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The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less
Whether you’re an executive, a mom, a CEO, a teacher, or an entrepreneur...THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU 1. You feel stretched too thin by trying to do too much.2. There’s no time for relaxation or deep thinking.3. You’re completing thousands of tasks without achieving your goals.Welcome to The Focus Project, a book designed to provide answers and solutions to the challenge of focusing in an unfocused world. Combining street science and institutional research alongside his own personal focus project, Qualman delivers practical advice on doing the important things instead of a bunch of things. The following is a guide to pursuing less in order to achieve more—both personally and professionally. Successful and happy people understand it’s not about getting more things done, it’s about getting more of the big things done.Learn the not so simple art of doing less.
284 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2020
281 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Erik Qualman
20 books64 followersCalled a Digital Dale Carnegie, Erik Qualman is the author of Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business. Socialnomics made Amazon's #1 Best Selling List for the US, Japan, UK, Canada, Portugal, Italy, China, Korea and Germany. His book Digital Leader helped him be voted the 2nd “Most Likeable Author in the World” behind Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. He also holds the Guinness Book of World Record with a team for the longest continuous podcast. He's the inventor of the bestselling family board game Kittycorn.
In 2023 Qualman gave the commencement address at Michigan State University.
Socialnomics was a finalist for the "2010 Book of the Year" award by the American Marketing Association. Qualman produced "Social Media Revolution," the most viewed social media video series in the world, which has been used by NASA to the National Guard. Fast Company Magazine listed him as a Top 100 Digital Influencer.
Qualman has recently given international keynotes with the following: Coach, Sony PlayStation, National Restaurant Association, IBM, Facebook, SCG Thailand, ADP, National Bank of Canada, Credit Union League, Starbucks, M&M/Mars, Cartier, Small Business League, Raytheon, Chrysler, Home Furnishings Association, Montblanc, TEDx, Polo, Small Business League, UGG, Nokia, Google, AutoTrader and more. Qualman gave the commencement address to the 2011 graduating class of McCombs Business School (University of Texas).
Qualman has been highlighted in numerous media outlets including 60 Minutes, The New York Times, WSJ, Mashable, USA Today, ABC News, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, CBS News, and The Huffington Post. He has been fortunate to share the stage with Julie Andrews, Al Gore, Tony Hawk, Sarah Palin, Jose Socrates (Prime Minister of Portugal), Alan Mulally, James Carville, and others.
Qualman is a Professor at Northwestern University. For the past 18 years, Qualman has helped grow the digital capabilities of many companies, including Cadillac, EarthLink, EF Education, Yahoo, Travelzoo, and AT&T. He is the founder and owner of socialnomics.com, which PC Magazine ranks as a Top 10 Social Media Blog. He sits on the Boards of Manumatix, Bazaarvoice Inc., and WannaBeeSocial. Qualman holds a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from The University of Texas.
In 2011 Qualman was honored as the Michigan State Alum of the Year, and in 2012 he was selected as one of the Top 50 Professors in the world. He was Academic All-Big Ten in basketball at Michigan State University and still finds time to follow his beloved Spartans while living in Boston with his wife and two daughters.
In 2023 Qualman gave the commencement address at Michigan State University.
Socialnomics was a finalist for the "2010 Book of the Year" award by the American Marketing Association. Qualman produced "Social Media Revolution," the most viewed social media video series in the world, which has been used by NASA to the National Guard. Fast Company Magazine listed him as a Top 100 Digital Influencer.
Qualman has recently given international keynotes with the following: Coach, Sony PlayStation, National Restaurant Association, IBM, Facebook, SCG Thailand, ADP, National Bank of Canada, Credit Union League, Starbucks, M&M/Mars, Cartier, Small Business League, Raytheon, Chrysler, Home Furnishings Association, Montblanc, TEDx, Polo, Small Business League, UGG, Nokia, Google, AutoTrader and more. Qualman gave the commencement address to the 2011 graduating class of McCombs Business School (University of Texas).
Qualman has been highlighted in numerous media outlets including 60 Minutes, The New York Times, WSJ, Mashable, USA Today, ABC News, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, CBS News, and The Huffington Post. He has been fortunate to share the stage with Julie Andrews, Al Gore, Tony Hawk, Sarah Palin, Jose Socrates (Prime Minister of Portugal), Alan Mulally, James Carville, and others.
