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A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work
“You’re going to want to share copies of this book with your overbooked friends and colleagues, but before you do, take some time to read it yourself. Funt’s wisdom around making space is priceless.” —Seth Godin, author of The Practice
Do you wish you could stop the mayhem of work and life and just take a minute? Do you sense you could contribute more if there were a little more room in the day? Does busyness deprive you and your burnt-out team of the oxygen your talents need to catch fire?
Many have felt that way, yet taking a pause has seemed impossible—until now.
In A Minute to Think, Juliet Funt, a globally recognized warrior in the battle against busyness, provides a powerful guide that will give you the permission, framework, and specific direction you need to do the
Regain control of your overloaded, caffeinated, inbox-worshiping workdayLiberate yourself and your teams from burnout and busyworkReclaim creativity and focus despite the chaos around youBring thoughtfulness into designing your next work normsTame the beast of email and escape the mire of meetingsFind your precious minute to thinkYou’re not alone in your yearning for freedom from constant reactivity. The global workforce today is so fried that it belongs in the food court of a county fair. We’re relentlessly behind the curve, dousing fires everywhere, and our 3 a.m. insomnia provides the only unscheduled thinking time of the day.
What we need reinserted in our lives is the missing element of white space—short periods of open, unscheduled time that, when recaptured, change the very nature of work. White space is the stepping back, the strategic pause, the oxygen that allows the sparks of our efforts to catch fire. White space has the power to radically—and simply—reinvent the way we approach work in this maxed-out, post-COVID 21st-century world.
With Juliet’s memorable stories, easy-to-use tools, and razor-sharp instruction, she carves for us an escape route from the overwhelming amount of low-value tasks and the daily avalanche of e-mails, meetings, decks, and reports. Using research, client stories, and a relatable voice, Juliet shows all of us how to reclaim time for thinking and make room for what truly matters. Whether you are an individual trying to build a more sane and humane flow of daily work, a team that wants new levels of efficiency and effectiveness, or an entire organization changing your culture toward thoughtfulness, this book will lead you there.
Do you wish you could stop the mayhem of work and life and just take a minute? Do you sense you could contribute more if there were a little more room in the day? Does busyness deprive you and your burnt-out team of the oxygen your talents need to catch fire?
Many have felt that way, yet taking a pause has seemed impossible—until now.
In A Minute to Think, Juliet Funt, a globally recognized warrior in the battle against busyness, provides a powerful guide that will give you the permission, framework, and specific direction you need to do the
Regain control of your overloaded, caffeinated, inbox-worshiping workdayLiberate yourself and your teams from burnout and busyworkReclaim creativity and focus despite the chaos around youBring thoughtfulness into designing your next work normsTame the beast of email and escape the mire of meetingsFind your precious minute to thinkYou’re not alone in your yearning for freedom from constant reactivity. The global workforce today is so fried that it belongs in the food court of a county fair. We’re relentlessly behind the curve, dousing fires everywhere, and our 3 a.m. insomnia provides the only unscheduled thinking time of the day.
What we need reinserted in our lives is the missing element of white space—short periods of open, unscheduled time that, when recaptured, change the very nature of work. White space is the stepping back, the strategic pause, the oxygen that allows the sparks of our efforts to catch fire. White space has the power to radically—and simply—reinvent the way we approach work in this maxed-out, post-COVID 21st-century world.
With Juliet’s memorable stories, easy-to-use tools, and razor-sharp instruction, she carves for us an escape route from the overwhelming amount of low-value tasks and the daily avalanche of e-mails, meetings, decks, and reports. Using research, client stories, and a relatable voice, Juliet shows all of us how to reclaim time for thinking and make room for what truly matters. Whether you are an individual trying to build a more sane and humane flow of daily work, a team that wants new levels of efficiency and effectiveness, or an entire organization changing your culture toward thoughtfulness, this book will lead you there.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
264 people are currently reading
3517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 14, 2021
It may sound revolutionary - but the more you work and fill up all your free time with activities, planning, and to do items - the LESS efficient you are at work and at home. We've become so programmed to hit the ground running the moment we wake up that we stop taking time for ourselves. The burnout and overwork is palpable. We make ourselves available by email all day, we feel guilty whenever we see blank space on the calendar so we fill it, we don't like to say no so we inconvenience ourselves - the list is endless. Juliet Funt examines how introducing little white spaces on our work and social calendars can actually make us do our best work and make us feel better. Doing nothing, even if just for 2 or 5 minutes can help us re-orient ourselves and grab a breather. It can help our brains take a break before we switch to the next task. It doesn't need to be hours long, but we need small pauses throughout our day. Broken into three parts this leadership/self-help book covers the culture of insatiability, the white space way, and applying the principles. At the end of every chapter there is a brief bullet proof summary that is great for when you want to go back and look at a bite size chunk at the ideas in the book. Easy to read and understand - change doesn't have to start with management - it can start with you. I can't wait to start small and start adopting ideas from this book into my private and work life. A must read in a crazy busy digital age.
May 3, 2022
It’s fine.
Not sure why I keep thinking these books will somehow help when they all say variations of the same thing.
