Dr. Zelana Montminy’s Finding Focus is not revolutionary in its content—but it’s incredibly useful in its structure. What sets this book apart is the clarity and practicality of its 21-day plan, which offers a grounded and holistic approach to reclaiming attention in a world increasingly designed to fragment it. Montminy doesn’t limit her guidance to mental strategies alone. She considers the full picture—nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and time in nature all play a role in building our “focus muscle.” Her advice to stretch your concentration like a muscle and build endurance over time is one I’ll carry forward—and it’s one I believe will resonate deeply with both teachers and students alike. What’s particularly helpful is her emphasis on aligning daily tasks with long-term vision and values. Instead of simply writing to-do lists, Montminy encourages readers to write lists that reflect priorities—then evaluate them using the 80/20 rule. This mindset shift can powerfully transform the way we work. Other practical tips include using Pomodoro timers, doing brain games off your devices, meditating, working on memorization, and setting boundaries. She also champions classic tools like naps, nature, and active listening—not just for brain health, but for human connection. Her reminder that multitasking doesn’t work, and that self-control improves with practice, feels both timely and timeless. A key quote that anchors the book is John Dewey’s: “We don’t learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” That spirit of mindful reflection is woven throughout. As a teacher, I found this book highly relevant. I plan to use it myself, share it with colleagues as part of professional development, and recommend it to my psychology students. While the material may not be groundbreaking, the organization and accessibility of Montminy’s plan make Finding Focus an excellent guide for anyone serious about regaining their attention—and their creativity.

A wonderful read!
Very helpful. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Finding Focus" is an insightful and practical guide that addresses the increasingly common struggle of maintaining focus and attention in our modern, distraction-filled world. Author Zelana Montminy draws upon her expertise in psychology and neuroscience to offer a wealth of strategies and techniques for improving concentration, productivity, and overall mental well-being.

While it serves as an excellent companion to Johann Hari's "Stealing Focus," "Finding Focus" stands out for its actionable advice and accessible writing style. Montminy skillfully navigates complex scientific concepts, translating them into relatable and easily applicable tools for readers looking to enhance their ability to focus and thrive in a world saturated with distractions.

Whether you're a student seeking to improve your study habits, a professional striving for better work-life balance, or simply someone looking to regain control over your attention, "Finding Focus" is an invaluable resource that delivers on its promise to help you cultivate a sharper, more resilient mind.

A solid overview of various helpful strategies for finding focus for the casual reader seeking advice. While I would prefer a more evidence-based book, Finding Focus is ideal for the novice.

This is one book that is right on target in what it takes to really get a handle on our brains and what we do with our capacity to think. Want clarity? Check out this book.

Easy-to-follow tips when you need to slow down and focus. An excellent book for students of all ages, but especially university students!

This was a great book that was easy to follow! It had great tips in it. It gives tips on how to silence your brain, how to regain your focus, and how to rediscover yourself. If you feel like your mind is always going a 100 miles per hour I would highly suggest reading this.