Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg

Summary

Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg explores the science of productivity, revealing the secrets behind how people and organizations can achieve more with less effort. The book draws on a combination of scientific research, real-world case studies, and engaging storytelling to break down the habits and decision-making techniques of highly productive individuals and groups. Duhigg uncovers eight key concepts that drive productivity, from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision-making. By blending neuroscience with practical advice, the book equips readers to transform the way they work and live.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Motivation can be engineered by giving yourself a sense of control over your choices and environment. Taking ownership makes tasks feel more meaningful and drives better performance.

2. Setting stretch goals, and breaking them into manageable actionable steps, helps turn big ambitions into achievable outcomes. Pairing ambition with planning is essential to real progress.

3. The ability to manage attention and avoid cognitive distractions is critical for productivity. Training your brain to focus and recognize the most important tasks leads to smarter decisions and better results.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2016

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 87

Practical Examples

1. The concept of 'locus of control' in Marine Corps training

   Duhigg describes how the Marines teach recruits that perceived control impacts motivation and performance. By providing recruits with small, meaningful choices and responsibilities, their motivation grows, making them more resilient and effective in high-pressure situations.

2. The 'SMART' and 'stretch' goals at General Electric

   GE teaches employees to set stretch goals, which are ambitious and inspiring, then break these goals down into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) steps. This dual approach combines inspiration with practical planning, leading to sustained workplace success.

3. Disney’s creative process for innovation

   Walt Disney and his team used brainstorming sessions to freely generate ideas, then followed with critical evaluation to refine them. This iterative process of creativity and critique enabled Disney to consistently develop breakthrough animated films and theme park innovations.

4. Focus and 'mental models' in airline cockpit crews

   Pilots are trained to build detailed mental models of flights to anticipate complications before they happen. When pilots and crews actively discuss and visualize future events, they’re better able to spot anomalies and react to emergencies.

5. The importance of psychological safety at Google

   Google’s Project Aristotle found that the highest-performing teams had strong psychological safety—a shared belief that it’s safe to take risks and speak up. This environment encourages openness, learning from mistakes, and collaborative problem-solving.

6. Agile project management in software development

   Teams using the Agile methodology break large projects into small, incremental tasks with constant feedback loops. This approach allows them to respond quickly to challenges and adapt their work in real-time, leading to more productive and successful outcomes.

7. The use of 'to-do lists' for enhancing focus

   Duhigg examines how successful professionals use daily to-do lists not just to track tasks, but to prioritize and sequence their work. Regularly reviewing and updating lists helps maintain attention on what matters most, reducing stress and boosting output.

8. Probabilistic thinking at the FBI

   FBI agents are taught to assess new information with a probabilistic mindset, updating assumptions as evidence emerges. This flexible decision-making process allows for more accurate judgements and better handling of complex investigations.