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Driven to Distraction at Work: How to Focus and Be More Productive Hardcover – January 6, 2015

by Ned Hallowell (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 235 ratings
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Are you driven to distraction at work?

Bestselling author Edward M. Hallowell, MD, the world’s leading expert on ADD and ADHD, has set his sights on a new goal: helping people feel more in control and productive at work.

You know the feeling: you can’t focus; you feel increasingly overwhelmed by a mix of nonstop demands and technology that seems to be moving at the speed of light; and you’re frustrated just trying to get everything done well—and on time. Not only is this taking a toll on performance, it’s impacting your sense of well-being outside the office. It’s time to reclaim control.

Dr. Hallowell now identifies the underlying reasons why people lose their ability to focus at work. He explains why commonly offered solutions like “learn to manage your time better” or “make a to-do list” don’t work because they ignore the deeper issues that are the true causes of mental distraction. Based on his years of helping clients develop constructive ways to deal with distraction, Dr. Hallowell provides a set of practical and reliable techniques to show how to sustain a productive mental state.

In Part 1 of the book, he identifies the six most common ways people lose the ability to focus at work—what he calls “screen sucking” (internet/social media addiction), multitasking, idea hopping (never finishing what you start), worrying, playing the hero, and dropping the ball—and he explains the underlying psychological and emotional dynamics driving each behavior.

Part 2 of the book provides advice for “training” your attention overall, so that you are less susceptible to surrendering it, in any situation. The result is a book that will empower you to combat each one of these common syndromes—and clear a path for you to achieve your highest personal and professional goals.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harvard Business Review Press
  4. Publication date
    January 6, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1422186415
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1422186411
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Why do so many people have trouble focusing on the job in hand? This ADD guru tackles the problem of attention deficit in the workplace with tips on braking the habits that undermine effectiveness.” — Qantas The Australian Way

“ a practical, encouraging guide.” — Booklist

“This book deals with a topic of pressing concern for most of us, offering clarity, wisdom and plenty of ideas for getting out of the maelstrom. Each section is built around stories from Dr. Hallowell’s practice that seem taken from the people around us, making it all the more compelling.” — Harvey Schachter, The Globe & Mail

“When it comes to distraction, Hallowell knows his business.” — HR Professional magazine

Many workers will recognize themselves in Hallowell’s descriptions and will be game to try his solutions.” — BizEd magazine

“Hallowell has sensible advice, and infuses his narrative style with deep knowledge and medical rigour.” — The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

“… the book provides an easy-to-follow recipe for teaching yourself to focus in the midst of the workplace chaos.” — Inc.com

ADVANCE PRAISE for Driven to Distraction at Work:

Jeffrey F. Rayport, faculty, Harvard Business School; strategic adviser; and investor—
“Driven to Distraction at Work is an essential survival guide to life in the modern world.”

Larry Weber, Chairman and CEO, Racepoint Global; founder, Weber Shandwick; and bestselling author, Marketing to the Social Web—
“Dr. Hallowell’s stunning new book takes the maze of distraction at work away forever!”

Dan L. Monroe, Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO, Peabody Essex Museum—
“If you feel like you never have time to do the things you want or, for that matter, to even think about the things you might want—get this book.”

Marie Brenner, author, Apples and Oranges; writer-at-large, Vanity Fair—
“A must-read for any and all of us who cherish our ability to connect deeply with others as well as to think.”

Ellen Miley Perry, author, A Wealth of Possibilities; founder, Wealthbridge Partners—
“This book provides explanations, antidotes, and solutions so important that it should be required reading for everyone.”

Suzy Welch, New York Times bestselling author, 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea—
“Read this book and regain the focus you’ve inadvertently given away.”

Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO, AOL—
“Productivity is the long-term strategic advantage in today’s world, and Dr. Hallowell clearly defines the road map to that advantage—getting things done.”