Reason for 2 stars instead of 3: she makes all these assumptions about culture (like the idea that people even have someone at work they’re close enough to, understands their priorities enough, etc. to have as a “No-Buddy”) that don’t exist most places, and without which the principles are pretty impossible.
Also, I have learned this: sometimes you’re swamped not because you’re inefficient, but because you’re in a crisis. Not your fault, not much you can do except get to the other side.
Anyways, unless you’ve never read a book on workplace efficiency at all, don’t bother with this one. Sorry, Juliet. Honestly, it’s endorsed by Seth Godin, Angela Ahrendts, Daniel Pink, Cal Newport, and Patrick Lencioni; did any of them REALLY learn something new from this and haven’t they all written variations of the exact same content in other books?
Okay, I’m done 😂
Not sure why I keep thinking these books will somehow help when they all say variations of the same thing.
Reason for 2 stars instead of 3: she makes all these assumptions about culture (like the idea that people even have someone at work they’re close enough to, understands their priorities enough, etc. to have as a “No-Buddy”) that don’t exist most places, and without which the principles are pretty impossible.
Also, I have learned this: sometimes you’re swamped not because you’re inefficient, but because you’re in a crisis. Not your fault, not much you can do except get to the other side.
Anyways, unless you’ve never read a book on workplace efficiency at all, don’t bother with this one. Sorry, Juliet. Honestly, it’s endorsed by Seth Godin, Angela Ahrendts, Daniel Pink, Cal Newport, and Patrick Lencioni; did any of them REALLY learn something new from this and haven’t they all written variations of the exact same content in other books?
Okay, I’m done 😂
August 7, 2021
This is one book I'd love my extroverted friends to read, lol. My fellow introverts understand the power of quiet without having to explain it; I'm learning the power of articulating "just give me a sec to think," especially on calls (video or otherwise), to alert folks that activity is occurring, even if it can't be observed.
It's particularly good paired alongside another recent read of mine, Erica Dhawan's Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance. I feel especially well equipped, both at work and at home, to incorporate white space and advocate for its effectiveness. In a (especially business) world where decisions are often made by the loudest voices, whether or not they're the right ones, reads such as this one help us quieter ones to speak up and get results in our own way. Same destination, different path, and both have their perks.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It's particularly good paired alongside another recent read of mine, Erica Dhawan's Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance. I feel especially well equipped, both at work and at home, to incorporate white space and advocate for its effectiveness. In a (especially business) world where decisions are often made by the loudest voices, whether or not they're the right ones, reads such as this one help us quieter ones to speak up and get results in our own way. Same destination, different path, and both have their perks.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2024
Like oxygen to a fire is white space to our lives. If we crowd out the oxygen with the wood, we leave no space for the fire to ignite and warm. If we spread the wood as it needs, the fire quickly catches and steadily warms us because oxygen can circulate.
White space for work is critical to achieving a healthy, creative, and productive flow. White space for life is also critical for a fulfilling, rewarding, and joy filled existence.
We are missing the moments in our work and in our lives for the false god of busyness and efficiency. Coincidentally in that striving for ultimate productivity, we’re sacrificing the very things we need to reach more productivity — rest, space, quiet.
Too often, we’re living a 120% capacity life crammed with things to do whereas we should live an 80% life with space for God to move. Leave the room for white space, and leave the room for God.
White space for work is critical to achieving a healthy, creative, and productive flow. White space for life is also critical for a fulfilling, rewarding, and joy filled existence.
We are missing the moments in our work and in our lives for the false god of busyness and efficiency. Coincidentally in that striving for ultimate productivity, we’re sacrificing the very things we need to reach more productivity — rest, space, quiet.
Too often, we’re living a 120% capacity life crammed with things to do whereas we should live an 80% life with space for God to move. Leave the room for white space, and leave the room for God.
March 9, 2022
A book on productivity?! Now your talking! This was right up my street! Some brilliant tips and loads to think about...
December 8, 2021
This was an interesting read. I'm not sure I took away too much that was new, because I think I have a mindset that's aligned with the book's recommendations. It clarified some thinking, though, and gave some useful tips.
March 11, 2023
This one has lots of good reminders, refreshers, words of encouragement, and suggestions for taking a little more ownership of creativity and thoughtfulness in our lives. You may not be able to apply all of them, but any one or two of the ideas presented here might be all that you need to apply!
January 12, 2022
useful and practical approaches to rethinking your priorities
January 15, 2022
A good reminder for me to not feel guilty about declining a meeting or taking a walk or just being present with myself.
August 1, 2024
Opinião no bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C62_feHpH...
October 3, 2025
I love hearing Juliet speak at GLS25 and I also really enjoyed her book! Such a good reminder to slow down and take some strategic pauses.
February 7, 2022
This was a well-written piece with good ideas and practical ways to include patience and time into your daily life. I enjoyed the insight greatly.
"Seize what truly matters on this one and only today in your one and only life."
"Seize what truly matters on this one and only today in your one and only life."
August 14, 2023
I didn't want to like this as much as i did because I was feeling called out by it. But i found myself subconsciously implementing some of the practices she talks about in my daily life *ahem* wedging. It really has been so beneficial for me to be really present in all aspects of my life and recenter myself before I go into the next thing i'm doing.
