Daily Highlight Method

Overview

The Daily Highlight is the cornerstone of the Make Time methodology by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. Each day, you proactively choose one activity that will be the highlight of your day.

Three Ways to Choose Your Highlight

Urgency: What's most pressing today? Satisfaction: What will bring the most satisfaction? Joy: What will bring the most joy?

Characteristics of a Good Highlight

• Takes 60-90 minutes
• Single, specific activity
• Something you want to accomplish
• Not just urgent, but also important
• Makes the day feel successful

The Make Time Framework

1. Highlight: Choose your priority 2. Laser: Create focus by beating distraction 3. Energize: Take care of your body and mind 4. Reflect: Adjust and improve your system

Benefits

• Ensures important work gets done
• Provides daily direction and focus
• Creates sense of accomplishment
• Prevents busy but unproductive days
• Reduces stress and overwhelm
• Makes time for what matters

Implementation

Choose Your Highlight:

• Write it down the night before
• Make it specific and concrete
• Schedule protected time for it
• Do it when energy is highest

Protect Your Highlight:

• Block calendar time
• Minimize distractions
• Say no to competing demands
• Complete it before other tasks

Daily Highlight Examples

• Write 500 words on blog post
• Complete project proposal
• Have quality time with family
• Exercise for 30 minutes
• Learn new skill for one hour
• Make progress on passion project