About the Author

EDWARD M. HALLOWELL, MD, runs the Hallowell Centers in Sudbury, Massachusetts, New York City, and San Francisco, all specializing in training attention in people of all ages. He lives in the Boston area with his wife, Sue. Visit his website at drhallowell.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard Business Review Press; 1st edition (January 6, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1422186415
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1422186411
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 235 ratings

About the author

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Edward M. Hallowell

Edward M. Hallowell

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Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D. is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and world authority on ADHD. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Tulane Medical School, and was a Harvard Medical School faculty member for 21 years. He is the Founder of The Hallowell ADHD Centers in Boston MetroWest, New York City, San Francisco, Palo Alto and Seattle.

He has spent the past four decades helping thousands of adults and children live happy and productive lives through his strength-based approach to neurodiversity, and has ADHD and dyslexia himself.

Dr Hallowell is a New York Times bestselling author and has written 20 books on multiple psychological topics. The groundbreaking Distraction series, which began with Driven to Distraction, co-authored with Dr John Ratey in 1994, sparked a revolution in understanding of ADHD.

Having successfully managed both ADHD and dyslexia himself, he has famously said, “I don’t treat disabilities; I help unwrap gift!” When “disabilities” are seen instead by their mirror traits, these attributes can be channeled toward turbo-charged success. His Hallowell Centers offer comprehensive mental health diagnostic and treatment services to patients and their families.

Dr. Hallowell is the host of his new podcast called Dr. Hallowell’s Wonderful World of different where he celebrates the world of different in its many and varied forms. In celebrating the many differences that adorn humanity, he hopes to break down barriers of stigma and misunderstanding and show how all of us benefit from the differences between us.

Dr Hallowell has been featured on 20/20, 60 Minutes, Oprah, PBS, CNN, The Today Show, Dateline, Good Morning America, The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Time Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe and many more. He is a regular columnist for ADDitude Magazine.

Dr. Hallowell’s practices his trademark strength-based approach and always comes across as genuine, humorous, transparent and passionate whether he is practicing working with clients in the Hallowell Centers or addressing a wide range of topics in his writings and public appearances.

He's married to Sue Hallowell and they have 3 children.

He loves to hear from readers. You can visit his website at www.drhallowell.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
235 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book extremely insightful, describing it as the best and most influential on the subject. They appreciate its readability, with one customer noting it's a must-read for leaders and entrepreneurs.

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17 customers mention "Insight"15 positive2 negative

Customers find the book extremely insightful, describing it as the best and most influential work on the subject, with one customer noting its relatable case studies.

"...of his patient/clients, Dr. Hallowell's book is full of both fascinating insights and practical steps you can implement immediately all delivered in..." Read more

"...He gives good tips and frameworks in the book, but in some respects I wished that I'd bought the physical book so I could have tabbed various pages..." Read more

"...This is still the best most information influential book on the subject by two psychiatrists who also have ADHD. Buy it!" Read more

"...enjoyed the sharing of real practical situations .The sharing of ideas to confront the issues .Through these practical examples we find what we can..." Read more

15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and worth their time, with one customer noting it's a must-read for leaders and entrepreneurs.

"...Oblivious to both authority and danger." are delightfully apt. You will enjoy and value this timely book." Read more

"It was an interesting read that I actually finished so that must mean something :)..." Read more

