knows he's not being clear. I'm all in for unique takes on well-known ideas. That's what I bought the book for. But reading a cacophony of words that don't seem to make an argument or move one forward does nothing but confuse me. And bore me. Ultimately, I slowly started to lose interest in his words. I started jumping between paragraphs, knowing it wouldn't make a difference. And it didn't.
Reading some parts back, I realize there are sections where he doesn't make sense. I could show several examples, but I would rather not because I clearly missed the point of the book here. I'm not trying to attack Dan in any way. I'm probably not the right person for his book.
However, I'll say this: I doubt the book has a clear argument or thesis.
This is the crux of the matter. He didn't start with a clear thesis, so the rest of the book falters quickly. There's just a mix of ideas—some interesting on their own—that don't move the book forward.
Ironically, a book about focus lacks focus.
Another thing I dislike is that he abuses the "they want to control you" and "take the red pill and break free from the matrix" arguments. I understand where he comes from, but I dislike conspiratorial arguments.
Anyone can say, "It's not your fault your life sucks; THEY are to blame." Blair Warren explains this perfectly in his book "The One-Sentence Persuasion Course." It's why scammers and tyrannical politicians use it all the time. It's easy to use and effective but exploitative and illogical.
Dan makes it seem like life is a battle against the forces of evil—the status quo and society's rules—and that there's no middle ground; if you're not an entrepreneur, you're a fool and won't make it. I can agree with that idea to some extent, but with some nuance, which Dan lacks.
Due to the lack of solid arguments or clear ideas, Dan ends up giving in to bro advice—e.g., write specific and detailed goals; if you're in pain, understand it and create a plan to overcome it. I mean, really? I've read this countless times; is that what the book is truly about?
If I had to summarize what the book is about, I'd say it's bro spirituality. It's pop psychology. It's business advice without substance. He's writing to bros, not people who want to think critically and find true focus. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari and Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman are two books that achieve this purpose; The Art of Focus does not.
You can tell I was expecting more, which is why I gave The Art of Focus a one-star review, a true rarity in the 550 books I've read in the past 12 years. I hoped to find a thesis and solid arguments that sustain it—even if I disagreed with them—not this mess of big words and cheap shots to exploit the reader's insecurities.
Can you tell I'm disappointed?
May 20, 2024
I have to admit that this book as not as good as Koe's online content. But his online content is quite good and a lot of it is quite free.
So I wouldn't get my undies up-in-a-bunch like some other reviewers and assume the worst about this.
Koe puts out a lot of value. Its just that, unfortunately, a lot of that value didn't make it into this book. I have no doubt that he will learn from this and have improved future offerings.
So I wouldn't get my undies up-in-a-bunch like some other reviewers and assume the worst about this.
Koe puts out a lot of value. Its just that, unfortunately, a lot of that value didn't make it into this book. I have no doubt that he will learn from this and have improved future offerings.
July 16, 2024
Ironically the book suffered from a lack of focus. Bounced between grandiose takes on spirituality, the modern economy, and personal productivity. And then got into a strikingly opinionated deep dive on how to become an Internet personality with products to sell. In general I’d say the book started out great then lost me then I got back into around the middle, then it slowly became worse until by the end I was like please stop talking. Will I read his next book? Yeah, since he’s probably around my age, and I like his overall perspective and persona, of being straightforward, aloof, introspective, individualistic, and analytical. I hope as he grows up he loses a bit of what seems to be a chip on his shoulder.
May 10, 2024
Skip this book
I bought this book not knowing who the author was thinking I was getting a book about how to focus. Instead I got a book of some wordy regurgitated bs. Wish I could get my money back after reading this trash.
Instead of getting a book on focus I was presented with the newest fake guru. From page one you're presented with preachy ideals from the outlook of I'm so great you should listen to me. Instead of the preaching and attempt at using NLP language to keep you engaged. I would have much rather liked a book about focus. Pretty sure this book is a copy/paste of several other books then reworded to get around obvious plagiarism.
This dude mentions that education is flawed but it says he went to colleges for 4 years and didn’t graduate. How about we start with a lesson in accountability instead of finger pointing because you failed.
If you’re apart of this dudes social media cult and like edutainment then waste your 5+ hours reading this book. Otherwise get an actual educational book that really deals with focus providing actual steps.
I bought this book not knowing who the author was thinking I was getting a book about how to focus. Instead I got a book of some wordy regurgitated bs. Wish I could get my money back after reading this trash.
Instead of getting a book on focus I was presented with the newest fake guru. From page one you're presented with preachy ideals from the outlook of I'm so great you should listen to me. Instead of the preaching and attempt at using NLP language to keep you engaged. I would have much rather liked a book about focus. Pretty sure this book is a copy/paste of several other books then reworded to get around obvious plagiarism.
This dude mentions that education is flawed but it says he went to colleges for 4 years and didn’t graduate. How about we start with a lesson in accountability instead of finger pointing because you failed.
If you’re apart of this dudes social media cult and like edutainment then waste your 5+ hours reading this book. Otherwise get an actual educational book that really deals with focus providing actual steps.
March 7, 2024
As somewhat of a fan of Dan's work on Instagram and the newsletter, this was very disappointing.
In brief, I think the book was unnecessary in the shape that it was. Sometimes I find that his newsletter gets a little too wordy than it needs to be, but this was another level at times, and sometimes it just felt like pieces of his newsletter sprung together.
There are some good ideas to take away from this book, it's certainly not bad.
Though you can get these ideas from his Instagram.
In brief, I think the book was unnecessary in the shape that it was. Sometimes I find that his newsletter gets a little too wordy than it needs to be, but this was another level at times, and sometimes it just felt like pieces of his newsletter sprung together.
There are some good ideas to take away from this book, it's certainly not bad.
Though you can get these ideas from his Instagram.
November 16, 2024
Rehashed platitudes.
February 6, 2024
At once a vision of how to thrive in the coming Creator Economy and a philosophy of life to support that vision.
Highly recommend for people looking to build a digital business around their own interests...maybe the Gen Z'ers who want to grow up to become "influencers" aren't as shallow and short-sighted as we thought.
Highly recommend for people looking to build a digital business around their own interests...maybe the Gen Z'ers who want to grow up to become "influencers" aren't as shallow and short-sighted as we thought.
January 19, 2024
The Art of Focus, by Dan Koe, is a self-help book written for people who want to break out of the rut of regular thinking and embark on their own path in life. He writes about using focus, ideas, perspective, and problem-solving to undergo a continual process of self-improvement in all domains of life.
In the introduction to his book, Koe paints a picture of a modern world of technology, unfulfilling work, social media frustration, mediocrity, and daily overwhelm.
Koe describes his own journey, beginning with childhood, when he questioned the contentedness of the people around him. Koe wanted autonomy and freedom from the dissatisfaction he saw in so many people, and from having to work 9 to 5 to fulfill someone else’s goals.
Disillusioned with traditional institutional education, Koe turned to self-education and taught himself web development at a rate that allowed him to pass a formal class without attending.