Qualman is a Professor at Northwestern University. For the past 18 years, Qualman has helped grow the digital capabilities of many companies, including Cadillac, EarthLink, EF Education, Yahoo, Travelzoo, and AT&T. He is the founder and owner of socialnomics.com, which PC Magazine ranks as a Top 10 Social Media Blog. He sits on the Boards of Manumatix, Bazaarvoice Inc., and WannaBeeSocial. Qualman holds a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from The University of Texas.
In 2011 Qualman was honored as the Michigan State Alum of the Year, and in 2012 he was selected as one of the Top 50 Professors in the world. He was Academic All-Big Ten in basketball at Michigan State University and still finds time to follow his beloved Spartans while living in Boston with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 12, 2020
Well this is one fine self-help book I got the chance to read and review. In all honesty, I wasn't expecting much, with the thinking being what new things will I possibly learn from The Focus project, having read my fair share of self improvement, and time management books.
But boy was I in for a pleasant surprise. Erik Qualmann timing of this book couldn’t be more perfect, as he touches on something that is coming more and more important - How to focus in an ever increasingly unfocused world, a world with a rising attention deficit marred in part by all the electronic devices around us and our impulsive behavior to the slightest stimuli
The more I read this book, the more I became convinced that this book is a keeper. I found this book to be an easy to read, life skills development book. The concepts and the principles somewhat complex were explained in a simplistic and easy to comprehend manner, and the clever use of metaphors was a nice icing on the cake, not to mention making the lessons easy to retain & recall.
This book is a keeper and I intend on recommending it to boys and girls stepping or getting ready for the real world experience.
Important Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with the impressions being that of my mind and heart .
But boy was I in for a pleasant surprise. Erik Qualmann timing of this book couldn’t be more perfect, as he touches on something that is coming more and more important - How to focus in an ever increasingly unfocused world, a world with a rising attention deficit marred in part by all the electronic devices around us and our impulsive behavior to the slightest stimuli
The more I read this book, the more I became convinced that this book is a keeper. I found this book to be an easy to read, life skills development book. The concepts and the principles somewhat complex were explained in a simplistic and easy to comprehend manner, and the clever use of metaphors was a nice icing on the cake, not to mention making the lessons easy to retain & recall.
This book is a keeper and I intend on recommending it to boys and girls stepping or getting ready for the real world experience.
Important Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with the impressions being that of my mind and heart .
August 22, 2020
Some books leave you different having read them, this is one of those books!
Reading this was like taking a load of bricks off my shoulders, I'm approaching everything more calm, and more, well, focused. The results: Everything is just better.
As a self-admitted Type A+++, I've spent most of my life in a state of perpetual stress, always rushing, and rarely just living in the moment. This book taught me that doing more, doesn't make you more successful OR more productive, rather the opposite is true.
I loved how Erik showcases how health and fitness is the best analogy of this. First, you'll be happy to learn or validate that more is not better. Having been a competitive distance runner, I am keenly aware that more miles don't make you faster or better, in fact, they hurt you more than help you by breaking down the body and resulting in injuries, fatigue, and overall burnout. Rather it's quality miles, and often a 'less is more' approach that is hyper focused on your end goal which make you better.
Not only does Erik uncover this directly in the chapters on health and fitness, but he beautifully shows how this applies to all aspects of life.
The FOCUS Project IS one of those books that will change the way you think forever, and you will be happier, calmer and more productive because of it.
Put this on your gift list for the years to come!
Reading this was like taking a load of bricks off my shoulders, I'm approaching everything more calm, and more, well, focused. The results: Everything is just better.
As a self-admitted Type A+++, I've spent most of my life in a state of perpetual stress, always rushing, and rarely just living in the moment. This book taught me that doing more, doesn't make you more successful OR more productive, rather the opposite is true.
I loved how Erik showcases how health and fitness is the best analogy of this. First, you'll be happy to learn or validate that more is not better. Having been a competitive distance runner, I am keenly aware that more miles don't make you faster or better, in fact, they hurt you more than help you by breaking down the body and resulting in injuries, fatigue, and overall burnout. Rather it's quality miles, and often a 'less is more' approach that is hyper focused on your end goal which make you better.
Not only does Erik uncover this directly in the chapters on health and fitness, but he beautifully shows how this applies to all aspects of life.
The FOCUS Project IS one of those books that will change the way you think forever, and you will be happier, calmer and more productive because of it.
Put this on your gift list for the years to come!
September 2, 2020
Biased review of an excellent book
Honest disclosure. I’m the father of the author, Erik Qualman.
