Attention Management: How to Create Success and Gain Productivity

by Maura Nevel Thomas

Discover the revolutionary antidote to overload and exhaustion

Have you tried everything to become more productive—but you're still too busy and stressed? That's because the old approaches to productivity just don't work in today's fast-paced, tech-driven workplaces. What does work? Time management is outdated. Attention management is the solution you need.

Attention management is the most essential skill you need to live a life of choice rather than a life of reaction and distraction. It's a collection of behaviors, including focus, mindfulness, control, presence, flow, and other skills, that will support your success. Productivity speaker, trainer, and author Maura Nevel Thomas shows you how to master attention management with practical strategies that make an immediate impact.

Genres: Nonfiction, Productivity, Self Help, Business, Audiobook, Psychology, Personal Development

1 pages, Audio CD

First published September 1, 2019

About the author

Maura Nevel Thomas is an award-winning international speaker and trainer on individual and corporate productivity and work-life balance, and the most widely-cited authority on attention management. Her proprietary Empowered Productivity™ System has been embraced by the likes of the NASA, Dyson, and Google. She's ranked in the Top 10 Time Management Professionals in the World, and was named a Top Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine. She's also a TEDx Speaker and the author of six best-selling books. Maura is frequently featured in major business outlets including Business Insider, Fast Company, and the Washington Post, and she’s also a regular contributor to both Forbes and the Harvard Business Review, with articles there viewed over a million times.

Reviews

[Out of the Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize this is part of a series from the publisher designed to be extremely short. The truth is that this little book, while insightful, could have easily been a blog post.

In fact, it reads like one.

A pet peeve of mine with this method is that it means nothing is fully explained.

She presents her argument, but you are never given truly actionable steps (other than to check her website for more information).

It read like promotional material.

However, the premise is interesting.

The argument is that time management practices are outdated because it is no longer time we are looking to manage, it is our attention.

According to Thomas, attention is hard to find and focus in the modern world with the appeal of constant email, texts, social media, and even the rise of open offices. I see her point! And I think that's an interesting topic to dive into! However, this book probably shouldn't be a book at all.

I would really like to see the author write a full-length book about this. Otherwise, leave content like this for the blog.

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing in here that I didn't already know from reading other articles (and this is really just a long article). Even so, I think the tips are all good and stuff I already try to incorporate into my daily work life. The phone is usually down the hall. I've silenced the ringer and most notifications. I'm actively trying to spend less time on social media. I've tried closing the email account for focus time but mostly fail at this. I've found quiet places to work away from my colleagues. I've always been a big daydreamer and have never given it up so that's good. The real challenge for me will be when libraries re-open for public service. The randomness of the ref desk makes my day and brain even more scattered. I'll try to keep an eye on the author's blog.

[BooksWithBonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a fun and direct self-help book. It didn't go down someone's life story or drown it out to sound intelligent. It gave me hardcore facts and examples to explain and understand. I really took notes and I never do that! I've been turned-off from self-help books in the past because of it being to overly expressive. "Like seriously, we get it. You're super smart and we are not". For a large amount of time, I avoided this genre but it was a delightful surprise. Good Job Maura.

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick 1 hour read with practical advice on how to be more productive by controlling your attention and limited distractions. For example, turning off push notifications on your phone and putting your phone out of sight when working on a project. The book seems to be written for people who work in more traditional office settings, but I can easily translate the ideas to my non-traditional work. In some sections, the author directs you to more info on her website. Since the book is so short, I would have preferred that the information be included within the text. Going to a website while trying to read seems like a bit of a, well, distraction.

[Jyotsna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your attention determines the experiences you have in your life and the experiences you have make up the life you live, then your attention determines your life.

Picked this up because I was interested in understanding more about attention management and the state of flow.

The author argues that time management is a thing of the past; with a fast paced world, attention management amidst email and smart phone notifications is the norm.

A good read if you are interested in the topic. Learnt a lot from here.

[Mennatullah Abdelsalam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that tackles a huge nowadays problem of being distracted and wasting . Our time in a dramatic way!
A problem that has arisen because of the huge technological advancements and our ability to access a huge amount of information with just one click!
In addition to the social addiction.

We need to WAKE UP!

Being aware that the problem is in keeping our attention and focus, not Time Management is the key of solving this issue
I really loved it!

[Rose Cadena-Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in in m, good read and combined a number of thoughtful actions in one place.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We want to be more productive. Does that mean we need to be busy all the time? Does it mean we need to work on our time management skills?

Thomas argues distraction is our greatest issue when it comes to productivity. Modern technology devices and social media are designed to steal our attention. She shows how our attention is sidetracked then gives practical suggestions for managing our attention by controlling our technology, our environment, our habits, and our thoughts.