Koe does not sugar-coat his transformation, admitting it took a decade of work and failures to get where he is today: wealthy, self-made, and personally autonomous. Koe writes that he came from a middle-class, single-income family. If he succeeded, you can too.
Focus, Koe explains, influences thoughts, emotions, actions, habits, sense of purpose, and other important aspects of life and the mind. Our own mind is the only thing we can control. By attaining focus, we can set and work toward our goals and improve our options in life. Koe writes, “Focus is the habit of habits.”
Chapter 1: The Principles
In Chapter 1, Koe describes the principles necessary to understand the rest of the book. This includes the “Supreme Principle” of entropy. Entropy is inevitable but can be mitigated by the effects of human focus.
Koe introduces the concept of “radical acceptance”. This is accepting reality for what it is and understanding that it cannot be any other way. Once this happens, we can see things for what they are and become truly engaged in the present.
Instead of denying the ego, Koe writes that we should use it to navigate the world. He also casts dispersions on the idea of selfishness as a bad trait, as it can lead to self-education, self-reliance, and self-reflection.
Chapter 2: The 3 Pillars
In Chapter 2, Koe presents his three pillars for success.
The first pillar is focus, which he says is the most important catalyst to a good life. Focus must be trained. With trained focus, one can achieve their goals and position themselves to take on even greater goals.
The second pillar is energy. Koe argues that mental energy is the most valuable resource in the modern world. Many people are caught in loops of negative energy, reliving mistakes of the past, or are locked into the roles society has made for them. Koe discusses the importance of systems for saving energy and time, giving us more power to control where we direct our focus.
The third pillar is experience. “Direct experience is the only thing you can make sound conclusions on when it comes to your life,” Koe writes. Experimentation and mistakes will be a part of this. Through identifying and solving problems we build direct experience in our chosen fields.
Chapter 3: The Universe
In order to navigate uncertainty in our lives we can observe the patterns of the universe. Koe muses on the interconnection of things and similarities between the nature of the universe, storytelling formulae, cycles of personal life, and cycles of business operation.
Conflict is inevitable in life and the universe, just as it is a necessary part of stories. Koe suggests seeing conflict as unavoidable problems within a system, like entropy. Then it becomes easier to seek out solutions, and to realize and appreciate the truth of life.
Chapter 4: The Self
“The human superpower is choice,” Koe writes. He explains that as we grow and gain knowledge, we are conditioned by the world, in order to survive.
Humans transcend basic physical survival and are also capable of defining goals. Many people have no goals of their own and are instead accept the goals given to them by society. This can lead to us identifying too heavily with dogmatic institutions like religions, political parties, and other value systems.
Koe writes that when these identities are threatened, our bodies and minds suffer a physical stress response akin to death. Most people would rather blindly follow something than question dogma. Only by forging your own path and investing mental energy into goals can we find our passions.
The call to greatness requires solving exterior problems in order to bring us to unity with our environment. This increases the value that you can provide to the world.
Chapter 5: The Game
In chapter 5, Koe compares life and the universe to the 2004 Blizzard Entertainment game World of Warcraft. You select your race and class, which dictates the opportunities you will have in the game. You complete quests to gain experience and develop your character, allowing you to unlock further opportunities and quests.
Koe suggests that the game of life is a series of systems that cannot be changed but can be manipulated. He compares non-player characters or NPCs with those who never question their conditioning and go through life pursuing the goals society has assigned them.
Koe deconstructs the game analogy further. Your perspective in life is akin to a video game world. Rules are present in games and real life, and as one interacts with the rules and learns them, they free mental energy for other tasks. Game mechanics are a sequence of actions the player performs in-game, learning and improving by trial and error. Koe writes that learning and upskilling in this way, as you would in a game, is the path to mastery.
Chapter 6: The Lens
Koe compares life to a film set where we are our own directors. We are the cameras, and we have the ability to zoom out for a wider perspective on the universe, or to tighten focus on tasks and create visions inspired by that bigger picture. By adjusting our focus, we can increase our awareness through observation and questioning.
While apes have knowledge they do not learn through questioning, according to Koe. Humans can explore, observe, and question ideas, and see how their discoveries aid their goals and handle their problems.
Koe believes that the default state of consciousness is chaos, and that the modern world forces goals onto those that do not invent their own. “The only option is to forge your own path,” he writes. Set goals, self-educate and experiment, and improve your skills until your efforts result in a philosophy or a valuable solution that be shared with others.
Chapter 7: The Formula
In chapter 5, Koe gives us writing exercises to help form our vision for the present and future. This involves the “anti-vision” or writing down what we do not want to experience in life, and then figuring out how we can avoid this anti-vision. If this gets too depressing, Koe suggests switching to writing about your ideal life, and how you can get there.
Then Koe writes about life purposes and goals. He suggests large goals that will provide inspiration for your vision. Then break your primary goal into smaller goals. This process should be repeated for the four domains of health, wealth, relationships, and happiness.
Chapter 8: The Shift
Chapter 8 is about education. Koe believes that traditional educational institutions are becoming outdated. They parrot the same information to thousands or millions of students every year and are behind the times compared to creators on the bleeding edge of their industry. It is possible to learn new skills more quickly by using Internet resources.
Through personal development and self-education, Koe states that we can create our own careers, instead of adopting ones thrust on us by society. The rising creator economy provides an avenue for creatives to be paid for their passions, and for passing on their enlightenment and education to others.
Chapter 9: The New Rich
Koe writes that most people oscillate between working too hard and attempting to rest through harmful activities like drinking wine or binge-watching television. They go through life on autopilot, anxious during both work and rest.
The importance of good rest is emphasized by Koe, using the example of Charles Darwin’s typical workday, consisting of long walks and answering letters, punctuated by short but productive periods of work.
Koe believes in a four-hour workday and says that many creatives find a 3-to-5-hour stint of work to be more productive than an eight-hour workday. He writes, “The paradox of productivity is the less you work, the higher quality your work is.”
Chapter 10: The Skill Stack
Koe notes that technological advancements have made the acquisition of specialist skills possible for anyone with an Internet connection. He lays out the four evergreen skills (that never go out of fashion) as writing, speaking, sales, and marketing. With these skills it is possible to deliver value to an audience using the power of the Internet.
In addition to the four evergreen skills, Koe suggests tapping the four eternal markets of health, wealth, relationships, and happiness. Identify four of your most valuable skills, and four personal interests, and these sixteen things form the corners of four squares, which in turn form a cube. Place a problem in this cube and you can work out a solution and repackage that solution for others.
Chapter 11: The Project
“The source of learning is struggle, not memorization,” Koe opines. This is why project-based learning is so important. Rather than watching a bunch of tutorials and then realizing you have not gained enough knowledge to build your ideal project, you can start building the project and learn as you go.
Koe explores the transformation of a project into a product. “You become an entrepreneur when you take your projects public,” he states. And the best path to creating projects and products is to build solutions to your own problems and then sell them to others.