Even in retirement, I’ve felt stressed trying to do too much and still not achieving key goals. The application of ideas and exhortations from Erik’s latest self-improvement book, The Focus Project, has been genuinely beneficial. I’m impressed with the effectiveness of his recommendations. Many books in this category are puffed up to make one or a few concepts fill two hundred pages, but this text is content-rich throughout its thirteen chapters and three hundred pages. It’s a great value.
The Focus Project is a merger of logic, common sense, the learning of others, and the results of Erik’s twelve-month personal focus project. It’s one of the most actionable books I’ve read. I recommend it to students, singles, couples, parents, grandparents (as we are), and those working and those retired. In short, everyone.
Honest disclosure. I’m the father of the author, Erik Qualman.
Even in retirement, I’ve felt stressed trying to do too much and still not achieving key goals. The application of ideas and exhortations from Erik’s latest self-improvement book, The Focus Project, has been genuinely beneficial. I’m impressed with the effectiveness of his recommendations. Many books in this category are puffed up to make one or a few concepts fill two hundred pages, but this text is content-rich throughout its thirteen chapters and three hundred pages. It’s a great value.
The Focus Project is a merger of logic, common sense, the learning of others, and the results of Erik’s twelve-month personal focus project. It’s one of the most actionable books I’ve read. I recommend it to students, singles, couples, parents, grandparents (as we are), and those working and those retired. In short, everyone.
October 19, 2020
A book with several interesting points but it seems that went against its Title: it was lacking focus. Everything seemed randomly placed. I couldn’t find coherence.
It was like reading random aphorisms. Interesting but not coherent
It was like reading random aphorisms. Interesting but not coherent
September 1, 2020
A well laid out book that is easy to read with great illustrations and a lot of inspiring quotes in the margins. Erik doesn’t just tell us we should focus; he gives us ideas on HOW we can accomplish this. I was amazed at the amount of research and personal antidotes that are included. Writing down the five most time-consuming activities I am involved in really does help me focus on which are the priorities. The three-minute rule has been incredibly useful in clearing my mind and a lot of surface areas in my home. Thank you Erik.
August 3, 2020
If ever we needed to focus, it's now. With complex issues facing us and multiple stimuli overloading our brains, Erik Qualman's treatise on keeping your eyes on the prize is both timely and essential reading. With his usual mix of anecdotes and wisdom, Erik raises the veil on the things that can distract us and shows us how to separate the wheat from the chaff. "Focus" is easy to digest. Its advice is timeless. And like Erik's many other prescriptions for living a life of purpose and joy, it's invaluable.
March 15, 2022
I've made it to page 154 and I'm setting it aside, at least for now. I've been so excited to read this book for months, ever since it was first recommended to me. But it feels very disjointed and like it's trying to do too much. It should either be a book about the journey or a self-help book, but not both. If the former then focus on just telling your story. If the latter, shorten it and just get to the main points with a short anecdote here or there.
Some things seem repetitive and I have a hard time when books have typos - especially when it's the name of a person that you just said you revered (Dr. Thomas Pleger, p. 148 and p. 149). But there have been others along the way, too. As the author states many times, life is too short to do things we don't enjoy or benefit from and I'm having a hard time justifying spending time on this.
Some things seem repetitive and I have a hard time when books have typos - especially when it's the name of a person that you just said you revered (Dr. Thomas Pleger, p. 148 and p. 149). But there have been others along the way, too. As the author states many times, life is too short to do things we don't enjoy or benefit from and I'm having a hard time justifying spending time on this.
September 30, 2020
The long-awaited prescription for distraction!
The Focus Project feels like a generous gift of Qualman’s hard-earned lessons packaged neatly into this easily digestible read. He shares a fun and practical approach to escaping ‘busyness’ that can work for anyone, and as a type A, diagnosed ADHD adult it has been a total game-changer! I particularly loved being able to dip straight into the topics that I most needed. Grab it now, you will not be disappointed!
The Focus Project feels like a generous gift of Qualman’s hard-earned lessons packaged neatly into this easily digestible read. He shares a fun and practical approach to escaping ‘busyness’ that can work for anyone, and as a type A, diagnosed ADHD adult it has been a total game-changer! I particularly loved being able to dip straight into the topics that I most needed. Grab it now, you will not be disappointed!
April 6, 2021
I just wanted to give a big thanks to all of you for your love and support. There were many times I wanted to "unfocus" and throw in the towel on this project. Your cheering kept me going, so thank you. My hope is this book helps you focus on the BIG things in life and not the BUSY ones.
