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Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business | Charles Duhigg
39 posts | 54 read | 34 to read
"NEW YORK TIMES "BESTSELLER From the author of "The Power of Habit "comes a fascinating book that explores the science of productivity, and why managing "how" you think is more important than "what" you think with an appendix of real-world lessons to apply to your life. At the core of "Smarter Faster Better" are eight key productivity 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 painstakingly researched book explains that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don t merely act differently. They view the world, and their choices, in profoundly different ways. A young woman drops out of a PhD program and starts playing poker. By training herself to envision contradictory futures, she learns to anticipate her opponents missteps and becomes one of the most successful players in the world. A group of data scientists at Google embark on a four-year study of how the best teams function, and find that "how" a group interacts is more important than "who" is in the group a principle, it turns out, that also helps explain why "Saturday Night Live" became a hit. A Marine Corps general, faced with low morale among recruits, reimagines boot camp and discovers that instilling a bias toward action can turn even the most directionless teenagers into self-motivating achievers. The filmmakers behind Disney s "Frozen" are nearly out of time and on the brink of catastrophe until they shake up their team in just the right way, spurring a creative breakthrough that leads to one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. What do these people have in common? They know that productivity relies on making certain choices. The way we frame our daily decisions; the big ambitions we embrace and the easy goals we ignore; the cultures we establish as leaders to drive innovation; the way we interact with data: These are the things that separate the merely busy from the genuinely productive. 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, deep reporting, and rich storytelling to explain how we can improve at the things we do. It s a groundbreaking exploration of the science of productivity, one that can help anyone learn to succeed with less stress and struggle, and to get more done without sacrificing what we care about most to become smarter, faster, and better at everything we do. Praise for "Smarter Faster Better" A pleasure to read . . . Duhigg s skill as a storyteller makes his book so engaging to read. "The New York Times Book Review" Not only will "Smarter Faster Better" make you more efficient if you heed its tips, it will also save you the effort of reading many productivity books dedicated to the ideas inside. "Bloomberg Businessweek" Duhigg pairs relatable anecdotes with the research behind why some people and businesses are not as efficient as others. "Chicago Tribune" The book covers a lot of ground through meticulous reporting and deft analysis, presenting a wide range of case studies . . . with insights that apply to the rest of us. "The Wall Street Journal""
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annahenke
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Another book down for #20in4. This is book 4 finished, though some were begun before and just completed.

I love Charles Duhigg‘s research and practical approach to productivity. Pro-tip: don‘t skip the appendices in this one!

@Andrew65

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 3y
rabbitprincess Ooh I liked The Power of Habit so will have to check this out! 3y
tokorowilliamwallace I love all the extra stuff in books, such as appendices. 3y
74 likes1 stack add3 comments
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annahenke
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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My next read for the #20in4 readathon. Getting some great, motivating nonfiction in before the end of the year!

Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
48 likes1 comment
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EmilieGR
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Mehso-so

I‘m giving this a “so-so” rating because it was an easy, fast read but in terms of any actual beneficial take away, this book is a “pan.” It is full or recycled ideas, even recycled scenarios and examples that I have run across in other books and articles. Some of his chosen examples are a bit of a stretch considering the thesis of chapter, and there is very little information about how to implement these habits and mental shifts.

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MEGR
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Pickpick

I liked this audiobook. It kept me motivated and looking at tasks and work in general from a different perspective.

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InnerSavvy
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed to Duhiggs last book, The Power of Habits. I was looking forward to reading this one. It did not disappoint. Great stories about being productive. I especially enjoyed the appendix on tips on how to implement his ideas l. Can't wait for his next work.

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thebluestocking
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

I enjoyed The Power of Habit but wasn‘t sure what to expect from this follow up. I was pleased that it was in the same style but with a new spin on some familiar material. I found it to be interesting and enjoyed the reporting. I felt that he made more of an effort this time at some practical application tips, but I wanted even more. The stories and studies are fascinating but putting them all to use would be even better.

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Julsmarshall
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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#litsywalk with a new audiobook. Found a lovely spot in my neighborhood I hadn‘t seen before. This book has been on #MountTBR forever!

34 likes1 stack add
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DavidDiamond
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

While I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed The Power of Habit, I found it interesting and insightful nonetheless. Duhigg explores 8 main ideas (along with real life examples) over 8 chapters that help one to be better motivated and more productive. By using Stretch goals and formulating a SMART plan, these techniques will help us to clarify our goals and teach us how to make smarter decisions.