Chapter 12: The Vessel
Koe believes that “Entrepreneurship is the only logical option for long-term thinkers.” He advises beginning entrepreneurs to start with a one-person business to test the waters. Further, he recommends building a income sources straight away by teaching people who are a few steps behind you in their knowledge. If you can package that with a positive philosophy, all the better.
Koe notes that the most profitable niche is the reader themselves. Everyone has a unique confluence of skills, interest, and experience. Use these to set goals, learn skills to help achieve those goals, and create a solution to a problem that can be turned into a product.
To close out the book, Koe states that there might be no greater good than passing on valuable information. To do so we must observe and experience the universe to gain a wider perspective, align our decisions with the perspective of our ideal selves, and harness our creativity to build projects that contribute to humanity.
The Art of Focus is well-written, interesting, and full of metaphors about life and the universe. I recommend it to anyone who wants a self-help book that combines topics of personal development, self-education, spirituality, philosophy, business, and entrepreneurship.
In the introduction to his book, Koe paints a picture of a modern world of technology, unfulfilling work, social media frustration, mediocrity, and daily overwhelm.
Koe describes his own journey, beginning with childhood, when he questioned the contentedness of the people around him. Koe wanted autonomy and freedom from the dissatisfaction he saw in so many people, and from having to work 9 to 5 to fulfill someone else’s goals.
Disillusioned with traditional institutional education, Koe turned to self-education and taught himself web development at a rate that allowed him to pass a formal class without attending.
Koe does not sugar-coat his transformation, admitting it took a decade of work and failures to get where he is today: wealthy, self-made, and personally autonomous. Koe writes that he came from a middle-class, single-income family. If he succeeded, you can too.
Focus, Koe explains, influences thoughts, emotions, actions, habits, sense of purpose, and other important aspects of life and the mind. Our own mind is the only thing we can control. By attaining focus, we can set and work toward our goals and improve our options in life. Koe writes, “Focus is the habit of habits.”
Chapter 1: The Principles
In Chapter 1, Koe describes the principles necessary to understand the rest of the book. This includes the “Supreme Principle” of entropy. Entropy is inevitable but can be mitigated by the effects of human focus.
Koe introduces the concept of “radical acceptance”. This is accepting reality for what it is and understanding that it cannot be any other way. Once this happens, we can see things for what they are and become truly engaged in the present.
Instead of denying the ego, Koe writes that we should use it to navigate the world. He also casts dispersions on the idea of selfishness as a bad trait, as it can lead to self-education, self-reliance, and self-reflection.
Chapter 2: The 3 Pillars
In Chapter 2, Koe presents his three pillars for success.
The first pillar is focus, which he says is the most important catalyst to a good life. Focus must be trained. With trained focus, one can achieve their goals and position themselves to take on even greater goals.
The second pillar is energy. Koe argues that mental energy is the most valuable resource in the modern world. Many people are caught in loops of negative energy, reliving mistakes of the past, or are locked into the roles society has made for them. Koe discusses the importance of systems for saving energy and time, giving us more power to control where we direct our focus.
The third pillar is experience. “Direct experience is the only thing you can make sound conclusions on when it comes to your life,” Koe writes. Experimentation and mistakes will be a part of this. Through identifying and solving problems we build direct experience in our chosen fields.
Chapter 3: The Universe
In order to navigate uncertainty in our lives we can observe the patterns of the universe. Koe muses on the interconnection of things and similarities between the nature of the universe, storytelling formulae, cycles of personal life, and cycles of business operation.
Conflict is inevitable in life and the universe, just as it is a necessary part of stories. Koe suggests seeing conflict as unavoidable problems within a system, like entropy. Then it becomes easier to seek out solutions, and to realize and appreciate the truth of life.
Chapter 4: The Self
“The human superpower is choice,” Koe writes. He explains that as we grow and gain knowledge, we are conditioned by the world, in order to survive.
Humans transcend basic physical survival and are also capable of defining goals. Many people have no goals of their own and are instead accept the goals given to them by society. This can lead to us identifying too heavily with dogmatic institutions like religions, political parties, and other value systems.
Koe writes that when these identities are threatened, our bodies and minds suffer a physical stress response akin to death. Most people would rather blindly follow something than question dogma. Only by forging your own path and investing mental energy into goals can we find our passions.
The call to greatness requires solving exterior problems in order to bring us to unity with our environment. This increases the value that you can provide to the world.
Chapter 5: The Game
In chapter 5, Koe compares life and the universe to the 2004 Blizzard Entertainment game World of Warcraft. You select your race and class, which dictates the opportunities you will have in the game. You complete quests to gain experience and develop your character, allowing you to unlock further opportunities and quests.
Koe suggests that the game of life is a series of systems that cannot be changed but can be manipulated. He compares non-player characters or NPCs with those who never question their conditioning and go through life pursuing the goals society has assigned them.
Koe deconstructs the game analogy further. Your perspective in life is akin to a video game world. Rules are present in games and real life, and as one interacts with the rules and learns them, they free mental energy for other tasks. Game mechanics are a sequence of actions the player performs in-game, learning and improving by trial and error. Koe writes that learning and upskilling in this way, as you would in a game, is the path to mastery.
Chapter 6: The Lens
Koe compares life to a film set where we are our own directors. We are the cameras, and we have the ability to zoom out for a wider perspective on the universe, or to tighten focus on tasks and create visions inspired by that bigger picture. By adjusting our focus, we can increase our awareness through observation and questioning.
While apes have knowledge they do not learn through questioning, according to Koe. Humans can explore, observe, and question ideas, and see how their discoveries aid their goals and handle their problems.
Koe believes that the default state of consciousness is chaos, and that the modern world forces goals onto those that do not invent their own. “The only option is to forge your own path,” he writes. Set goals, self-educate and experiment, and improve your skills until your efforts result in a philosophy or a valuable solution that be shared with others.
Chapter 7: The Formula
In chapter 5, Koe gives us writing exercises to help form our vision for the present and future. This involves the “anti-vision” or writing down what we do not want to experience in life, and then figuring out how we can avoid this anti-vision. If this gets too depressing, Koe suggests switching to writing about your ideal life, and how you can get there.
Then Koe writes about life purposes and goals. He suggests large goals that will provide inspiration for your vision. Then break your primary goal into smaller goals. This process should be repeated for the four domains of health, wealth, relationships, and happiness.
Chapter 8: The Shift
Chapter 8 is about education. Koe believes that traditional educational institutions are becoming outdated. They parrot the same information to thousands or millions of students every year and are behind the times compared to creators on the bleeding edge of their industry. It is possible to learn new skills more quickly by using Internet resources.
Through personal development and self-education, Koe states that we can create our own careers, instead of adopting ones thrust on us by society. The rising creator economy provides an avenue for creatives to be paid for their passions, and for passing on their enlightenment and education to others.
Chapter 9: The New Rich
Koe writes that most people oscillate between working too hard and attempting to rest through harmful activities like drinking wine or binge-watching television. They go through life on autopilot, anxious during both work and rest.
