Honest review of Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus

by Joseph McCormack (Author)

Updated at: 10/02/2025

In today's hyper-connected world, maintaining focus is a constant battle. Joseph McCormack's Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus offers a lifeline for overwhelmed managers and leaders. Building on his previous success with Brief, McCormack provides practical techniques to combat the constant barrage of distractions from technology and information overload. He reveals how to sharpen your own focus and help your team do the same, drawing on real-world examples from organizations like Harley-Davidson and the US Army. Learn to identify and mitigate "weapons of mass distraction," harness technology for improved concentration, and prioritize effectively. This insightful guide empowers you to reclaim your attention and lead with laser-sharp precision in a world constantly vying for it.

4.6 / 79 ratings

Review Noise

"Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus" resonated with me on a deeply personal level, and I suspect it will do the same for many others struggling in our increasingly distracting world. Joseph McCormack doesn't just identify the problem – the overwhelming cacophony of notifications, information, and demands on our attention – but offers practical, immediately applicable solutions. Unlike many books on digital minimalism or detoxing, McCormack acknowledges the realities of modern life: we can't simply unplug for weeks on end. We have jobs, families, and responsibilities that require us to be connected. This book bridges that gap.

What I truly appreciated was the book's structure. The short, concise chapters, often broken down further into digestible segments with helpful illustrations, are perfectly suited to our shrinking attention spans. This isn't a preachy lecture; it's a friendly conversation, acknowledging the challenges and offering realistic pathways forward. The inclusion of links to footnotes, easily accessible for further research, adds a layer of academic rigor without bogging down the reading experience. It's clear McCormack did his homework, backing up his suggestions with research and real-world examples from organizations like Harley-Davidson and the US Army. These examples ground the advice, making it feel less abstract and more applicable to everyday life.

The book's focus on actionable strategies is its greatest strength. McCormack doesn't simply diagnose the problem; he prescribes tangible solutions. These aren't radical life changes; they are small, incremental adjustments that can be implemented immediately and yield noticeable results. For example, the suggestions for managing email, scheduling focused work periods, and creating intentional quiet time are straightforward and easy to integrate into a busy schedule. The emphasis on cultivating mindful awareness and prioritizing tasks is equally valuable, offering long-term strategies for sustainable focus.

While some might argue for a more prescriptive, step-by-step approach reminiscent of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," I found the book's flexible framework to be more empowering. It provides a toolkit of techniques, allowing readers to select and adapt what works best for their individual needs and context. The book isn't a rigid formula; it's a guide to help you navigate the noise and reclaim your attention.

One aspect that particularly stood out was the exploration of how technology, while often a source of distraction, can also be a powerful tool for enhancing focus when used strategically. McCormack doesn't demonize technology; he helps you harness its potential to streamline your workflow and minimize interruptions. This nuanced perspective is refreshing and crucial in our increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, "Noise" is not just another self-help book; it's a vital guide for navigating the challenges of modern life. It's a practical, insightful, and engaging read that empowers you to regain control of your attention and live a more focused, intentional, and ultimately, more fulfilling life. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and distractions in today's world – whether you're a manager, a leader, a parent, or simply someone striving for greater focus and clarity.