February 1, 2025
"A Minute to Think": Finding Stillness Amid the Chaos
Have our lives been swallowed whole by the relentless tide of busyness? As endless to-do lists and back-to-back meetings dominate our days, have we forgotten what truly matters? Juliet Funt's "A Minute to Think" feels like a gentle yet urgent call to action, reminding us that in this era of overwork and overstimulation, carving out moments of "white space" is not only necessary but revolutionary. It is within these pauses that we reclaim our capacity to think, to breathe, and to create.
At its heart, the book introduces a deceptively simple but profoundly transformative concept: "white space." These brief, unscheduled moments—those fleeting pauses we allow ourselves amidst the chaos—offer us the oxygen our minds so desperately crave. Funt's writing implores us to step back and rethink the culture of constant busyness, showing how these small pockets of stillness can reignite creativity, enhance clarity, and restore balance.
The Oxygen of Thought: Rekindling Life’s Sparks
Funt’s words are like a quiet reminder: busyness is not a badge of honor, and speed does not equal productivity. White space, she argues, is like oxygen. It gives our minds the room to breathe, to integrate, to create—allowing the sparks of our efforts to catch fire. These moments of stillness are not about abandoning our responsibilities but about reclaiming the space to focus on what truly matters.
Her philosophy invites us to pause amidst the relentless flood of information and activity, to ask ourselves the critical questions: What truly deserves my attention? What can I let go of? Where is "good enough" sufficient? In these moments of introspection, we find not only clarity but also the freedom to act with purpose rather than out of habit.
Beyond the Individual: A Blueprint for Teams and Organizations
While "A Minute to Think" speaks to individuals seeking balance in their personal and professional lives, its wisdom resonates even more deeply within teams and organizations. Funt sharply critiques the modern workplace's obsession with "hallucinated urgency"—the illusion that every email, every meeting, every task is critical and immediate. Her insights challenge us to question whether deadlines are truly meaningful or merely a tool for perpetuating chaos.
Funt’s framework offers an antidote to this culture of reactive busyness. She doesn’t advocate for rejecting work but rather for rethinking it—identifying low-value tasks and creating space for thoughtfulness. By embedding white space into organizational culture, teams can move beyond superficial productivity to foster genuine innovation, collaboration, and well-being.
Simple Principles, Profound Impact
What makes Funt’s approach so compelling is its practicality. Her advice isn’t about sweeping, dramatic changes but rather about small, intentional shifts in mindset and behavior. As she puts it, "small as embers, yet enough to set the dark alight." Whether it’s reducing the time spent on emails, learning to say “no,” or letting go of perfectionism, these incremental changes can have transformative effects.
Her "simplification questions" and "time reflection practices" are deceptively simple but deeply philosophical. They remind us that the ultimate measure of productivity is not how much we do but how meaningful our efforts are. True efficiency lies not in filling every minute but in discerning what is worth our energy and focus.
Conclusion: Giving Yourself the Freedom to Pause
“A Minute to Think” isn’t just a book about productivity; it’s a manifesto for reclaiming our humanity in an age that celebrates perpetual motion. Funt’s gentle yet incisive voice asks us to reevaluate the purpose of our busyness and the value of our time.
Through her insights, she encourages us to embrace white space not as a luxury but as a necessity. It is in these moments of pause that we rediscover the spark of creativity, the clarity of thought, and the joy of meaningful work.
Juliet Funt reminds us that true productivity isn’t about running faster or doing more—it’s about creating space to breathe, to think, and to live. And in this space, we find not only our best work but also our best selves.
Rating: 8/10
This is a book of both practicality and wisdom, perfect for anyone overwhelmed by modern life's demands and seeking balance. It teaches us that stillness is not a waste of time but a profound act of reclaiming our power. Take a moment to pause, to reflect, and to breathe—you may find that the most valuable answers lie in the quiet spaces you create.
Have our lives been swallowed whole by the relentless tide of busyness? As endless to-do lists and back-to-back meetings dominate our days, have we forgotten what truly matters? Juliet Funt's "A Minute to Think" feels like a gentle yet urgent call to action, reminding us that in this era of overwork and overstimulation, carving out moments of "white space" is not only necessary but revolutionary. It is within these pauses that we reclaim our capacity to think, to breathe, and to create.
At its heart, the book introduces a deceptively simple but profoundly transformative concept: "white space." These brief, unscheduled moments—those fleeting pauses we allow ourselves amidst the chaos—offer us the oxygen our minds so desperately crave. Funt's writing implores us to step back and rethink the culture of constant busyness, showing how these small pockets of stillness can reignite creativity, enhance clarity, and restore balance.
The Oxygen of Thought: Rekindling Life’s Sparks
Funt’s words are like a quiet reminder: busyness is not a badge of honor, and speed does not equal productivity. White space, she argues, is like oxygen. It gives our minds the room to breathe, to integrate, to create—allowing the sparks of our efforts to catch fire. These moments of stillness are not about abandoning our responsibilities but about reclaiming the space to focus on what truly matters.
Her philosophy invites us to pause amidst the relentless flood of information and activity, to ask ourselves the critical questions: What truly deserves my attention? What can I let go of? Where is "good enough" sufficient? In these moments of introspection, we find not only clarity but also the freedom to act with purpose rather than out of habit.