The importance of good rest is emphasized by Koe, using the example of Charles Darwin’s typical workday, consisting of long walks and answering letters, punctuated by short but productive periods of work.
Koe believes in a four-hour workday and says that many creatives find a 3-to-5-hour stint of work to be more productive than an eight-hour workday. He writes, “The paradox of productivity is the less you work, the higher quality your work is.”
Chapter 10: The Skill Stack
Koe notes that technological advancements have made the acquisition of specialist skills possible for anyone with an Internet connection. He lays out the four evergreen skills (that never go out of fashion) as writing, speaking, sales, and marketing. With these skills it is possible to deliver value to an audience using the power of the Internet.
In addition to the four evergreen skills, Koe suggests tapping the four eternal markets of health, wealth, relationships, and happiness. Identify four of your most valuable skills, and four personal interests, and these sixteen things form the corners of four squares, which in turn form a cube. Place a problem in this cube and you can work out a solution and repackage that solution for others.
Chapter 11: The Project
“The source of learning is struggle, not memorization,” Koe opines. This is why project-based learning is so important. Rather than watching a bunch of tutorials and then realizing you have not gained enough knowledge to build your ideal project, you can start building the project and learn as you go.
Koe explores the transformation of a project into a product. “You become an entrepreneur when you take your projects public,” he states. And the best path to creating projects and products is to build solutions to your own problems and then sell them to others.
Chapter 12: The Vessel
Koe believes that “Entrepreneurship is the only logical option for long-term thinkers.” He advises beginning entrepreneurs to start with a one-person business to test the waters. Further, he recommends building a income sources straight away by teaching people who are a few steps behind you in their knowledge. If you can package that with a positive philosophy, all the better.
Koe notes that the most profitable niche is the reader themselves. Everyone has a unique confluence of skills, interest, and experience. Use these to set goals, learn skills to help achieve those goals, and create a solution to a problem that can be turned into a product.
To close out the book, Koe states that there might be no greater good than passing on valuable information. To do so we must observe and experience the universe to gain a wider perspective, align our decisions with the perspective of our ideal selves, and harness our creativity to build projects that contribute to humanity.
The Art of Focus is well-written, interesting, and full of metaphors about life and the universe. I recommend it to anyone who wants a self-help book that combines topics of personal development, self-education, spirituality, philosophy, business, and entrepreneurship.
August 11, 2024
My only DNF of this year. I really liked his online content and after reading solid entrepreneur books recently I went into this blind. I wish I’d read the reviews as the book really felt all over the place and ironically lacked focus. He says that he’s not there to show you the ‘how’ of what to do but just the ‘why’ and it really leaves you with a lot of nice things to read with no substance or actionable points. I wanted to like this book but it could have done with a stronger focus and a lot of editing.
September 10, 2025
This is the single most useful book I’ve ever read. Dan is able to simplify the most complex thought experiments easily.
There is many examples that he hammers on but you don’t have to read them all:
1) get the concept
2) read an example or two
3) read the last conclusion statement
Every chapter just follow that 3 step and you can take 95% of the knowledge out of this book without spending a week reading.
There is many examples that he hammers on but you don’t have to read them all:
1) get the concept
2) read an example or two
3) read the last conclusion statement
Every chapter just follow that 3 step and you can take 95% of the knowledge out of this book without spending a week reading.
October 20, 2024
Not sure if it needed to be 200 pages but it's a pretty well structured book on exploring your different levels of consciousness to best establish how you want to live. Focusing on the outcome and really diving into being present, doing an introspective look at what this looks like and acting. Taking advantage of all of the best things about living in our present time.
October 19, 2025
It's not about focus, but his philosophy (intention, reps, experience by doing) disguised as a productivity boost for designing your own path in the creation economy. Just one of many.
July 10, 2025
Another rich dude saying "go be an entrepreneur, if you can focus".
February 14, 2025
I really appreciate the frankness and rigorous way of explaining the points. In a way, I think that some topics are repetitive around the entire book, but in the other way and talking about human behavior, I understand too that repetition is the only way of penetrate the psyche. I love the way that Dan puts every knowledge he has on the table, but at the same time, he is very clear explaining that every knowledge is useless without praxis.
March 31, 2025
I don't know exactly what the book aimed to be, to me it seemed there was no ONE topic, rather shooting in any direction. But actually to me it was something i needed to hear at the moment, the second part of the book. Random ideas:
* The path to mastery is not about dreaming of relaxation or rewards, like having a beer at night, but about continuously taking on challenges and growing. I intentionally dismantled my previous life in hopes of creating something new and interesting, forcing myself to find a new path.
* Try to reach for more than seems possible - e.g. promise above Your previous best, things you are not 100% sure if you can deliver, because this makes you stretch for more.
* Eliminate thoughts from your mind that claim “You are being selfish”; they were planted there by other selfish people who want to control your behavior.
* Many goal-setting programs claim certainty in predicting outcomes, but life often leads to disappointment and pain when expectations aren't met. Be skeptical of anyone promising a "clear path"—life rarely works that way.
* Human experience isn't about solving all problems—it’s about finding increasingly greater problems with bigger rewarding challenges and solving them.
* Everything is part of something larger: a car is made of parts, a tire holds the rim, and humans are part of something greater.
* The universe flows, and you can either flow with it or resist it—ego loves resistance.
* It is possible to write well even when you don’t feel well or enjoy writing at that time. So try and write anyway.
* Progress requires worthy effort; for example, people dislike hot weather but willingly endure saunas—the difference lies in intention and expectations.
* The more you invest in a goal, the more important it becomes to you. This is kind of a hack - what You want more in Your life, work/invest on it more, and it becomes more important to You. Your "why" for pursuing goals evolves over time; the deeper you go into a goal, the more invested you become, and the more meaningful it becomes. If you don’t set plans or goals for yourself, society will impose its own on you. To achieve success, set a clear end goal, develop a strategy to reach it, and define an actionable first step to reduce friction in starting. Most people think their goals are self-made but are often influenced by societal norms or external programming; taking time away from external influences can help uncover your authentic desires.
* The world naturally moves toward chaos: floors get dirty, dishes pile up, wallpaper edges peel—everything needs maintenance and improvement. You need to consistently “upgrade” and “clean”, even relationships; through compliments, offerings like flowers, or moments of calm detachment.
* Life is a game: when goals match your skills, life feels interesting; when skills exceed goals, life feels boring; when goals exceed skills, life feels overwhelming; and you can gamify anything—even mundane tasks like finding the smallest or ugliest item in a store while waiting for your partner who dragged You there.
* As you develop yourself, the number of people you can truly connect with decreases because many aren’t ready for expanded perspectives; however, those connections you do find, will be deeper.
* We see less than 0.001% of someone’s life yet often assume we understand their complexity.
* Early plateaus in skill acquisition are short and rewarding; as you continue on the path, plateaus become harder and longer—but they’re worth enduring.