4 likes1 stack add
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Bookwormjillk
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Three pages left, but I just can‘t keep my eyes open. This will have to become my first book for May instead of my last book for April.

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Bookwormjillk
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Soccer practice is running late. Thank goodness I have an emergency book in my purse.

Bookartbookmarks I dream of the days when I can sit and read during my kids practice, but always thought that may be a pipe dream. You‘re giving me hope! Mine are 3-5 right now. 6y
Bookwormjillk @Bookartbookmarks soon! 2nd grade was the turning point for me (and finding a spot where I could hide from the parents who want to chat) 6y
Bookartbookmarks @Bookwormjillk exactly! I feared I was the only one. You are honestly giving me hope! 6y
26 likes3 comments
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BillyH
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Today‘s book got finished a little late because I was a bit busy today. I really loved his other book, The Power of Habit, and this book did not disappoint either. It did remind me a lot of the book how not to be wrong when it starts talking about probabilistic thinking. Overall though it‘s a good insight into the phycology of what motivates us and how we succeed and reach goals. Overall I‘d say this is a very good book to pick up.

Eggs Welcome to Litsy 😊📚 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Hope you're enjoying Litsy so far 📖💙 6y
Theshadedbuffalo Welcome to Litsy!! ⭐️ 📚 6y
CarolynM Welcome to Litsy 🌼 6y
AnimalRiotPress Welcome to Litsy! ❤️📚🐇 6y
96 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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MissMary
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Panpan

I preferred The Power of Habit, this book was not memorable for me. Read The Power of Habit instead.

eddy1133 Mmm.i actually thought this book had better examples of how habits work and how to create new ones that will build on the last ones l, hence creating a positive feedback loop.I was already fairly informed on habit research studies, maybe that is the reason I found power of habit rather rudimentary.After reading dozens of books on neuroscience and human behavior I guess I should get used to rereading about the same studies i diffeelrent books... 5y
3 likes1 comment
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Bookwormjillk
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Just some light Saturday night reading

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MrsToriKim
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Pickpick

I love Duhigg's writing style. He's great at keeping things relevant, succinct, and to the point. There were a lot of takeaways from this book that I hope to implement in my own life and work to become more productive.

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CKtheLibrarian
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Panpan

⭐️⭐️ This wasn‘t as interesting and inspiring as “The Power of Habit.” Duhigg offers quick stories and scenarios without many details on productivity as the title of the book would lead you to believe. Unfortunate really as that would‘ve made an excellent material for this title.

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Jessicav
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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HERE WE GO! #readathon

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Smrloomis
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Kindle deal. 🌟 I liked his previous one about habits a lot so I‘ll probably give this one a try eventually.

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amytbusch
Pickpick

Good

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Juli
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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"By making sure we are exposed to a full spectrum of experiences." This book is very interesting. I started reading it to help make me a better leader for my staff but I am finding a lot of great insight into how to view the world around me!

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Bookchipmunk
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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#24in48
I've completed 11 hours and 2 books. Got side tracked by chores and exercise this morning. But hope to get a few more hours in this afternoon. Winnie hates walks but loves car rides!

Yamich49 ❤ Winnie 8y
kylienoele 😍🐶😍🐶😍 8y
Cinfhen 🐶🐶🐶sooo cute❣️ 8y
Bookchipmunk @Yamich49 @kylienoele @Cinfhen She is demonstrating her sparkling personality! 8y
30 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Ellsbeth
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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I finally played around with Goodreads enough to set up some challenge trackers for myself with a private group. I also decided on the reading challenges I will do this year, focusing mainly on my TBR & female authors: #ReadHarder #LitsyReadingChallenge #LitsyAtoZ & #TBRChallenge. Having a #LittleFreeLibrary, I thought I would end up with LESS books in the house. Not true! Now I need to tackle what I acquired & pass them on. 😋📚🎉

sprainedbrain Ok how did you do that?? I want a tracker for each challenge! 8y
Lacythebookworm Me, too! Do tell!! 8y
awishman Me three! I'd like to know as well! 8y
See All 14 Comments
tjwill I didn't know that could be done. I need to track my challenges this way! 8y
abbiereadsbooks I also need to know how to do this! I didn't know that was a thing at all! 8y
Ellsbeth I'm happy to share! It's a multi-step process. First, use the Create a Group on the Groups page (I set mine to private). On the right of your group home is the option to Create a Challenge. Once that is done, you can join the challenge (but not until your start date, which you can edit after you join). *I recommend letting the Challenge create a new shelf for you instead of using an existing shelf. That was a headache to trouble shoot. 8y
Ellsbeth The challenges on Goodreads are finicky, so I found this discussion thread to be useful. Also, if you run a challenge discussion group on GR, I encourage you to add the feature so people can join! I am happy to help create it if you want.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1632751-reading-tracker-
8y
awishman Thank you so much! 8y
sprainedbrain @Ellsbeth thank you!!! 8y
Lacythebookworm Thank you!🙌😊 8y
tjwill Thanks! I'll try it out! 8y
emilyesears Oooo I'll have to try this! 8y
33 likes14 comments
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ajourneywelove
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Rosie and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was informational for me (Ruby) but she liked it as a pillow better.