Beyond the Individual: A Blueprint for Teams and Organizations
While "A Minute to Think" speaks to individuals seeking balance in their personal and professional lives, its wisdom resonates even more deeply within teams and organizations. Funt sharply critiques the modern workplace's obsession with "hallucinated urgency"—the illusion that every email, every meeting, every task is critical and immediate. Her insights challenge us to question whether deadlines are truly meaningful or merely a tool for perpetuating chaos.
Funt’s framework offers an antidote to this culture of reactive busyness. She doesn’t advocate for rejecting work but rather for rethinking it—identifying low-value tasks and creating space for thoughtfulness. By embedding white space into organizational culture, teams can move beyond superficial productivity to foster genuine innovation, collaboration, and well-being.
Simple Principles, Profound Impact
What makes Funt’s approach so compelling is its practicality. Her advice isn’t about sweeping, dramatic changes but rather about small, intentional shifts in mindset and behavior. As she puts it, "small as embers, yet enough to set the dark alight." Whether it’s reducing the time spent on emails, learning to say “no,” or letting go of perfectionism, these incremental changes can have transformative effects.
Her "simplification questions" and "time reflection practices" are deceptively simple but deeply philosophical. They remind us that the ultimate measure of productivity is not how much we do but how meaningful our efforts are. True efficiency lies not in filling every minute but in discerning what is worth our energy and focus.
Conclusion: Giving Yourself the Freedom to Pause
“A Minute to Think” isn’t just a book about productivity; it’s a manifesto for reclaiming our humanity in an age that celebrates perpetual motion. Funt’s gentle yet incisive voice asks us to reevaluate the purpose of our busyness and the value of our time.
Through her insights, she encourages us to embrace white space not as a luxury but as a necessity. It is in these moments of pause that we rediscover the spark of creativity, the clarity of thought, and the joy of meaningful work.
Juliet Funt reminds us that true productivity isn’t about running faster or doing more—it’s about creating space to breathe, to think, and to live. And in this space, we find not only our best work but also our best selves.
Rating: 8/10
This is a book of both practicality and wisdom, perfect for anyone overwhelmed by modern life's demands and seeking balance. It teaches us that stillness is not a waste of time but a profound act of reclaiming our power. Take a moment to pause, to reflect, and to breathe—you may find that the most valuable answers lie in the quiet spaces you create.
December 27, 2022
Listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author who has a bright female American accent suitable for 1.75x speed.
There are so many great pieces of advice in this book that comes from someone who has experience in this realm. I laughed at times, paused and sat with discomfort at other times, and ultimately wanted to shake things up moving forward. I'm glad I spent a few precious moments reading this book and would recommend it to all.
Favourite Quotes:
"Everyone's always surprised I can talk that fast but, for me, it’s just like my inner tempo is finally getting to come out."
"As a result of moving quick, I also had trouble determining how many activities I could do each day."
"I do not have ducks or a row; I have squirrels and they are at a rave."
"We need permission to pause — and to do so during business hours... Pausing simply makes us work better."
"Behaviour unchecked becomes behaviour sanctioned."
"Multiple research studies have shown that pauses are good for performance, creativity, and stamina."
CDO - OCD with the letters alphabetized
"Leaders… treat very few things as urgent and it shows in everything from their full attention when you interact with them, to their trusted and timely follow through, to the relaxed cadence with which they speak. They assume calm pacing is their right and they take it."
"Now jump cut to the movie of your real life: stuffing down a protein bar instead of lunch, stumbling toward the copier just a little too fast while working on five things at once. Do you possess the disposition of a refined leader, or do you seem rattled, subordinate, and slightly unhinged?"
"Consciously slow yourself down."
"It's not about response time; it's about your response."
"Avoid talking as the only fix. Apply and teach specific frameworks and shared language to use together."
"Control or growth: pick one."
"Influence others through attraction rather than promotion."
Get your own house in order.
Talk about changing mindset, not culture.
Be a whitespace leader.
Be patient.
"Appreciate small wins."
"The subtle violence of self improvement: lifelong learning is an admirable pursuit but each time we uncover something we need to work on, our previous self is thrown into sharp relief and we become aware of where we've been imperfect."
"Aim to be one percent more whitespacey… than you were before."
"Joy is what we make whitespace for."
"Have that moment of arrival. Take a strategic pause and feel it all the way down."
"Many accomplished people realize too late they’ve missed the ride, but it’s never too late to catch tomorrow's."
There are so many great pieces of advice in this book that comes from someone who has experience in this realm. I laughed at times, paused and sat with discomfort at other times, and ultimately wanted to shake things up moving forward. I'm glad I spent a few precious moments reading this book and would recommend it to all.
Favourite Quotes:
"Everyone's always surprised I can talk that fast but, for me, it’s just like my inner tempo is finally getting to come out."
"As a result of moving quick, I also had trouble determining how many activities I could do each day."
"I do not have ducks or a row; I have squirrels and they are at a rave."
"We need permission to pause — and to do so during business hours... Pausing simply makes us work better."
"Behaviour unchecked becomes behaviour sanctioned."
"Multiple research studies have shown that pauses are good for performance, creativity, and stamina."