* Is your desire to become your highest self stronger than the temptation of quick fixes available today?
* Fulfillment lies on the edge of the known—staying within familiar territory becomes boring over time. Curiosity drives personal growth; follow what truly interests you.
* Success involves learning how to gain attention, hold it, and deliver value while doing so. Safely guide people by making them aware of their problems, providing tools to solve those problems, and using gamification (incentives) rather than forceful persuasion.
* Success is exponential—not linear; it may seem like nothing is happening for a long time until everything suddenly happens at once.
* True creators don’t create for money—they make money to fuel their passion for creating even more.
* The path to mastery is not about dreaming of relaxation or rewards, like having a beer at night, but about continuously taking on challenges and growing. I intentionally dismantled my previous life in hopes of creating something new and interesting, forcing myself to find a new path.
* Try to reach for more than seems possible - e.g. promise above Your previous best, things you are not 100% sure if you can deliver, because this makes you stretch for more.
* Eliminate thoughts from your mind that claim “You are being selfish”; they were planted there by other selfish people who want to control your behavior.
* Many goal-setting programs claim certainty in predicting outcomes, but life often leads to disappointment and pain when expectations aren't met. Be skeptical of anyone promising a "clear path"—life rarely works that way.
* Human experience isn't about solving all problems—it’s about finding increasingly greater problems with bigger rewarding challenges and solving them.
* Everything is part of something larger: a car is made of parts, a tire holds the rim, and humans are part of something greater.
* The universe flows, and you can either flow with it or resist it—ego loves resistance.
* It is possible to write well even when you don’t feel well or enjoy writing at that time. So try and write anyway.
* Progress requires worthy effort; for example, people dislike hot weather but willingly endure saunas—the difference lies in intention and expectations.
* The more you invest in a goal, the more important it becomes to you. This is kind of a hack - what You want more in Your life, work/invest on it more, and it becomes more important to You. Your "why" for pursuing goals evolves over time; the deeper you go into a goal, the more invested you become, and the more meaningful it becomes. If you don’t set plans or goals for yourself, society will impose its own on you. To achieve success, set a clear end goal, develop a strategy to reach it, and define an actionable first step to reduce friction in starting. Most people think their goals are self-made but are often influenced by societal norms or external programming; taking time away from external influences can help uncover your authentic desires.
* The world naturally moves toward chaos: floors get dirty, dishes pile up, wallpaper edges peel—everything needs maintenance and improvement. You need to consistently “upgrade” and “clean”, even relationships; through compliments, offerings like flowers, or moments of calm detachment.
* Life is a game: when goals match your skills, life feels interesting; when skills exceed goals, life feels boring; when goals exceed skills, life feels overwhelming; and you can gamify anything—even mundane tasks like finding the smallest or ugliest item in a store while waiting for your partner who dragged You there.
* As you develop yourself, the number of people you can truly connect with decreases because many aren’t ready for expanded perspectives; however, those connections you do find, will be deeper.
* We see less than 0.001% of someone’s life yet often assume we understand their complexity.
* Early plateaus in skill acquisition are short and rewarding; as you continue on the path, plateaus become harder and longer—but they’re worth enduring.
* Is your desire to become your highest self stronger than the temptation of quick fixes available today?
* Fulfillment lies on the edge of the known—staying within familiar territory becomes boring over time. Curiosity drives personal growth; follow what truly interests you.
* Success involves learning how to gain attention, hold it, and deliver value while doing so. Safely guide people by making them aware of their problems, providing tools to solve those problems, and using gamification (incentives) rather than forceful persuasion.
* Success is exponential—not linear; it may seem like nothing is happening for a long time until everything suddenly happens at once.
* True creators don’t create for money—they make money to fuel their passion for creating even more.
May 30, 2024
Interesting book. I like people who try to think outside the box almost as a principle, so that's already 2-stars minimum in my book, and the first couple of chapters got the 3rd star, which I think are the best set of ideas in the book. Now, if you took this book to a philosophy department I can't imagine the savagery that would be written on the margins, they would probably think it's a bad joke. An unclear thesis and lack of intellectual rigor (no bibliography in a book that's supposed to aim to change the entire orientation of your life) is why it does not get a 4th or 5th star from me.
In order to have a clear thesis, the main message of the book must match the structured premises placed in the chapters in some coherent way. He discusses consciousness, spirituality, the utility of understanding different perspectives, and then all of a sudden, making a ton of money selling stuff on the internet otherwise you're a lamentable nitwit that fell for the system? Jesus Christ.
This book suffers from the same insufferable mind virus that almost all highly-paid entrepreneurs who lose humility express: a condescending tone to those who aren't entrepreneurs, a curious disdain for the system (not to mention the dreaded 9 to 5, oh my!) and to those who live perfectly fine lives within it, and the urgent need to circle jerk other entrepreneurs who also found a way to make 700k a year selling banana slicers and other useless shit.
He is clever in trying to preemptively evade this criticism by expanding the definition of entrepreneurship into saying that we're ALL entrepreneurs, it's just that some sell their solutions for money. Nice try Dan-O, but that's an equivocation fallacy.
The irony in the call to action that everybody ought to be an entrepreneur while simultaneously delivering a patronizing attitude towards society's structured system is that most entrepreneurs make their riches off of people who are within that system. They need a system a priori in order for their lifestyle to even exist. Society would just not function without it. We need firefighters, teachers, journalists, electricians, lawyers, production managers, scientists, broadcast technicians, factory workers, hotel staff and so on—we need all of these people who are supposedly duped in order to live a life of structured convenience that works at almost every level. So when Dan proposes that people are not living ideally because they're not selling tons of *content* on the internet, what is he doing really? Biting off the hand that feeds him?
In order to have a clear thesis, the main message of the book must match the structured premises placed in the chapters in some coherent way. He discusses consciousness, spirituality, the utility of understanding different perspectives, and then all of a sudden, making a ton of money selling stuff on the internet otherwise you're a lamentable nitwit that fell for the system? Jesus Christ.
This book suffers from the same insufferable mind virus that almost all highly-paid entrepreneurs who lose humility express: a condescending tone to those who aren't entrepreneurs, a curious disdain for the system (not to mention the dreaded 9 to 5, oh my!) and to those who live perfectly fine lives within it, and the urgent need to circle jerk other entrepreneurs who also found a way to make 700k a year selling banana slicers and other useless shit.
He is clever in trying to preemptively evade this criticism by expanding the definition of entrepreneurship into saying that we're ALL entrepreneurs, it's just that some sell their solutions for money. Nice try Dan-O, but that's an equivocation fallacy.
The irony in the call to action that everybody ought to be an entrepreneur while simultaneously delivering a patronizing attitude towards society's structured system is that most entrepreneurs make their riches off of people who are within that system. They need a system a priori in order for their lifestyle to even exist. Society would just not function without it. We need firefighters, teachers, journalists, electricians, lawyers, production managers, scientists, broadcast technicians, factory workers, hotel staff and so on—we need all of these people who are supposedly duped in order to live a life of structured convenience that works at almost every level. So when Dan proposes that people are not living ideally because they're not selling tons of *content* on the internet, what is he doing really? Biting off the hand that feeds him?