She said she absorbed all the teachings by just lying on top of it, she swears!

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ajourneywelove
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Pickpick

One of the top non-fiction books I've read (which I also reviewed on my blog)! Amazing work as always! Will definitely put the lessons to work in my day to day life!

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janeycanuck
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Very interesting. I really enjoyed how the "case study" for each topic was weaved into the chapter amongst other lessons and stories. Not sure if I'd call this a productivity book but it definitely is about how companies can be smarter, faster and better.

4 likes1 stack add
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Alwayscoolwb
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Pickpick

Duhigg likes to take what could be bypassed and explore how it came to be. This book is how teams went from mediocre to great. Like the early Saturday night live crew or a low performing school I'm Cincinnati. He points out how trust to the cause and trust in each other is key.

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AliReads
Pickpick

I didn't love it as much as his other book - but it's still a nice read. Duhigg ties together seemingly disparate tales from poker players to struggling schools and gleans important lessons on productivity. What moved this to a pick is the excellent appendix at the end - where he lays out simplified practical lessons from the book.

4 likes1 stack add
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AliReads
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On the CPL lawn trying to get through this book - it's due at midnight and I'm only 45% done (ok probably more because endnotes I never read).

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Apinlibraryland
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Haven't read anything in over a week!! Time to rectify.

1 like1 stack add
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Moonpa
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Loved his first book, The Power of Habit and this one was good too. I find it fascinating to take these concepts - habits, productivity, motivation - and break them down to not only understand how they work but how they can be used. And I love the diverse real world examples.

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Max
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Personal productivity is a hot topic, and this book is the real deal. Genuinely compelling and consistently practical throughout, SFB is a must-read this year.

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Bookchipmunk
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Not as good as 'Power of Habit' which carried the habit theme through the book. This one is written the same way with really interesting well researched anecdotes which illustrate the idea. Just felt like 8 super great essays which didn't connect through for me.

Liberty What a cutie. 😊 8y
Bookchipmunk 🐶❤️ 8y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Jebpix
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

A great listen. Good stories to illustrate the principles though I didn't always love how they were broken up/interwoven. A good add to my productivity knowledge.

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Whalen
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Pickpick

Duhigg writes another excellent book on productivity with compelling stories and research. Highly recommended.

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BookMusings
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Already got the price of admission for this book and I just started it! Ask yourself why you should do something and motivation will emerge.

9 likes2 stack adds
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Spiderfelt
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
Mehso-so

It was difficult to extrapolate concrete ideas applicable to my life from the case studies. Many involved corporate environments or challenges too monolithic for my life. The best examples were in the appendix; Duhigg described how he used the principles to write the book while juggling life/work.

Spiderfelt But who wants to slog through a book just to discover the best part is a postscript? 8y
1 like1 comment
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Celiafae
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Mehso-so

It hasn't worked. Yet. This self-help book exceeds my page limit by 59. It's got to be outstanding to get me to commit to anything longer than 300.

Spiderfelt I'm halfway through, and that's about how I'm feeling right now. The introduction made the book sounds fantastic, but my impression so far is the book needs some trimming. 9y
2 likes1 comment
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Spiderfelt
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Will listening in the car make me Smarter, Faster or Better? Or will I be more distracted, and miss the finer points?

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Kliz
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Pickpick

Loved this, especially the part about how mental modeling contributes to productivity.

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TiffReadsAndRuns
Smarter Faster Better | Charles Duhigg
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Bookmail is my favorite! 📚📖📬📦

jeff I liked Power of Habit and have been hearing buzz about this one. Excited to hear what you think. 9y
todd My bad eyes and brain read "Power of Hobbit" and got excited that there exists a Hobbit business book ? 9y
TiffReadsAndRuns @Todd I'd probably read something on the power of Hobbits! 👍🏻 9y
6 likes2 stack adds3 comments