How To Focus
(5 Min Read) A 3 step framework for high performers to focus on demand
Being able to focus is hard and impossible in our current social media environment. So today, let's tackle focus. In this post, we'll talk about why we should focus, why we can't, how to focus, and how to practice focusing so we can get to focus when needed.
Before we dive in, I want to define what focus is
Focus is our ability to say YES to the single most important and urgent task at hand and NO to everything else.
A high performer's superpower is their ability to focus on the most critical task at that time. Multitasking is their kryptonite.
Why We Need to Focus
If you want to get anything done, you must focus on doing that. There is no alternative.
Focus differentiates people who say they will get things done from those who actually do. We want to be the latter, so we must focus.
Every high performer with sustainable performance is hyper-focused.
If we want to be a high performer, we have to be able to focus. So then the question is
Why we can't focus?
Most of us struggle to focus because of three main reasons:
Our mind is focused on too many things and is too distracted
Our mind is focused on past or future tasks and not on the current task
Don't have enough time or the right environment to focus
The good news is that all of these three reasons are addressable. Let's see how.
How to focus
All of us have experienced a state of flow or focus. We need to figure out how to get into that state of focus at will. It is easy, but it takes practice. Here is my simple three-step process that you can do to focus:
Step 1: Remove distractions: One exercise I use to tame my distracted brain is called brain dump, where I take out my notebook and write down all the tasks I have to do. And when I say all the tasks, I mean everything. And I don't stop until I can't write any more tasks. It doesn't matter how small the task is. It can be taking out the trash or returning stuff for Amazon. But every task has to be written down. To write them down, I don't use any web or mobile app (more on that in a separate post). I use a small notebook and write down every task. This allows me to remove all the tasks from which my brain can get distracted. Getting all tasks are on paper helps me free up my brain as I know I can return to these tasks when needed.
Step 2: Find the single task to focus on: Once I have all the tasks written down, I assign priority to them to find the task I need to focus on. Sometimes, I use Eisenhower 2x2 metrics, but other times, I pick from the top items I wrote down on the paper in Step 1. The most important task is always at the top of my mind; writing them down automatically sets the priority.
Step 3: Create time for the task and the right environment. Let's address these separately.
Making time: We know that if we have to get something done, we must make time for it. The biggest challenge is having too many tasks with too little time. After prioritizing in step 2, I create a time block on the calendar for the single task and then focus on that task during that time. This addresses the time problem.
Creating an environment: Some people can focus in a Starbucks cafe, others in a library, or many in the office. Finding the right environment is critical as it helps with getting into a state of focus fast and consistently. I have discussed how to do that in earlier posts on three work areas.
I use this three-step framework every time I need to focus. If you have any questions, ask in the comments.
Now, this may seem like a lot of work to be able to focus on, and honestly, it is. But this is what separates a good performer from a great performer.
There is something else we need to do in addition to above framework. We must practice focussing every single day and then multiple times a day.
Practicing Focus
A high performer cannot focus once but can focus whenever necessary.
To do that consistently, we have to practice focussing. Being able to focus is a skill; like every other skill, we get better at it with practice.
Practice focussing every day. Use the 3-step process discussed above every time you practice focussing. With every iteration, it gets easier. Feel free to tweak the process to meet your specific needs. Before you do that, follow the above process to the tee and then tweak it if needed.
If you like the above post, you may also like: