Hello~~ 😸, in this article, I want to discuss on the topic of focus - what it really means and how to practice the art of focus. I'll be sharing a personal story too so warning: long read.
What it Means to be Focused
Here we are, in the 1st month of 2025. I have been super busy in previous months, not really because of work, but because of the things I am doing without any direction. And so, this month I've decided to step back and reflect why was I so busy and that I never had time to do the things I needed and wanted to do. And the conclusion was simple: I was not focused.
What is Focus
You may think that being focused looks like this:
And while that's not wrong, it is just the day-to-day kind of focus that lets us do some productive work. But there is, in fact, a higher-level and more big picture definition of focus. We all have the same number of hours in a week. The difference is how we use them.
Struggling to Say No: Personal Experience
People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.
I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying ‘no’ to 1,000 things. - Steve Jobs
At work, when they announced an event that everyone has a chance to show their technical innovative skills and ideas, I was so excited because I knew that it would be another opportunity to learn and make another idea come to life. Then, I started an all nighter doing a lot of planning, drafts and research. I thought I will enjoy that and it is possible, and most ridiculously, I thought that was focus.
But saying no was not easy, because my ideals conflict with my reality (i.e. what I want to do vs. what I actually can do). The gap between these 2 makes me rationalize back and forth.
On one side, my brain goes:
This is a brand new opportunity and I don't want to waste this. I will participate and build an awesome tool. If I work harder and
focuson it, I will definitely finish this easily.
On the other:
Can I really do this? Because, I will have to sacrifice my little time to rest. I really shouldn't push myself too hard.
Hidden Cost of Yes
While yes is easy to say, it’s hard to live. More than a decision, saying yes creates an obligation.
Saying yes to a project or a request commits you to something that’s often larger than you think. And things you say yes to, have a habit of growing.
Saying yes to a request feels good in the moment. We want to be the type of person that helps someone. But saying yes carries a cost. One that’s often paid in the days, weeks, or even years in the future. What starts as a single request becomes a weekly one. A small project becomes a large one.
While saying yes consume time, saying no creates time.
Practicing Focus
1. Have a Plan 📓
Having a plan allows you to move in a directed way. Everything you do aim for a purpose you've set. Learn to prioritize your tasks. One way of prioritizing effectively is to writing your plan. It's also much effective if you write how frequent you do them and how long it typically takes to do.
Next, is saying no to the activities or tasks that you can afford to let go by reducing its frequency. It may be difficult to let go some activities but it really helps.
The strategy is to stick to a small number but high-priority commitments while doing the rest occasionally. This is one way to stay focused.
2. Simplify everything ☺️
When you start on an activity, do you need to prepare a lot of things? For example, if you are going to read a book, do you struggle to choose and finish one? Do you have an urge to adjust multiple lights and find a comfy location? Chances are, that's because you are not really focused on reading and are struggling with having a short attention span.
One way to improve your attention span is to eliminate distractions as well as simplify and limit all the things from the beginning. Relating from the example above, you can simplify the process by eliminating unecessary actions. You can limit your book choices to one at a time and setup a reading corner at your room.
And because you've made a conscious decision to put a single book in the reading corner beforehand, that must be a book that you want to focus on completing. So there will be less impulsive "I think I'll read this book today instead" moments, and you'll stay on track with your reading goals.
You can apply this simplification mindset to any type of activity. Be creative in simplifying processes and coming up with solutions to reduce choices. That's how you can train your problem-solving skills too!
3. Continuously Evaluate Yourself 🙆♂️
If you are always busy doing your productive activities day-to-day, it is easy to slowly lose sight on your goals, and you might even forget why you are doing the activity in the first place. Hence, a key habit to stay focused is to continuously evaluate and reflect on yourself.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What are your goals?
- Does your activities contributes to your desired goals?
- How does this activity affect your life?
- How can you improve your daily repetitive activities?
- Do you think of any innovative ideas that can help you manage your activities effectively?
- What are the next step you should take to reach your goals?
Your personal goals will always change as you enter different phases of life. Continuously assessing and reflecting on yourself is like refactoring and updating code. It is for sustainability and efficiency in the long run.
#Oh, before I forgot, I want to share something from the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically, to say "no" to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside.
At the end of the day, you can do anything, but not everything. And, always remember that Focus and Discipline matters.
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🐺 Happy learning!