This book contained some surprises for me. Thomas points out that we have lost the art of day dreaming, for example. We always have a screen in front of us, even when walking from place to place. The innovative ideas that would come from day dreaming are lost when we are so distracted. Also, being busy is not necessarily being productive. Always checking that pop up notice steals our focus and concentration. No wonder it takes longer to get that project completed.

Thomas provides good practical and strategic suggestions for eliminating distractions and regaining focus. There are also many resources available on her website, the addresses given in the book.

This is a good book for those who want to be deliberate in regaining their focus and productivity. Old time management methods just don't work any more. This book will get you on the right path toward regaining control of your life.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Zilker Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Rodger Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an extremely busy guy. No complaints. I love being busy and have a very rich life. But like most every other busy person I know, I can find myself bogged down in the thick of thin things.

I’ve read and studied dozens of “time management” books. Some of the practices they taught seemed to help, but I still found myself stressed trying to juggle all the to-do lists and other tools.

Then Maura Thomas came to my rescue. The answer to my challenge, she taught me, is not managing my time. The solution is learning to manage my ATTENTION. This was a serious aha moment for me. Productivity is less about minutes and more about appropriate focus.

I really liked Maura’s previous books (Personal Productivity Secrets and Work Without Walls). This new book – Attention Management – is the icing on the cake. It provides an easy-to-follow framework for getting the most out of our minutes, hours, and days. As a bonus, the graphic design of the book makes it especially user-friendly. (focus!)

Frustrated with your “time” management? Here’s the key to getting you—and keeping you—on the right track.

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't use to think I was easily distracted. Then I had kids. And started homeschooling. And working from home. Then my husband started working from home. Now I feel like I can't finish a thought, let alone a sentence. So many things pulling my attention in a million different directions!

There isn't anything earth-shatteringly profound in this book. However, it is full of practical strategies for choosing one's focus, which in turn, improves one's productivity. I've been able to gain ground here that I thought I would never see again. It's a cute book with pops of color to help certain ideas stand out in your brain. It's a quick read, which is good because I don't have a lot of time. Overall, very helpful!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Kevin Eikenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Productivity. Most of us on most days would like more of it. If you are vacationing at the beach, maybe not. But for the most part, creating productivity is something we would like to be better at. I’ve been studying and trying to get better at this myself for a long time.

Enter Maura Nevel Thomas. I’ve known Maura for a while and loved her last book, Personal Productivity Secrets. In fact, I loved it so much, I had her as a guest on The Remarkable Leadership Podcast to talk about it.

Read more...

[Ashlin Edmisten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming busy-ness and stress can seem impossible, but Thomas gives a few quick and easy tips to get the job done. With the advent of social media, email, open office spaces, and the other pressures of modern life, the way we need to approach work to increase productivity has changed. Learn how to eliminate multi-tasking little by little by using mindfulness, focus, flow, and more.

I'm wondering if this will be helpful for me - considering a majority of my focus is broken by customer service/management issues. This book reiterated the importance of things we've been told time and time again - take a break, be present, etc. I'm willing to try. (:

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

About📖
So many of todays workers are struggling to meet the demands of their organisation and life itself. The flow on effect of this is detrimental as it sets the tone and is alike to the mouse on the wheel where we are run ragged toward a goal not achieved and doing the same thing on repeat.
.
This audio shifts the readers focus from time management to attention management. It explains the 4 quadrants being reactive and distracted; flow; daydreaming and focused and mindful. Shares tips on how to create your ideal work environment to be productive and produce meaningful work instead of being busy and ticking the boxes. And reminds you of the importance of balance and recharging to be better version / worker of yourself. The world is never off and there will always be more work but not everything is urgent. This is how to go from frazzled, forgetful and flustered to calm, certain and in control.

My thoughts 💭
This was the audiobook I didn’t know I needed and one that has opened my eyes in a GOOD way!
.
Vulnerable share - but I always feel like there is never enough time to get what I need to done and always more things being added to my list I know I can’t get too.. which equates to overwhelm and unsatisfied feels.. and a little too regular for my liking!
.
I actively was looking for a shift and wanting my days to look and feel different and this has certainly delivered!! It is highly motivating throughout and full of small tips that can create big change!
.
My top takeaways are
-live a life of choice. Not reaction and distraction
-you cant control time. We all have the same 24hrs in a day
-antidote to distraction is attention. Not time management
-you cant get a fresh perspective over something you never step away from
-control your environment and honour your boundaries
-awareness is the greatest agent for change
-we are what we repeatedly do
-what matters more to the moments in your life are the life in your moments
-celebrate what you do, not what you don’t
-do not allow all incoming demands to control your agenda
-your focus determines your reality
.
We can’t offer our unique gifts to the world when we are overtired, over stimulated, overworked, and overwhelmed. But we can make a small shift and multiple of these leads to big results. For now I’ll be approaching my days a little differently.. and welcoming more thoughtfulness, balance and meaningful work my way. Creating the ideal environment takes effort. But how I feel and the work I deliver is worth it.
.
Thriving off this. What a buzz!

[Charlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always to end up productive, no matter how I get to my result; however, I often feel distracted and scrambling during most days. Reading Attention Management by Maura Thomas reminded me that attention management is not a single behavior; it's the collective practice of a group of behaviors. The suggestions offered by Maura Thomas are helpful as well as inspirational for calling attention to my old habits that I tend to let go of after a while.

My experience is what I agree to attend to. ~ Maria Popova

[Sean Goh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new, though a snappy summary of why attention, not time should be paid attention to (hurhur) and tips for doing so (check out my website!) the many links to her website feel like a lazy cop out to get the length down to "readable in 1 hour". Unfortunately that also makes the book feel like reading a blog post that's been printed out and bound. Without the ability to conveniently click on the hyperlinks.

One takeaway: use a central (i.e. only one) calendar/to do list to free up mental energy.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating argument. Thomas explores the problem of distraction. She confirms that the solution is "attention management." She logs the symptoms of distraction: being overworked, overtired, overstressed and overstimulated. The transformation away from these experiences will emerge through managing our attention.

This book offers a strong case for consideration. She also reveals that, "the job of the internet is to keep you on the internet."

Critiquing time management, she shows the value of attention management to salve constant distraction.

[ꦧꦺꦴꦝ꧀ꦱꦸꦂꦪ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Sometimes it was a little repetitive or the advice of the book seemed somewhat obvious, but overall it has great techniques. If the book was a bit more in-depth and slightly less repetitive I probably would have given it 4 stars but I still would consider it a worthwhile read if you are interested in productivity. I actually used some of it's principles as I was reading the book. A lot of the book also was really applied to workaholics and I could see it useful for them.

[Paul Bard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chapter three gives specific tips on attention management for tech and environment.

Chapter 4 recaps David Allen's work and suggests a workflow management system, which is interesting. It also has an interesting discussion about what happens when focus measures become unhelpful that I think could have been much more developed.

It's three blog posts: how to manage attention in tech, environment, and thinking. Very slight content.

[Tricia Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the concepts and principles in this book. It provides great resources and actionable steps as well to assist in putting into practice. I appreciated the addressing of the current era of technology and how we are constantly available making challenging to focus on anything. It also dives into the benefits of this in maintaining healthy work life balance and personal life which is so important for people to hear. I’ll be recommending to my work book club.

[Bakertyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read, the first half is why this book is so important, the second half actionable techniques to focus your attention on where you want it.
I liked the organization, but nothing here is new. A good collection on focus and managing yourself, and if you haven't read in this circle yet I would recommend "Attention Management" as a great place to start.

[Miguel Panão · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction

The idea is great and inspiring, but the book is more shallow than I expected. It seems like an assemble of tip than a reasoning which leads you to question and be inspired. However, I recognize that it is a good starting point to starting “paying attention” to what matter.

[Craig Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, focused, practical

Maura Thomas does an excellent job of making attention management, not only attainable, but necessary. Her argument that our attention and where we place it is the key to better productivity and balance in our lives. I will be re-reading and continue to do the actions she prescribes.

[Megan Jester · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not reveal any new content for me, and at the end of each chapter, the author refers you to their website to read more information. Uncertain why it could not be included in this book, as it might have produced new or unpacked the content further. The term "attention management" is intriguing and something I will consider moving forward in my personal life and career.

[Samantha]

Well written, but if you've done any reading about time management recently this doesn't seem to offer too much new information. However, if you need some inspiration for simple ways that make great impacts this is a quick and easy read.

[Peyton Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignite Reads are awesome. They are made to be concise and to the point. That is my favorite type of writing! This opened my eyes to what zone of attention management I am in and how I can help myself get into Flow more often.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is basically the one hour version of Deep Work by Cal Newport. It’s a great premise and probably useful for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a full-length book, but ends up being a bit shallow just because it’s so short.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read with useful exercises to use with clients and for self. Flip the script on your personal work and help others see that time management is not effective until you have attention management!

[Mese E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a content driven read for me. Due to personal preferences, the biggest distraction was ALL THE YELLOW within the book.
I do, however, look forward to adding these concepts to every day practice.
And my preschoolers enjoyed the few pages I read to them.

[Vansh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The advice is very similar to the digital minimalism movement but the way it's phrased gave a new meaning to it. An insightful, short and simple book which will become more important as time passes. Def worth reading atleast once!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but not a lot of depth. There are too many links to her website to learn more instead of being included in the book. I clicked on a link and was directed to her homepage, not a page with more info on that topic.