Ideas on How to Focus

A lot of people can get distracted very easily. You might even be one of those people. I certainly was, but I developed a few methods over time to help me, some deliberately, some even automatically. In this article, I share these methods, along with why it’s important to focus, and a few examples to give you ideas.

So, what are the benefits of focusing? To really understand that, let’s look at some famous investors, entrepreneurs, and gymnasts whose focusing strategies helped them immensely.

First, there’s Steve Jobs, the creator of Apple. He was known for his intense focus and ability to concentrate for long periods of time. He would spend hours in deep thought, without any distractions. This allowed him to develop his innovative ideas, such as Apple, and transform the technology industry. One of his focusing strategies was to simplify his life and minimize distractions. He wore the same outfit every day, ate the same foods, and limited his possessions to reduce the need to make decisions he didn’t necessarily need to make, and increase his ability to focus on his work.

Another great example is Elon Musk. He also achieved immense success thanks to his ability to focus on his goals. He has a reputation for working long hours and dedicating himself fully to his projects. One of his focusing strategies is to break down large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This allows him to focus on one task at a time and make progress towards his larger goals, such as his famous objective of colonizing Mars.

Next, there’s Simone Biles. She’s an Olympic gymnast who has won multiple gold medals. Her success is thanks in part to her ability to focus under pressure. She’s developed a routine that allows her to stay calm and focused during competitions. One of her focusing strategies is to visualize her routines before performing them. This allows her to mentally prepare for the competition and focus on her movements during the routine.

Last but not least, let’s consider the strategies and success of Warren Buffett. He’s a successful investor who has achieved great wealth through his focus and discipline. He has a reputation for being a patient investor who carefully analyzes his investments before making decisions. One of his focusing strategies is to limit his exposure to distractions. He has a simple office with no computer and limits his use of technology to avoid distractions. This allows him to focus on his research and make well-informed investment decisions.

These are all famous, successful people whose focusing strategies helped them reach the point of fame and immense wealth. Even if they only took tiny, almost unnoticeable measures to help them focus!

And with focusing strategies of your own, you might eventually be wealthy and famous too!

So, obviously focusing is an awesome skill to have, but how can you focus?

Audiobooks are great for beginners. You may have tried this, and realized that it is hard to focus while listening to a story, and that can be the case for many people. But if you haven't tried it out, I suggest you do. It’s really helpful if you are doing boring, mindless chores such as cleaning your bathroom, or washing the dishes. (I may or may not be listening to an audiobook as I write this!).

Another great strategy is having company. My mom keeps me company while I do my bathroom, and it keeps me focused and energized.

You might also want to take breaks. Over stretches of time, usually around 25 minutes, your concentration might begin to waver. Taking breaks after working hard can be the equivalent of taking deep breaths after exercising. It can steady your concentration, and eventually you will be willing to continue your work.

You can also give yourself rewards after you finish milestones. For example, if you were working on your math, once you have completed a lesson, you give yourself a reward, whether a break, a snack, or even working on something more fun.

There are many other different types of focusing strategies, but there is one more strategy that I’d like to mention. It's called accountability, and it’s basically where other people know what you’re going to do in a certain amount of time, and that you will tell them what you accomplished at the end of that time. That will likely make you want to work on what you told them you would do, so you wouldn’t have to tell them that you did nothing after the time is up.

Like I said, there are many excellent focusing strategies you can try, too many to list, but here are some of the most successful strategies:

• Prioritizing tasks: By prioritizing tasks, you can focus on the most important tasks first and avoid getting distracted by less important tasks. This is a strategy you might want to try if you haven't tried focusing strategies before.

• Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces: By breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, you can focus on completing each piece one at a time, instead of feeling overwhelmed by a large project. This is another strategy you might want to try if you’re a beginner.

• Minimizing distractions: Minimizing distractions can help you maintain focus on the task at hand. This can include turning off notifications on your phone or computer, closing your office door, or working in a quiet environment.

• Pomodoro Technique: This is a time management technique that involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. After four "pomodoros," you take a longer break. This technique can help you maintain focus by providing regular breaks and preventing burnout. This is a strategy I would recommend if you are already utilizing focusing strategies, but aren't an expert.

• Time Blocking: This involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities. For example, you might schedule a block of time for email, another for meetings, and another for focused work. By scheduling your time in this way, you can help ensure that you're making progress on your most important tasks and avoiding distractions. This is another one I would recommend if you’re already using focusing strategies.

• Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the moment. By practicing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, you can improve your ability to focus and avoid getting distracted. If you're an expert on focusing strategies, I would suggest this one.

• Taking breaks: Taking breaks can help you recharge and refocus. This can include taking a walk outside, stretching, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and clear your mind.

• Establishing a routine: Establishing a routine can help you develop good habits and avoid distractions. This can include setting specific times for work, exercise, and relaxation.

• Visualizing success: Visualizing success can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. By imagining yourself successfully completing a task or project, you can increase your confidence and improve your ability to focus.

• Mental Rehearsal: Mental rehearsal involves visualizing yourself successfully completing a task or activity. This can be a powerful way to improve focus and performance, as it helps to build confidence and reduce anxiety. For experts at focusing, mental rehearsal can be a way to fine-tune their skills and performance by simulating real-world scenarios in their mind. I would also suggest this to an expert on focusing strategies.

All of these are great strategies, for beginners and experts alike. With these strategies, I’m 99.9% sure that you will have no problem focusing!

(Note: Focusing strategies might not always work out for you! Just keep trying different strategies until you find one that works. Don’t be disheartened!)

I’ve given you the actual strategies, but how are those strategies applied in real life? Here’s four examples if you need context or ideas:

• My Keeper of the Lost Cities audiobook: I’ve recently began listening to an audiobook on my iPad, for each of the Keeper of the Lost Cities books (Keeper of the Lost Cities, Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, Lodestar, Nightfall, Flashback, Legacy, Unlocked, and Stellerlune) I’m currently on Everblaze, having sped through Exile in a few days. That clearly speaks for how much I’ve been using this audiobook!

• Mom’s company and help while I’m cleaning my bathroom: Cleaning my bathroom is not my favorite chore. But with my mom’s help and company, it makes it slightly more bearable.

• FOCUSfriends: This is a strategy and club I created that is based on the company Focusmate. It uses the strategy of accountability.

Focusing is incredibly important, for everyone. If you can learn to focus, you can do a lot more things you, right now, think you might not be able to do!

(But if you are already focusing, I would love to learn new ways to focus. Here’s a form that I would appreciate you filling out if you know other ways to focus: Form)

Resources:

How to Get Your Brain to Focus | Chris Bailey | TEDxManchester

ChatGPT

My own experience

Summary of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People