March 25, 2024
It is a book about nothing.
On the very same page you may read about the Universe and a universe (capital case and a simple form, I am basically quoting here).
Uni verse becomes a song you can hear in every stone and every table.
The cosmic harmony kumbaya shit.
By using a bunch of meaningless vocabulary (meaningless cause he frankly doesn't understand what he says at times or pursues a noble goal to distract you) he pushes you out of the focused way into the bushes.
30% into the book and there is nothing of value.
Quotes:
"All of these creative parts are an idea. A figment of consciousness. A unit of mind. You are an idea in the mind of the Universe. Nothing is happening outside of the mind. Therefore everything you can label is an idea. An idea is a distinction within consciousness. A limit that we project on the world. Each idea can be layered and given new meaning."
"I would encourage you to think about the infinite connections that can be made in any directional fashion. Like how a hand connects to a keyboard that connects to the president of the United States. Attempt to fill in the gap with your creative ability."
"Music is beautiful. To reach harmony, multiple vibrations are designed with care. The pluck of a guitar string creates a high note, the repetitive bang of a drum creates a beat, and the bass adds a little punch. Maybe throw in a few piano keys here or there."
Please note, these 3 quotes are nearby, it is the very same chapter about some voodoo nonsense, his 'writing' is frenetic beyond believe. (WHERE THE FUCK IS FOCUS?)
Curiously enough, this brochure fails at 'The Art of Focus'. Seriously, Dan, you should read more. Like a 5k more books to ask your public for a token of their attention.
AND YOU RUN A UNIVERSITY?
Guys, I did it again, I bought that bullshit, he really got me with his silk tongue and his noir thumbnails.
But never again.
I am quitting Youtube and banning his newsletter.
Or should I become a Youtuber like Dan?
Who failed at everything but scamming people?😊
Dan, you had 1 job! One job in 278 pages! How come I have this garbage in my hands?
On the very same page you may read about the Universe and a universe (capital case and a simple form, I am basically quoting here).
Uni verse becomes a song you can hear in every stone and every table.
The cosmic harmony kumbaya shit.
By using a bunch of meaningless vocabulary (meaningless cause he frankly doesn't understand what he says at times or pursues a noble goal to distract you) he pushes you out of the focused way into the bushes.
30% into the book and there is nothing of value.
Quotes:
"All of these creative parts are an idea. A figment of consciousness. A unit of mind. You are an idea in the mind of the Universe. Nothing is happening outside of the mind. Therefore everything you can label is an idea. An idea is a distinction within consciousness. A limit that we project on the world. Each idea can be layered and given new meaning."
"I would encourage you to think about the infinite connections that can be made in any directional fashion. Like how a hand connects to a keyboard that connects to the president of the United States. Attempt to fill in the gap with your creative ability."
"Music is beautiful. To reach harmony, multiple vibrations are designed with care. The pluck of a guitar string creates a high note, the repetitive bang of a drum creates a beat, and the bass adds a little punch. Maybe throw in a few piano keys here or there."
Please note, these 3 quotes are nearby, it is the very same chapter about some voodoo nonsense, his 'writing' is frenetic beyond believe. (WHERE THE FUCK IS FOCUS?)
Curiously enough, this brochure fails at 'The Art of Focus'. Seriously, Dan, you should read more. Like a 5k more books to ask your public for a token of their attention.
AND YOU RUN A UNIVERSITY?
Guys, I did it again, I bought that bullshit, he really got me with his silk tongue and his noir thumbnails.
But never again.
I am quitting Youtube and banning his newsletter.
Or should I become a Youtuber like Dan?
Who failed at everything but scamming people?😊
Dan, you had 1 job! One job in 278 pages! How come I have this garbage in my hands?
January 31, 2024
A Thought-Provoking Dive into The Art of Focus
I stumbled upon Dan Koe and his work somewhat serendipitously, drawn in by the magnetic titles of his videos, and likely aided a bit by the algorithms. As a musician and a cognitive-behavioral psychologist, I have always believed that taxonomic classifications of human beings only serve to pigeonhole us and, worse, condition our future actions and decisions. "The Art of Focus" resonates deeply with this belief.
Koe's exploration into the natural instability of our contradictions and overlapping tastes is both refreshing and comforting. He delves into how we often find comfort in being uncomfortable, a concept that aligns closely with my own experiences. One of the most striking statements in the book, "If you don't know what you want, you will be told what you want, and you will believe it," perfectly encapsulates the essence of Koe's message. It's a profound reminder of the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in a world that often tries to define us.
As a professional in both music and psychology, I find Koe's perspectives not just intriguing, but essential in understanding the complex interplay of our desires and motivations. "The Art of Focus" isn't just a book; it's a journey into understanding the intricacies of the human mind and spirit.
In conclusion, Dan Koe's "The Art of Focus" is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to delve deeper into the complexities of our nature and the importance of maintaining our true selves amidst external influences.
I stumbled upon Dan Koe and his work somewhat serendipitously, drawn in by the magnetic titles of his videos, and likely aided a bit by the algorithms. As a musician and a cognitive-behavioral psychologist, I have always believed that taxonomic classifications of human beings only serve to pigeonhole us and, worse, condition our future actions and decisions. "The Art of Focus" resonates deeply with this belief.
Koe's exploration into the natural instability of our contradictions and overlapping tastes is both refreshing and comforting. He delves into how we often find comfort in being uncomfortable, a concept that aligns closely with my own experiences. One of the most striking statements in the book, "If you don't know what you want, you will be told what you want, and you will believe it," perfectly encapsulates the essence of Koe's message. It's a profound reminder of the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in a world that often tries to define us.
As a professional in both music and psychology, I find Koe's perspectives not just intriguing, but essential in understanding the complex interplay of our desires and motivations. "The Art of Focus" isn't just a book; it's a journey into understanding the intricacies of the human mind and spirit.
In conclusion, Dan Koe's "The Art of Focus" is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to delve deeper into the complexities of our nature and the importance of maintaining our true selves amidst external influences.
February 21, 2024
When searching for a book to read, I looked for one that would help me be more efficient. That's why I picked up this book. I had read several books on the "art of thinking and mentality" before, so I thought this book would match. It kinda did? I did expect it to be better though (as you will see).
I think the author spends too much time trying to generalize the issues instead of solving specific ones related to focus. For example, in the introduction, he talks about people suffering from a dead-end job and repeating they're the same day over and over again. Nothing with the art of focus but somewhat incentivizing for a certain group. He then takes this one step further by using informal language and I guess dramatically changing the subject of the reader's life to the reader's fault. Again nothing with focus. I guess in general, he does not write in a way to display his content but in a way to inspire emotion for change. That is what made me give the book a four-star. Other than this, his strategies are decent (if you can dig them out). Make sure that you are writing notes, otherwise you won't remember a thing.