"...A great book by one of the leading experts on ADHD in adults." Read more

"Good book, it offers a different perspective on what we consider ADHD. I learned a few things about myself I had overlooked or was just not aware of." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • KWM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, Practical and Unexpectedly Well Written; This is an Amazing Read.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A wide ranging blend of both state of the art research as well as the experiences of thousands of his patient/clients, Dr. Hallowell's book is full of both fascinating insights and practical steps you can implement immediately all delivered in a surprisingly well written and literate style. His turn of a phrase such as, "...an attention wandering like a three year old at a picnic. Oblivious to both authority and danger." are delightfully apt. You will enjoy and value this timely book.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • W. Walker
    4.0 out of 5 stars A critical topic for modern office workers/leaders
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    At first I didn't like the book because it talked a lot about case studies of people with issues. However, after getting through the early part of the book I saw the validity of the author's approach. He gives good tips and frameworks in the book, but in some respects I wished that I'd bought the physical book so I could have tabbed various pages...would be nice if Amazon would let us add named bookmarks so jumping back to find areas in a long e-book was easier!
    14 people found this helpful
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  • McTaz
    5.0 out of 5 stars The very best book I have ever read on this topic.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    When you determine that 'focus' might be an area in your life that could use some help - This is the book to read. The clear, concise and actionable ideas offered to help with given problems were (are) extremely helpful. Note: take the assessment offered early on in the book as it will help direct you to its more personally relavent portions (which for me helped immensely - not having to fight through the portions that did not apply as much). Mr. Hallowell's passion for and dedication to his chosen area of focus is abundantly obvious and sincerely appreciated.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Elizabeth
    3.0 out of 5 stars Stating the Obvious
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Do self help books ever really help? I think rarely - yet still sometimes I get sucked in. It is just so hard to put anything one reads into practice. It probably just isn't the right format. I thought the CrazyBusy app mentioned in the book might be helpful but unfortunately, it is not available on Android. Some of the links in the book did not work either, but that is typical for internet references - they often don't persist.
    Even though the book states the obvious - it certainly can't hurt to be reminded to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat right, for example, Have goals and stick to them. Maintain social connections. Etc. I think the main thing I need to do is turn off my phone when I need to get something done. Turn It Off (TIO). And yes, the book mentioned that.
    31 people found this helpful
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  • Gary B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best of its kind
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first book I read when I found out my teenage son had ADHD. This is still the best most information influential book on the subject by two psychiatrists who also have ADHD. Buy it!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Pankaj
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Stuff; nothing earth shattering
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    It was an interesting read that I actually finished so that must mean something :) It is comforting to know many people deal with similar issues so I would recommend the book on that alone. I think it os easy to get down on yourself as "undisciplined" or "lazy" when you deal with ADHD or even ADT but it is good to know we can do things to set ourselves up for success and identify those things that are bringing us down.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • A H Geen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Passion ,the tools to unlocking it
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the sharing of real practical situations .The sharing of ideas to confront the issues .Through these practical examples we find what we can relate to.I think the journey for mastering our minds is revealed and even if this is the first or last book of its kind.We each will be getter off having read it.
    Helpful
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  • Jack Aude
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great book by one of the leading experts on ADHD ...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was hoping for more day-to-day strategies and coping skills for dealing with ADHD at work. A great book by one of the leading experts on ADHD in adults.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Lee-Anne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on January 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Totally describes my life and ways to make it more productive and relaxed.
    Report
  • WenZhu
    5.0 out of 5 stars reading this made me tears in my eye- must read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book for learning as academic book but in the end I read it with tears. Such a wonderful books with useful strategies. Please read the last few pages and the author has shown his real life by using his method and I can see he enjoyed the game he created for himself. To start, I told my husband to just read my highlight but now I just told him to read each page of this book.
    Report
  • Frank Seidel
    3.0 out of 5 stars Plutôt pour les changements à long term
    Reviewed in France on February 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Je pense que je ne suis pas le seul à espérer de trouver des solutions très rapidement opérationnelles pour être moins distrait au travail en achetant un livre comme "Driven to distraction at work". Cet espoir a été déçu. L'auteur est psychologue et expert pour des troubles comportementaux. Du coup, beaucoup des solutions qu'ils proposent sont basées sur l'analyse psychologique de la personne (traumatisme pendant l'enfance etc.) et ils proposent même la médication dans certains cas.

    Je ne peux m'empêcher de penser que ce soit une vision très américaine et "psy" des choses qui au mieux n'est qu'une partie de la vérité. Et dans le domaine, les livres de Dale Carnegie des années 1930 sont bien plus opérationnels que celui-ci, même s'il n'y a pas de chapitre sur l'abus d'Internet et d'appareils électroniques.

    Je reste à la recherche d'un livre qui offre des propositions de solution moins psy, plus opérationnelles. Peut-être ce livre sera un bon complément, mais seul il ne me motive pas de mettre en œuvre les solutions proposées.
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  • Luca
    3.0 out of 5 stars Alcuni spunti interessanti
    Reviewed in Italy on June 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Per cominciare può anche andare bene, è un manuale di self-help che affronta l'argomento da diversi punti di vista e propone alcuni suggerimenti interessanti. Ma, certo, niente di più.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in India on October 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Good book to read. But bit expensive
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