How to Apply

Ideas from Great Books

These guides help you apply the key ideas from some of the most influential productivity books.

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Pick a daily highlight

Start every morning by duplicating a “Make Time Daily” template. Choose one highlight that will make the day feel successful, then promote that card to the top of your Daily plan so it stays unavoidable. Include criteria (time box, definition of done) so you can tell when you’ve honored it.

Carve laser blocks and protect them

Drag the highlight into a laser block on your calendar. Dotty lets you layer multiple schedules, so reclaim time by moving optional tasks out of the block. Pair the block with a short checklist—close tabs, clear desk, ask for help if needed—to keep the window distraction-free.

Energize and reflect

Log small experiments that increase energy, from better breaks to shorter email windows. End the day with Dotty’s reflection template: Did you protect the highlight, what zapped focus, and what tweak will you try tomorrow? Those notes become a personal playbook for sustainably making time.