CDO - OCD with the letters alphabetized
"Leaders… treat very few things as urgent and it shows in everything from their full attention when you interact with them, to their trusted and timely follow through, to the relaxed cadence with which they speak. They assume calm pacing is their right and they take it."
"Now jump cut to the movie of your real life: stuffing down a protein bar instead of lunch, stumbling toward the copier just a little too fast while working on five things at once. Do you possess the disposition of a refined leader, or do you seem rattled, subordinate, and slightly unhinged?"
"Consciously slow yourself down."
"It's not about response time; it's about your response."
"Avoid talking as the only fix. Apply and teach specific frameworks and shared language to use together."
"Control or growth: pick one."
"Influence others through attraction rather than promotion."
Get your own house in order.
Talk about changing mindset, not culture.
Be a whitespace leader.
Be patient.
"Appreciate small wins."
"The subtle violence of self improvement: lifelong learning is an admirable pursuit but each time we uncover something we need to work on, our previous self is thrown into sharp relief and we become aware of where we've been imperfect."
"Aim to be one percent more whitespacey… than you were before."
"Joy is what we make whitespace for."
"Have that moment of arrival. Take a strategic pause and feel it all the way down."
"Many accomplished people realize too late they’ve missed the ride, but it’s never too late to catch tomorrow's."
August 5, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book does a great job of teaching business professionals how to have white space again in their lives so they can be more efficient with the time they do work. This book is not just about taking a rest and not being overworked. It’s more than that. The book is a few systems that together will make you a better worker.
If you do not work in an office (home or otherwise) you still will find some of the book relevant and helpful. However most of the book is talking to those who work in an office or home office.
“It’s for the managers who eat peanut butter at their desk because the idea of leaving for lunch seems like folklore from another time. It’s for executives who cancel their vacation four years in a row because they can’t see how to jump off a moving train without getting hurt. And it’s for the dads and moms pushing a swing with one hand and emailing with the other because ‘It’s all so important'”
pg 3-4
The author talks about how in the past, white space (or strategic pause) was common place. Somehow along the years we have lost it. We think we have to work, work, work without any stops.
“Thinking is time well spent. Only a certain generation remembers when this was an undebated fact. Back then if you caught your boss feet up on the desk, lost in thought, and staring out a window, you’d freeze as if you’d seen a rattlesnake, and then shift slowly backward, determined not to disturb them. Why? Because thinking time was commonly agreed to have value.”
pg 17
The part that made the most sense I think where Juliet explains that there are four assets that can become risks if we over do them. For example Drive or Excellence is good but Overdrive or Perfectionism are too much. Similarly Information and Activity are good, Overload and Frenzy are too much. There are four questions we can ask to help us not get to the risk level. For the Drive/Overdrive section, we can ask ourselves, “Is there anything I can let go of?” Using these questions helps us to not overdo.
I also love the idea of a ROWE or Results Only Work Environment. I also love how the author explains it:
“This means the only thing we care about are results, not when or where an employee works. Not if they work on a weekend, weekday, evening, morning, in a box, with a fox, or in a tweetle beetle battle with a noodle-eating-poodle.”
pg 39 (reference is to Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks)
This book does a great job of teaching business professionals how to have white space again in their lives so they can be more efficient with the time they do work. This book is not just about taking a rest and not being overworked. It’s more than that. The book is a few systems that together will make you a better worker.
If you do not work in an office (home or otherwise) you still will find some of the book relevant and helpful. However most of the book is talking to those who work in an office or home office.
“It’s for the managers who eat peanut butter at their desk because the idea of leaving for lunch seems like folklore from another time. It’s for executives who cancel their vacation four years in a row because they can’t see how to jump off a moving train without getting hurt. And it’s for the dads and moms pushing a swing with one hand and emailing with the other because ‘It’s all so important'”
pg 3-4
The author talks about how in the past, white space (or strategic pause) was common place. Somehow along the years we have lost it. We think we have to work, work, work without any stops.
“Thinking is time well spent. Only a certain generation remembers when this was an undebated fact. Back then if you caught your boss feet up on the desk, lost in thought, and staring out a window, you’d freeze as if you’d seen a rattlesnake, and then shift slowly backward, determined not to disturb them. Why? Because thinking time was commonly agreed to have value.”
pg 17
The part that made the most sense I think where Juliet explains that there are four assets that can become risks if we over do them. For example Drive or Excellence is good but Overdrive or Perfectionism are too much. Similarly Information and Activity are good, Overload and Frenzy are too much. There are four questions we can ask to help us not get to the risk level. For the Drive/Overdrive section, we can ask ourselves, “Is there anything I can let go of?” Using these questions helps us to not overdo.