I think people who need to motivation to change should read this book because it will 100% give you that emotion. If you have motivation, just find a shorter, better alternative. Let's say if you read this book and you have the drive to change, just make sure to ignore all the useless rhetoric and to pay more attention to the actual strategies.
I think the author spends too much time trying to generalize the issues instead of solving specific ones related to focus. For example, in the introduction, he talks about people suffering from a dead-end job and repeating they're the same day over and over again. Nothing with the art of focus but somewhat incentivizing for a certain group. He then takes this one step further by using informal language and I guess dramatically changing the subject of the reader's life to the reader's fault. Again nothing with focus. I guess in general, he does not write in a way to display his content but in a way to inspire emotion for change. That is what made me give the book a four-star. Other than this, his strategies are decent (if you can dig them out). Make sure that you are writing notes, otherwise you won't remember a thing.
I think people who need to motivation to change should read this book because it will 100% give you that emotion. If you have motivation, just find a shorter, better alternative. Let's say if you read this book and you have the drive to change, just make sure to ignore all the useless rhetoric and to pay more attention to the actual strategies.
June 27, 2024
I don’t think I have ever given a review a 3 before. In a nutshell I expected more.
I listened to the audio book and, ironically, I battled to stay focused on what on it. There is possibly one idea in every other chapter that captured my attention. The rest was not interesting enough to make me pay attention. Which is sad because I receive his weekly emails and I enjoy them.
The thing that jarred me in the book was this “bashing” of people who are not entrepreneurs and choose mainstream jobs. In order for the world to work, it takes all types of people. Somebody has to make the physical products that we enjoy and someone has to actually provide the services we need. The author needs to be more confident of his idea and show their value without having to denigrate anyone or anything.
I’ll stick to his emails in future and perhaps wait about a year before any new books he might write. He is a brilliant guy and this was his first book I believe. I’m sure future books will be better.
I listened to the audio book and, ironically, I battled to stay focused on what on it. There is possibly one idea in every other chapter that captured my attention. The rest was not interesting enough to make me pay attention. Which is sad because I receive his weekly emails and I enjoy them.
The thing that jarred me in the book was this “bashing” of people who are not entrepreneurs and choose mainstream jobs. In order for the world to work, it takes all types of people. Somebody has to make the physical products that we enjoy and someone has to actually provide the services we need. The author needs to be more confident of his idea and show their value without having to denigrate anyone or anything.
I’ll stick to his emails in future and perhaps wait about a year before any new books he might write. He is a brilliant guy and this was his first book I believe. I’m sure future books will be better.
Read
May 16, 2025*The Art of Focus* offers a guide to cultivating clarity, purpose, and intentional living in a world filled with distractions. It explores how focus is not merely about concentration, but about aligning one's actions with deeper values and long-term goals.
The book encourages readers to step back from autopilot routines and reflect on what truly matters. By identifying personal meaning and defining success on one’s own terms, individuals can begin to shape a future that resonates with their authentic selves.
It outlines strategies to eliminate mental clutter, set clear priorities, and create habits that support sustained focus. This includes techniques such as mindful planning, setting boundaries, and limiting digital distractions.
Reinvention is another key theme, as the book invites readers to embrace change, overcome fear of the unknown, and take proactive steps toward personal transformation. Through deliberate focus and self-direction, individuals are empowered to break free from stagnation and build a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
The book encourages readers to step back from autopilot routines and reflect on what truly matters. By identifying personal meaning and defining success on one’s own terms, individuals can begin to shape a future that resonates with their authentic selves.
It outlines strategies to eliminate mental clutter, set clear priorities, and create habits that support sustained focus. This includes techniques such as mindful planning, setting boundaries, and limiting digital distractions.
Reinvention is another key theme, as the book invites readers to embrace change, overcome fear of the unknown, and take proactive steps toward personal transformation. Through deliberate focus and self-direction, individuals are empowered to break free from stagnation and build a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
March 23, 2024
I am someone who has seen Dan on insta but was unaware of his work. The book title and the free sample hooked me enough to give it a try. I love how Dan does not goes into specifics of what we need to do but rather talks about the broader guidelines teaching us how to go about the fishing instead of fishing for us. I loved his emphasis on freedom, growth and happiness - that part resonated the most along with the thought that no one can define that path for an individual.
4 stars because Dan is specific about how to go about going about our creative journey and skill stacks which I feel might be different for everyone and not everyone might require the same skill stack. Eg. I may not be great at marketing but I've great connections with people in marketing meaning I'll always be able to delegate that work to trustable friends and accomplices. Similarly there can be different cases for different individuals.
4 stars because Dan is specific about how to go about going about our creative journey and skill stacks which I feel might be different for everyone and not everyone might require the same skill stack. Eg. I may not be great at marketing but I've great connections with people in marketing meaning I'll always be able to delegate that work to trustable friends and accomplices. Similarly there can be different cases for different individuals.
October 4, 2024
The bad reviews on this book stems from expectations not met.
This book is more philosophy around ideas, progress, entrepreneurship, than focus. Focus is an integral part Dan's philosophy.
It certainly helped me clarify my world view. The book is suited for creators, people who like to question dogmas, explore the mind and those who want to build a business.
Core principle of the book: Focus is the lens which you see anything through.
If you have a really clear goal to become a, bodybuilder, monk, writer, anything: Then you will start to filter information through that lens. Unimportant stuff will be seen as distractions. If you are Arnold Schwarzenegger preparing for Mr. Olympia - saying no to a party is not hard for you etc.
This is the core idea and he elaborates in depth.
Thank you Dan, for allowing me to take the step into publishing my newsletter:
https://thefairhawk.substack.com/p/wh...
This book is more philosophy around ideas, progress, entrepreneurship, than focus. Focus is an integral part Dan's philosophy.
It certainly helped me clarify my world view. The book is suited for creators, people who like to question dogmas, explore the mind and those who want to build a business.
Core principle of the book: Focus is the lens which you see anything through.
If you have a really clear goal to become a, bodybuilder, monk, writer, anything: Then you will start to filter information through that lens. Unimportant stuff will be seen as distractions. If you are Arnold Schwarzenegger preparing for Mr. Olympia - saying no to a party is not hard for you etc.
This is the core idea and he elaborates in depth.
Thank you Dan, for allowing me to take the step into publishing my newsletter:
https://thefairhawk.substack.com/p/wh...
January 17, 2025
2.75/5
While I appreciated some of the insights Dan Koe shared about building focus and being intentional with your time, I felt like a lot of it was repetitive and didn’t bring much new to the table. It also felt a bit too monotone at times, like something ChatGPT might write—informative but lacking a sense of personality or emotion (Then again, the audiobook on YouTube did use an AI voice to read the book, so it could just be my experience with listening to it through there.). That said, I would reread it again when I’m feeling more philosophical, as his writing style is very deep. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to dive deep into a book and explore its philosophical points. There were some good takeaways, especially about tying focus to creativity and living a meaningful life, but it felt more like a collection of ideas rather than a cohesive book. It wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t keep my interest enough to rate it higher.
