Focus, Attention, & Creativity

If you've ever had trouble maintaining your focus then I recommend picking up a copy of Johann Hari's book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again (2022). You could also listen to Hari's interview with Dr. Rangan Chattergee on his podcast, Feel Better Live More (my favorite podcast series).

Two quick tips for gaining more focus right now:

• put your phone on airplane mode
• turn your phone screen-side down or place it in another room

These two simple actions will allow you to dive deeper into your work without having the dings and flashes of light, color, & movement from your phone pulling your attention away from the project/activity you want to capture your focus. Until you do have time to read/listen, I've listed  a few highlights from the text for you to consider.

1. How many of the nine qualities needed for deep focus are currently part of your everyday life?
2. What is the #1 thing you need to protect your attention from right now?

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Focus Needs

time for play
ability to enter into a state of flow
ability to engage in sustained reading
meaningful activity
time for mind wandering
quality deep sleep
nutritious food
daily movement
​feeling a sense of safety

Focus Needs Protection From

too much speed
too much switching
multiple stimuli
addictive/intrusive technology
stress
exhaustion
processed food
​polluted air