I also love the idea of a ROWE or Results Only Work Environment. I also love how the author explains it:
“This means the only thing we care about are results, not when or where an employee works. Not if they work on a weekend, weekday, evening, morning, in a box, with a fox, or in a tweetle beetle battle with a noodle-eating-poodle.”
pg 39 (reference is to Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks)
October 3, 2021
"A Minute to Think" is a trendy new self-improvement book that offers a simple solution to the problem of personal productivity. I have written in other reviews about my misgivings about business books which take ancient concepts of virtue and philosophy and repackage them into 21st century corporate speak and present these concepts as if they were new and revolutionary. "A Minute to Think" is not new, nor is it revolutionary. In a word, this book is about an ancient concept in philosophy, the idea of moderation. Juliet Funt applies the concept of moderation to the corporate work world and arrives at the same conclusions that rabbis, philosophers and monastic masters have practiced for millenia. It is the idea that, if you forget about trying to wring productivity out of every minute of the day, if you step back and take a moment to think, you'll find that you get much more than you give up in the effort.
Having said that, this idea, although not original, is very relevant to today's world. In corporate America, where data is deemed more important than wisdom and cost is more significant than value, the idea that taking time to discern and think is a valuable insight. If more corporate leaders read this book then we may find fewer incredibly stupid ideas appearing in corporate strategic visions. Gone would be the impression that businesses can make big profits from lending money to risky borrowers, that property values must always go up and can never go down, or that demanding more from employees instead of investing more in them is a solid business practice. I hope that more corporate executives and managers read this book. If they do so, perhaps they will develop an appetite for more works of true wisdom and will ultimately make sounder business decisions.
Having said that, this idea, although not original, is very relevant to today's world. In corporate America, where data is deemed more important than wisdom and cost is more significant than value, the idea that taking time to discern and think is a valuable insight. If more corporate leaders read this book then we may find fewer incredibly stupid ideas appearing in corporate strategic visions. Gone would be the impression that businesses can make big profits from lending money to risky borrowers, that property values must always go up and can never go down, or that demanding more from employees instead of investing more in them is a solid business practice. I hope that more corporate executives and managers read this book. If they do so, perhaps they will develop an appetite for more works of true wisdom and will ultimately make sounder business decisions.
August 23, 2021
Life is crazy busy. What if we stop and take a moment to think? What if we add space in our daily life to do so?
I'm old enough to remember boring times, times of day dreaming, time before the incessant media and activities. Now we need to be reminded, “Thinking is time well spent.” (17) How does that happen in this performance oriented era? How do we move away from thinking unfulfilled time is somehow an enemy?
Funt encourages businesses to schedule white space, time with no assignments for employees so they have time to think without performance pressure and without distractions. She encourages us to not fill up those natural times of white space, such as waiting in the grocery line, at stop lights. Don't destroy that space with busy work, podcasts, etc.
Funt helps us understand what white space is (and is not), how to schedule it, and how to craft wedges of time. She writes about dealing with email (touching it less and compose it better), saying no, questions for streamlining meetings, identifying the thieves, developing a reduction mindset, and more. She gives encouraging examples of CEOs who have benefited from dedicated white space.
This is a good book for people who are tired of the performance race, tired of working instead of living. One can experience a fulfilling life that includes time to think and dream and reflect. This book gives the encouragement and tools to do so. Start right now by giving yourself permission to sit for ten minutes and do nothing, just being satisfied with life.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Zilker Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I'm old enough to remember boring times, times of day dreaming, time before the incessant media and activities. Now we need to be reminded, “Thinking is time well spent.” (17) How does that happen in this performance oriented era? How do we move away from thinking unfulfilled time is somehow an enemy?
Funt encourages businesses to schedule white space, time with no assignments for employees so they have time to think without performance pressure and without distractions. She encourages us to not fill up those natural times of white space, such as waiting in the grocery line, at stop lights. Don't destroy that space with busy work, podcasts, etc.
Funt helps us understand what white space is (and is not), how to schedule it, and how to craft wedges of time. She writes about dealing with email (touching it less and compose it better), saying no, questions for streamlining meetings, identifying the thieves, developing a reduction mindset, and more. She gives encouraging examples of CEOs who have benefited from dedicated white space.
This is a good book for people who are tired of the performance race, tired of working instead of living. One can experience a fulfilling life that includes time to think and dream and reflect. This book gives the encouragement and tools to do so. Start right now by giving yourself permission to sit for ten minutes and do nothing, just being satisfied with life.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Zilker Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 2, 2024
Great read and reminder of the power of creating space to think.
My takeaways:
It’s the space between the combustibles that fire can’t live without. Without space we can’t sustain ourselves. Pp 10, 11.
Thinking is time well spent. P. 16.
When you give yourself permission to pause, it makes everything you do better.
Behavior unchecked becomes behavior sanctioned.
It’s incredibly important to allow yourself time to see where your mind goes and what bubbles up, paying real attention to some of those things.
If you keep resting against the subject in a friendly but persistent way, sooner or later you will get a reward from your subconscious. Maybe in the shower or maybe at breakfast, but a new thought will suddenly appear — if you’ve put in the pondering at first.
Place wedges between meetings, decisions, responses, activities.
The Thieves of Time:
Asset. Risk
Drive. Overdrive.
Excellence. Perfectionism.
Information. Overload.
Activity. Frenzy.
“Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever.” Brian Wilson
The Simplification Questions
1. Is there anything I can let go of?
2. Where is good enough, good enough?
3. What do I truly need to know?
4. What deserves my attention?
Executive Presence: it’s the attribute that is an enviable blend of calm, confidence, humbleness, clarity and power. When you curb urgency your executive presence will become stronger.
