Smarter Faster Better

The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business

By: Charles Duhigg

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •

The author of The Power of Habit and “master of the life hack” (GQ) explores the fascinating science of productivity and offers real-world takeaways to apply your life, whether you’re chasing peak productivity or simply trying to get back on track.

“Duhigg melds cutting-edge science, deep reporting, and wide-ranging stories to give us a fuller, more human way of thinking about how productivity actually happens.”—Susan Cain, author of Quiet

In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg explained why we do what we do. In Smarter Faster Better, he applies the same relentless curiosity and rich storytelling to how we can improve at the things we do.

At the core of Smarter Faster Better are eight key concepts—from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision making—that explain why some people and companies get so much done. Drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics—as well as the experiences of CEOs, educational reformers, four-star generals, FBI agents, airplane pilots, and Broadway songwriters—this book reveals that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don’t merely act differently. They view the world, and their choices, in profoundly different ways.

Smarter Faster Better is a story-filled exploration of the science of productivity, one that can help us learn to succeed with less stress and struggle—and become smarter, faster, and better at everything we do.

©2015 Charles Duhigg (P)2015 Random House Audio

Not great, not bad, just OK

Was hoping for more actionable items, but instead felt the entire book was mostly just curated stories. At the end of the stories the author tried to tie-in some sort of productivity solutions, but it felt forced at times. Found it to be very blah. It just wasn't for me.

Rambles all over

The book was easy to read, and it started out really well. I enjoyed the first few chapters and concepts. Eventually, though, the narrative wandered into description of systems that had a tenuous connection to productivity.

Game changer.

I thought Duhigg's first book was excellent (The Power of Habit), and this one is even better. Duhigg turns the self-help book genre on its head with hard science and stories you actually want to read/listen to; not just anecdotal preaching. And the topics--universal and timely. A must for anyone caught in the rat race of life. At times the scope feels too broad, as if trying to solve every productivity problem. But Duhigg does a good job tying it up in the end. In fact I'm going to re-listen to it again right after this.

Good take away lessons may not be for everyone

The book takes you through many case studies on how people or team worked to improve productivity or how mental model may help you to prepare for your future. As a reader I couldn't relate myself to all of the studies but some definitely did. narration was super clear and the Air France crash chapter narration was very gripping in particular.

Entertainimg, talk about productivity throw real ejemples

Is so engaging and applicable that is the first review in all the books that I have read that really deserve taking the time, and make me think why am I so lazy, in doing so I'm the first person to help.

great to become more productive

I thought the book showed a number of great insights over the art of goal setting, efficient work, creativity, and productivity.

Even better than the Power Of Habit.

Charles Duhigg writes a compelling story in which he draws upon science, real life cases and very importantly also personal experiences from learning. I feel the authors work has improved from his last book, and he would probably agree that the techniques he explains in this one has helped him achieve the final result. The enhanced guide in the end really got me thinking and feels like usable tools.The performance of Mike is still good.

improving life

I needed to get better structure in my personal and work life. This book helped me see what I am already doing right and were I can improve and how.

Great Lessons every minute.

I love the structure of this book. Kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Super valuable and worth every minute!

great book

great book to help improve focus. 8 technics used. the last chapter is a great summary