If you have any questions about anything in the book or if there is anything I can help you with please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
If you have any questions about anything in the book or if there is anything I can help you with please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
September 17, 2020
The book is supposed to describe a personal journey for better focus, but the "personal" part is not there. Except for some anecdotes (from other people!) and very very short abstracts at the end of each chapter - there is nothing personal in this book. All tried techniques are good, there is no negative feedback, yeah, right.
September 17, 2020
I'm not going to write a lengthy review of this book because I know your time is valuable. As you are aware, with so many distractions these days—it is easy to lose focus. Being busy does not equate to being productive! This book reminds us to "keep the main thing the main thing." I highly recommended it.
July 25, 2022
Gooooood read. If you practice and knowledge around focus, time management, priorities and changing your habits (which is all of us) then I highly recommend The Focus Project. I picked this book up in the airport and even had Erik on my podcast. This stuff works and if you implement it, it will change your life!
February 5, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Qualman's latest book and highly recommend to anyone who is looking to form new habits and improve their lifestyle. This book touches on everything from health and fitness to relationships at work and at home. It reminded me that being busy is a choice that I consciously make when I overextend myself, and by making better decisions and learning to say "no" sometimes when I normally would have said yes, I can achieve more of my goals without compromising more of my time.
I personally, enjoyed how Qualman ties in his own experiences/anecdotes with relevant scientific studies. This helped me understand the psychology behind certain decisions, and how I can re-train myself to become more efficient. I laughed, cringed and cried while reading and have an improved perspective. After reading this book, I feel more empowered to attack my goals head on (without the guilt that comes with slipping up from time to time). I feel like the concepts and exercises throughout the book are more relevant now than ever - I plan to revisit them to keep myself accountable while continuing my self-improvement journey.
I personally, enjoyed how Qualman ties in his own experiences/anecdotes with relevant scientific studies. This helped me understand the psychology behind certain decisions, and how I can re-train myself to become more efficient. I laughed, cringed and cried while reading and have an improved perspective. After reading this book, I feel more empowered to attack my goals head on (without the guilt that comes with slipping up from time to time). I feel like the concepts and exercises throughout the book are more relevant now than ever - I plan to revisit them to keep myself accountable while continuing my self-improvement journey.
March 30, 2021
The book is an entertaining read, and that's what it is, a bunch of stories illustrating various psychology quirks cobbled together. Fun read but felt more like a newspaper column collection than a book.
May 29, 2022
Equalman pairs personal anecdotes with psychological studies, leaving the reader with practical takeaways.
February 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much! How much it will change my life I am not sure. It has me thinking!! I liked the personal examples very much. Made the subject much more interesting. I really need to work on mindfulness for sure.
March 29, 2021
Fantastic
December 20, 2022
Great read! This book was recommended to me by a friend who thought it could help me as I’m in Sales and started working from home recently. The transition has been a learning experience, and this book had a ton of insights around focusing while working from home. I also really enjoyed the chapters on health, wellness and mindfulness. Tons of great tips, I’d highly recommend for anyone looking to reset and refocus.
December 20, 2022
Highly recommend. This book scratched an itch in my brain. I am reluctant to read particular books like this, but Erik makes it fun for the reader, and provides real working examples of mindfulness and wellness. Great tool to reset and refocus.
January 8, 2021
Many people have a hard time focusing on what they need to fix in their lives because they don't really know what is lacking in the first place. In this book, Erik Qualman helps busy people to slow down and identify the areas in their lives that are truly making them unhappy. He then offers advice to help people make changes to their lives in a sustainable way. He gets real and digs deep in order to help people improve upon their lives in a permanent way. I really appreciate the fact that the book is designed so that people can read one chapter a month and focus on a certain area of their life one at a time. It can be overwhelming in a world as busy as ours to try and fix everything all at once. This book is truly designed to help those who want to improve their overall well-being without being overwhelmed or forming habits that are unsustainable.
April 1, 2022
Especially loved the quotes and anecdotes throughout. A nice light read!
February 19, 2021
I've started out the year 2021 dedicating more time to reading. I took a break after finishing my doctorate degree in 2017 as I needed it. I was so burned out from reading and researching that yes, it has taken me three years to get back to reading more.
I've decided to start each workday by reading one chapter. My brother sent me this book by a friend of his, of which I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2015 at a Michigan State event, and loved the topic! The Focus Project by Erik Qualman was an excellent read and a great start to my year to set me up for success in 2021!