My takeaways:
It’s the space between the combustibles that fire can’t live without. Without space we can’t sustain ourselves. Pp 10, 11.
Thinking is time well spent. P. 16.
When you give yourself permission to pause, it makes everything you do better.
Behavior unchecked becomes behavior sanctioned.
It’s incredibly important to allow yourself time to see where your mind goes and what bubbles up, paying real attention to some of those things.
If you keep resting against the subject in a friendly but persistent way, sooner or later you will get a reward from your subconscious. Maybe in the shower or maybe at breakfast, but a new thought will suddenly appear — if you’ve put in the pondering at first.
Place wedges between meetings, decisions, responses, activities.
The Thieves of Time:
Asset. Risk
Drive. Overdrive.
Excellence. Perfectionism.
Information. Overload.
Activity. Frenzy.
“Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever.” Brian Wilson
The Simplification Questions
1. Is there anything I can let go of?
2. Where is good enough, good enough?
3. What do I truly need to know?
4. What deserves my attention?
Executive Presence: it’s the attribute that is an enviable blend of calm, confidence, humbleness, clarity and power. When you curb urgency your executive presence will become stronger.
September 22, 2025
As someone who is as quick to respond as I am to fill my Google calendar with pretty colors, this was exactly what I needed. Some of her best practices had me going, “oh, yeah, duh that makes sense” because while they’re not crazy or convoluted they’re ones I’ve not thought to implement. The three practices I’m working on getting into a rhythm before adding others are pausing before responding to messages (rather than rapidly firing my response and immediately regretting it because in the two seconds after seconding I think of a better way to phrase something or something I didn’t consider at first, not being glued to my email (to avoid the “what did I even get done today??” Question), and pausing between tasks to literally look outside, stretch, or do anything that’s not checking Instagram before diving into the next project and they’ve already been IMMENSELY helpful. I’m all aboard the Funt Train.
August 2, 2021
I have followed Julie for a while since she was on the stage at the Global Leadership Summit sharing about white space. As I have incorporated White Space into my daily routines more and more I have told others about it as well. When I was able to read this book by her capturing the unique ability white space can bring to anyone, I jumped at the chance.
This book is a must read for anyone. As we are moving more and more quickly with technology and things are demanding more of our time this book is fantastic to help us be better people. Our brains are a wonderful things and we must use them to the best they can be. This book helps you do that.
I am amazed at what this book provides in such a small size. It is a quick read, but one that will definitely be a resource for years to come with notes and dog eared pages.
This book is a must read for anyone. As we are moving more and more quickly with technology and things are demanding more of our time this book is fantastic to help us be better people. Our brains are a wonderful things and we must use them to the best they can be. This book helps you do that.
I am amazed at what this book provides in such a small size. It is a quick read, but one that will definitely be a resource for years to come with notes and dog eared pages.
Read
November 5, 2021Everyone else might be wearing their busyness like a badge of honor – but that doesn’t mean you have to! True success doesn’t arise from cramming your schedule full of tasks and meetings; it comes from being creative, productive, and spending your time on the right things. What are the right things? Well, if you take a minute to think about it, you’ll probably realize you already know the answer.
Actionable advice:
Redefine your idea of urgency.
In the modern workplace, it can feel like every task is urgent. The author calls this hallucinated urgency. When you treat every decision, request, or email as if it's time-sensitive, you risk getting into the habit of acting without thinking. The next time you rush to action the moment something hits your inbox, take a pause. Ask yourself, Do I really have to do this right now, or can I take some breathing space?
Actionable advice:
Redefine your idea of urgency.
In the modern workplace, it can feel like every task is urgent. The author calls this hallucinated urgency. When you treat every decision, request, or email as if it's time-sensitive, you risk getting into the habit of acting without thinking. The next time you rush to action the moment something hits your inbox, take a pause. Ask yourself, Do I really have to do this right now, or can I take some breathing space?
January 20, 2022
A pleasant little surprise. Juliet Funt confirmed the solution to an issue I've been grappling with in my professional life (compounded by working at home in the pandemic,) that we are so overscheduled doing stuff that there is not time in the day to actually get any real work done. Her solution is obvious if not exactly easy to implement, but it is a 2022 priority: block more time on my work day calendar (goal: 2 hours a day including lunch) so I can keep up with my workflow, actually strategize a bit and feel more in control at the end of the day.
Juliet has a very dry, very funny sense of humor that grew on me while reading her book, left me want to see more of her work. The book is full of realistic, real world examples. She reminds me stylistically and directionally of Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor: blunt, insightful, and right. Well worth the read, recommended.
Juliet has a very dry, very funny sense of humor that grew on me while reading her book, left me want to see more of her work. The book is full of realistic, real world examples. She reminds me stylistically and directionally of Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor: blunt, insightful, and right. Well worth the read, recommended.
December 30, 2022
Before I read this book, I knew nothing about it. I just happened to find it a thrift store and it caught my eye.
Juliet’s writing style and relatable examples kept me smiling throughout the book. This book is also the most recent self improvement book I’ve read, so the references and examples felt extremely applicable.
I felt less interested in the chapters regarding work related subjects, but that’s just me. The last few chapters felt like they dragged on in comparison to the first few that instantly grabbed my attention. Those are the only reasons I gave 4 instead of 5 stars.