While I appreciated some of the insights Dan Koe shared about building focus and being intentional with your time, I felt like a lot of it was repetitive and didn’t bring much new to the table. It also felt a bit too monotone at times, like something ChatGPT might write—informative but lacking a sense of personality or emotion (Then again, the audiobook on YouTube did use an AI voice to read the book, so it could just be my experience with listening to it through there.). That said, I would reread it again when I’m feeling more philosophical, as his writing style is very deep. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to dive deep into a book and explore its philosophical points. There were some good takeaways, especially about tying focus to creativity and living a meaningful life, but it felt more like a collection of ideas rather than a cohesive book. It wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t keep my interest enough to rate it higher.
May 10, 2025
The book's most interesting insights is about the loss of identity as a path to personal development. Koe suggests that our focus is often limited by our current identity and self-image. By being willing to metaphorically "die" - to let go of who we think we are - we can open up to new possibilities and perspectives. This "identity death" isn't something negative, but rather a necessary process to reinvent ourselves and grow beyond our current limitations.
He emphasizes that many people get stuck in their old identities and habits because it feels safe and familiar. But to truly evolve, we must be willing to let go of these comfortable self-images and explore new ways of being. This requires courage and a willingness to face the unknown, but it is through this process that we can discover our true possibilities and potential.
A good read overall and possibly a key to thinking like Koe while not listening to Koe (which he monetizes).
He emphasizes that many people get stuck in their old identities and habits because it feels safe and familiar. But to truly evolve, we must be willing to let go of these comfortable self-images and explore new ways of being. This requires courage and a willingness to face the unknown, but it is through this process that we can discover our true possibilities and potential.
A good read overall and possibly a key to thinking like Koe while not listening to Koe (which he monetizes).
January 1, 2026
I'm sorry to say that this book was just terrible. All the self-important smugness of a man who became famous before he had the opportunity to grow wise. It's all just odd, disjointed platitudes and pseudo-philosophical ramblings passed off as "deep wisdom" in chapter after disjointed chapter.
He really needed an editor on this one, and he could probably stand to surround himself with a couple of people who don't tell him every little thought that pops into his head is brilliant and worth writing down. He's obviously been incredibly successful in several arenas. Unfortunately, that has not translated effectively into a book worth picking up. I hope his next one is a little more thoughtfully constructed.
Of all the things you might say about a book on "The Art of Focus," perhaps the thing that stands out most is just how incredibly unfocused his writing is. The irony.
Big swing. Big miss. Nothing personal. Moving on.
He really needed an editor on this one, and he could probably stand to surround himself with a couple of people who don't tell him every little thought that pops into his head is brilliant and worth writing down. He's obviously been incredibly successful in several arenas. Unfortunately, that has not translated effectively into a book worth picking up. I hope his next one is a little more thoughtfully constructed.
Of all the things you might say about a book on "The Art of Focus," perhaps the thing that stands out most is just how incredibly unfocused his writing is. The irony.
Big swing. Big miss. Nothing personal. Moving on.
November 10, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. UNLEARN:
- We must unlearn everything school, society, and religion taught us.
2. PROBLEMS:
- When we get good at solving problems, we get bigger problems.
3. PAIN OF DOUNG NOTHING:
- Doing “nothing” with your life is more painful than doing “something” with your life. It just takes longer to feel the consequences.
4. TACTICAL STRESS:
- force yourself in a situation to put pressure on your skillset.
5. CURIOSITIES:
- When you deny your curiosities through numbing activities, you start to believe you are not a curious person.
6. Create an anti-vision of what you don’t want. This will help you recognize what you do want.
7. Before you try to solve big problems in the world, solve the big problems in YOUR life.
- This will allow you to act from authenticity.
8. Prioritize your education around skill building.
Learn a skill. Teach a skill. Sell the skill.
9. Control the chaos you allow in your life.
1. UNLEARN:
- We must unlearn everything school, society, and religion taught us.
2. PROBLEMS:
- When we get good at solving problems, we get bigger problems.
3. PAIN OF DOUNG NOTHING:
- Doing “nothing” with your life is more painful than doing “something” with your life. It just takes longer to feel the consequences.
4. TACTICAL STRESS:
- force yourself in a situation to put pressure on your skillset.
5. CURIOSITIES:
- When you deny your curiosities through numbing activities, you start to believe you are not a curious person.
6. Create an anti-vision of what you don’t want. This will help you recognize what you do want.
7. Before you try to solve big problems in the world, solve the big problems in YOUR life.
- This will allow you to act from authenticity.
8. Prioritize your education around skill building.
Learn a skill. Teach a skill. Sell the skill.
9. Control the chaos you allow in your life.
February 11, 2024
I choose this book because I thought it would give some pratical ideias on how to stay focused on your work/life since we live increasingly more and more glued to a 5 in screen bombarded but hundreds of notifications daily.
The first chapters are in fact regarding the benefits of focus in your work/life projects but after that the author just goes into a 6 hours (I was on the audiobook) typical american mumbo jumbo about how can you build your dream business and have it work for you and achieve everything you ever wanted in life.
Do yourself a favor and focus (pun intended) on another book.
The first chapters are in fact regarding the benefits of focus in your work/life projects but after that the author just goes into a 6 hours (I was on the audiobook) typical american mumbo jumbo about how can you build your dream business and have it work for you and achieve everything you ever wanted in life.
Do yourself a favor and focus (pun intended) on another book.
August 28, 2024
For someone whose entire business model hinges on writing and teaching the craft, this book flops - hard. Boring to read, uninteresting concepts and intellectually shallow when he rambles about the ‘Universe’.
Perhaps because the book departs from the short form content that has garnered Dans success, he is unable to employ his usual persuasive, pain-point driven, borderline fear mongering strategy to churn sales on his (writing) courses.
It’s a look behind his facade of marketing and persuasive techniques and sadly there is not much depth or interest there.
Don’t waste your ‘focus’ on this.
Perhaps because the book departs from the short form content that has garnered Dans success, he is unable to employ his usual persuasive, pain-point driven, borderline fear mongering strategy to churn sales on his (writing) courses.
It’s a look behind his facade of marketing and persuasive techniques and sadly there is not much depth or interest there.
Don’t waste your ‘focus’ on this.
May 14, 2024
I was extremely disappointed with this book. It claims to provide insights and strategies for improving focus, but it lacks focus itself. The author jumps from one topic to another without providing a clear and coherent structure. As a reader, I found it difficult to follow the flow of the book and extract any meaningful information.
Sure, there were some good points scattered throughout the book, but it was not worth sifting through 200 pages to extract a few insights. I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with the lack of coherence and structure in the book.
Sure, there were some good points scattered throughout the book, but it was not worth sifting through 200 pages to extract a few insights. I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with the lack of coherence and structure in the book.
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