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

Fantastic

Start at chapter 9, Great story & concept followed by summary. each chapter stands on its own.

A monumental work of art.

Productivity, both in personal and business arenas, is explained based on key ideas that are backed by powerful research and beautifully relevant examples. Further, Duhigg uses himself and the creation of this book as a prime example of how to be productive. Little-by-little, I heard how he transformed himself by using what he learned in the process of creating this book. In my not so humble opinion, this is a work of art that is at least as important, if not more important, than the works of Toffler, Maslow and Drucker.

An Absolutely Essential Book!

I was a big fan of Charles Duhigg's "The Power of Habit", and was very surprised that this book, being a significant step away from his previous book's topic could be so effective - but it was and then some! I ended up buying several copies of the physical book (including one for myself) to provide with coworkers and other work associates. I rarely buy books to give to other people unless I am confident they will enjoy it as much as I did. I truly can't think of a better non-fiction writing style than Duhigg's, in that he combines engaging stories, with eye-opening facts, with solid conclusions and advice. Every chapter is like a nice crescendo of capturing the audience with a story, applying that story to business or personal life, and finally giving ideas and concepts that you can't ignore. This is one of the rare books in my library which I will listen to again several times, as well as continue to recommend this as one of the essentials so many businesses should read!

The best part is the epilogue

Although a well respected productivity advisor, this book suffers from a meandering, often disjointed storyline. While well researched, and often engaging (particularly while listening to air disasters or those averted while flying myself), the purpose of each vignette seems isolated from the whole. This comes together only in the final chapter when the author explains how he used these principles himself in the researching and editing of the final book.
Another approach may have been more entertaining, but if I come back to it, I’ll likely just reread that last chapter.
This book did motivate me to consider reading others by mr. Duhigg, but I’ll probably preview them first.

I would recommend this book to anyone!

Overall, I found this book to be a very good read! The author clearly utilizes his own teaching method that is gained by reading the eight chapters in the book. It includes a great synopsis of how you can utilize motivation and a few psychological tricks make yourself a more efficient learner.

Excellent. Great read

Great from the beginning and all the way through, even the appendix was good. Highly recommend.

Good stories

The way author narrated stories help to sink in the concepts. Good book, buy it and you will be glad for taking a great decision

Read this book for a more satisfying and dynamic life

Some call it productiveness which sounds systematic or robotic however I consider the mindfulness frameworks in Smarter Faster Better to be crucial components for creating a reality where you are in the drivers seat of pursuing your personal legend. Read at your own risk as this tome of wisdom may unlock a bounty of potential within you and your surrounding communities!

Loaded with useful theories

I needed to rewind to catch all the info. Glad last chapter provided a summary.

impactful

This book is concentrated with life changing content. Well told with engaging and relevant stories to highlight points and well references.