I started off the year with Atomic Habits and ending with. A Minute to Think feels very fitting. If you liked Atomic Habits, you’ll probably like this book as the writing style is similar (although this book gets extra points for being written from a woman’s point of view).
Juliet’s writing style and relatable examples kept me smiling throughout the book. This book is also the most recent self improvement book I’ve read, so the references and examples felt extremely applicable.
I felt less interested in the chapters regarding work related subjects, but that’s just me. The last few chapters felt like they dragged on in comparison to the first few that instantly grabbed my attention. Those are the only reasons I gave 4 instead of 5 stars.
I started off the year with Atomic Habits and ending with. A Minute to Think feels very fitting. If you liked Atomic Habits, you’ll probably like this book as the writing style is similar (although this book gets extra points for being written from a woman’s point of view).
December 27, 2025
Minute to Think is one of those books that feels calm, clear, and helpful from the first page. Juliet Funt makes a strong case for something we don’t get enough of anymore: space to think. Instead of pushing hustle or productivity tricks, she shows how removing clutter—extra meetings, emails, and noise—can actually make us better at our jobs and lives.
The book is easy to read, practical, and full of real-world examples. The ideas feel realistic. I especially liked how it focused on small changes that add up to big results, rather than dramatic life overhauls.
This is a great read for leaders, busy professionals, or anyone who feels constantly overwhelmed. It reminds you that thinking time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I finished the book feeling less stressed and more intentional about how I use my time. Highly recommend.
The book is easy to read, practical, and full of real-world examples. The ideas feel realistic. I especially liked how it focused on small changes that add up to big results, rather than dramatic life overhauls.
This is a great read for leaders, busy professionals, or anyone who feels constantly overwhelmed. It reminds you that thinking time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I finished the book feeling less stressed and more intentional about how I use my time. Highly recommend.
January 12, 2022
I've literally just finished this and I can't fully explain the profound and practical impact this book has had on me. Each chapter is just a nugget of a nourishing meal that gives you a glimmer of hope that your life can be better than what it feels like now in the constant busyness and hurry. I've written so many notes, highlighted so many quotes and already plan on taking top tips back to my team. Funt, you are a gifted generous genius. Every professional in a busy corporate world who feels like 'it will always feel like this until I die' HAS to read this book. It should be mandated that all who are about to enter the workforce read it too so they know there is a better way. Absolute privilege to read this book.
February 4, 2022
Juliet Funt encourages the mindset of adding white spacing and momentarily pausing to regain more life control and better decision-making. Based on her research, doing away with the "work-work-work" mentality and adding moments of silence to "think" improves your productivity.
In the last chapter, Juliet shares that having more intentional time with yourself and your loved one is "the why" for taking moment to pause and think.
This is a great book to read right after reading On The Clock: What Low Wage Work Did To Me And How It Drives America Insane. On The Clock provides an experimental example of why the "work-work-work" mentality is driving us crazy, and A Minute to Think explains the importance of having "a moment to think" mentality.
In the last chapter, Juliet shares that having more intentional time with yourself and your loved one is "the why" for taking moment to pause and think.
This is a great book to read right after reading On The Clock: What Low Wage Work Did To Me And How It Drives America Insane. On The Clock provides an experimental example of why the "work-work-work" mentality is driving us crazy, and A Minute to Think explains the importance of having "a moment to think" mentality.
March 14, 2022
Since reading this book..
Since reading this book I am beginning to see white space available all around me. Overlooked, I now literally see it in the printed page that makes the words visible to my reading eye. More importantly, I see white space available in the ways I engage with people and actually with myself.
Juliet observes reality with all its challenges. She uses picturesque words to brighten clarity, deepen understanding and bring hope for change at work and home. As I care for my forgetful 96 year old mother in her own home, I am challenged to use this time to create honorable moments in her present (sic) and build memories that I can carry on to my children (4) and grandchildren (16).
Since reading this book I am beginning to see white space available all around me. Overlooked, I now literally see it in the printed page that makes the words visible to my reading eye. More importantly, I see white space available in the ways I engage with people and actually with myself.
Juliet observes reality with all its challenges. She uses picturesque words to brighten clarity, deepen understanding and bring hope for change at work and home. As I care for my forgetful 96 year old mother in her own home, I am challenged to use this time to create honorable moments in her present (sic) and build memories that I can carry on to my children (4) and grandchildren (16).
August 21, 2024
Like most business or self help books, I found A Minute to Think basically common sense and without any "magic sauce" - because there isn't any. Funt simply delivers a message that the modern workforce, America especially, has chosen to ignore. Her message is simple: there is only so much time in a day, how we spend our time matters, and there must be a place for recuperation, contemplation, and relaxation. Funt calls it "white space". Regardless of what it is called, it's an obvious necessity that we have for too long ignored in order to demonstrate how tolerable we are in toxic work environments. The reader is not going to be hit with some mind-bending nugget of wisdom but it's still worth hearing. For business/self-help books to be anything above a 3-star, it really has to wow me. However, being an easy read that doesn't go try to be something it isn't and not being too long - this gets bumped to 4-star status.
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