Unlocking Productive Focus: 7 Unusual Techniques That Work
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Focus
As a child, I always dreamed of having a superpower. It wasn't until later that I recognized I possessed a unique ability: the capacity for deep concentration. This skill has served me well, whether it’s avoiding distractions during a binge-worthy show or finding calm amid the chaos of an airport. My experience as a competitive chess player—where I became a ten-time Norwegian chess champion and participated in the Chess Olympics—has shaped my ability to focus. However, maintaining that focus is an ongoing struggle, a daily battle between my wandering thoughts and the need for self-discipline.
To enhance my concentration, I've adopted several practices:
Use a Mantra
I often engage in silent self-coaching during challenging tasks. Repeating affirmations like, "I aspire to be the type of person who accomplishes tasks without excuses. Now is the moment for me to focus," helps steer my mindset. Another reminder I use is, "If I don’t tackle this now, it will only need to be done later."
Maintain Visual Focus
In my youth, I wore a cap during chess tournaments to block out visual distractions. I would concentrate intensely, even creating a makeshift tunnel with my hands to focus on the chessboard. This technique often leads to clarity. According to Dr. Emily Balcetis from NYU, directing your visual attention to a specific point can help activate a blend of neurochemicals that enhance focus.
Boost Adrenaline Levels
After indulging in a heavy lunch, like a large bowl of spaghetti, my energy can plummet. To counteract this, I employ techniques such as cyclic breathing to elevate my adrenaline levels, as highlighted by Andrew Huberman, a professor at Stanford. Caffeine can also be helpful, but I typically avoid it in the late afternoon. Reminding myself of the task's urgency can also reignite my motivation. In chess, I often thought about the stakes involved to keep my adrenaline pumping.
Start with Simple Questions
When I lose focus during a game, I ask myself foundational questions: "What does the pawn structure reveal?" or "What potential threats should I be aware of?" This strategy serves as a gentle nudge to refocus on the task. Barbara Oakley, creator of the popular online course "Learning How to Learn," advocates for the Pomodoro technique to overcome procrastination. By shifting our mindset from contemplating a task to actively engaging with it, we often find the initial resistance fades.
Note Down Distracting Thoughts
Distractions often emerge when I'm trying to concentrate. If I find myself preoccupied with a task I need to remember later, jotting it down in a dedicated inbox allows me to clear my mind and return to it later without the fear of forgetting.
Simplify Tasks
I avoid complex tasks by breaking them down into smaller, manageable components. For instance, when writing this article, I began by brainstorming ideas without filtering them, then selecting the most relevant ones, and finally expanding on them. This approach helps maintain my flow and reduces the overwhelm of starting from scratch.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
It's crucial to remember that one focused hour is often more valuable than five distracted ones. If I'm sleep-deprived or facing personal issues, pushing through work can lead to diminishing returns. I find that I am much more productive after a good night's sleep, and I ensure my workspace is organized and free from distractions before diving into work.
How can you begin to implement these strategies?
- Discover mantras that resonate with you.
- Activate adrenaline to stay alert when fatigue strikes.
- Focus visually on the task at hand.
- Record distracting thoughts to address later.
- Deconstruct complex tasks into simpler ones.
- Pose foundational questions to ease into your work.
If these strategies fall short, it might be time to reassess your sleep habits and create a distraction-free environment.
The first video titled "17 Unconventional Ways to be More Productive - Ali Abdaal | Pt 1" offers unique insights into enhancing productivity through unconventional methods.
Chapter 2: Additional Insights
The second video, "8 UNCONVENTIONAL Self Help Tips that ACTUALLY Work," shares practical self-help strategies that can significantly improve your daily life and productivity.