A few of my favorite quotes that directly relate to a new project I'm working on really hit home...
"You can prepare the road for the person, or you can prepare the person for the road"
"By doing every request asked of us, we are doing a very poor job of guiding their focus"
"Are we being mirrors or windows? Are you a mirror looking only at yourself or are you a window looking at the world around you and how to make it better?"
"Things happen for you, not to you"
You've provided the steps needed for me to focus and get back on track to writing and finishing my own book that I started a few years back. Hope you are doing well and Go Spartans!
#SpartyOn
I've decided to start each workday by reading one chapter. My brother sent me this book by a friend of his, of which I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2015 at a Michigan State event, and loved the topic! The Focus Project by Erik Qualman was an excellent read and a great start to my year to set me up for success in 2021!
A few of my favorite quotes that directly relate to a new project I'm working on really hit home...
"You can prepare the road for the person, or you can prepare the person for the road"
"By doing every request asked of us, we are doing a very poor job of guiding their focus"
"Are we being mirrors or windows? Are you a mirror looking only at yourself or are you a window looking at the world around you and how to make it better?"
"Things happen for you, not to you"
You've provided the steps needed for me to focus and get back on track to writing and finishing my own book that I started a few years back. Hope you are doing well and Go Spartans!
#SpartyOn
February 25, 2021
Very inspiring! This helped me figure out how to spend more time doing what I want to do, and less time doing what I don't. None of the ideas were necessarily new thoughts, but it put them all together in a really compelling way that I found very encouraging and inspiring.
October 7, 2020
Wow so many good tips to not only improve my focus but to become a better me. This is one of those books I need to read over and over. In fact, it’s going to join the list of a handful of books that I keep on my iPad so I can return to it again and again, because I don’t want to lose my highlighting. Should have gotten a paperback.
The best part is that while the author has included statistics and studies to back up the main points. Yet the book is an easy read cause it’s written in a personable manner, like having a conversation with a friend sharing practical wisdom and lessons learned. Recommend this book
The best part is that while the author has included statistics and studies to back up the main points. Yet the book is an easy read cause it’s written in a personable manner, like having a conversation with a friend sharing practical wisdom and lessons learned. Recommend this book
September 7, 2021
The timing of this book may seem perfect, but more importantly, the advice itself is timeless.
I am an ambitous and passionate person who used to think multitasking was a key ingredient for guaranteed success, but no more. Being busy does not equate to being productive.
This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to break their addiction to chaos and live a more focused and purposeful life. Qualman's signature blend of real life experiences, wit and wisdom make it an enjoyable read worth revisiting time and time again.
I am an ambitous and passionate person who used to think multitasking was a key ingredient for guaranteed success, but no more. Being busy does not equate to being productive.
This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to break their addiction to chaos and live a more focused and purposeful life. Qualman's signature blend of real life experiences, wit and wisdom make it an enjoyable read worth revisiting time and time again.
June 23, 2023
My husband really enjoyed this book and recommended I read it, so I really wanted to enjoy this book. Unfortunately while I found this book to have many interesting stories I felt it truly lacked what the title implied, focus. Each chapter is broken up to areas of his life that he wanted to focus on each month. I found myself more often than not reverting back to the title of the chapter as I had no idea what that chapter was supposed to be “focusing” on. For me, this book was a complete miss.
May 21, 2021
What a fantastic book. Entertaining, straight forward, inspiring, well written. Much of content seems like it should be common sense, yet quite difficult to put into practice. Reading this motivated me to put forth the effort and I look forward to the challenge. Highly recommend reading this book!
Side note - I had a question and e-mailed Erik to ask. He was kind enough to take the time to answer. Despite only an "electronic meeting" I can say he seems like a super nice guy!
Side note - I had a question and e-mailed Erik to ask. He was kind enough to take the time to answer. Despite only an "electronic meeting" I can say he seems like a super nice guy!
October 29, 2020
Another great book by Erik Qualman! I enjoyed following his 12-month journey and diving into the specific focus areas each month. The rating scale at the end of each chapter was insightful and the top takeaways are an easy reference and relevant summary. The concept of W-I-N really resonated with me, focusing on What's Important Now! I would highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! :) I think especially in this world where we are all online and the pressure to balance life and school/work is even harder than before, this book really helps put things into perspective!
February 11, 2021
too many lists to focus on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews