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In a culture programmed to be productive, we are constantly hearing and reading about “hacks” and techniques that are intended to help us accomplish things. Yet real concentration and attention are more than temporary solutions. They need deeper cultivation of our mental capacity and another manner of engaging with the world.
Why You Can’t Put Productivity Hacks in a Box
Whereas, many productivity hacks provide temporary fixes but do not fix the root cause of our focus problems. They have focused on external tools and techniques rather than on internal shifts in mindset and habits. While they are helpful in some instances, they can lead to fragmented attentional capacity and the intermittent rallying cry for the next “magic bullet.”
The Neuroscience of Focus
Maintaining true focus is a complex cognitive function that involves coordination by multiple brain regions. There are a number of things that have been impacting:
- Attention Networks: There are multiple networks in the brain that play a role in alertness, orientation, and executive control.
- Neurotransmitters: Important for regulating attention, i.e. dopamine, norepinephrine.
- Brain Waves: Different brain wave patterns are associated with different states of focus and attention
Cultivating True Focus
There is no simple solution to cultivate focus and attention, as it relies on a more holistic response to internal and external factors:
- Training in Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, like meditation, train our attention to remain present and to observe our thoughts without judgment. This enhances our ability to concentrate and minimizes distractibility.
- Deep Work — A term made popular by Cal Newport, focusing on the value of flexibility and correspondingly deep, dedicated work on cognitively inspiring projects. It means reducing distractions and carving out time to fully focus.
- Attention Management: Replacing time management with attention management. Concentrate on purposefully focusing your attention, not just attempting to cram in more to-dos into your day.
- Cognitive Hygiene — As cleaning out the fridge or the garage allows you to see what you need for a balanced diet or home, cognitive hygiene means practices that keep your mind nicely exercised and draw attention to what of your mind can do with a little refresh. This means getting sufficient sleep, reducing stress and searching for activities that challenge cognitive performance.
- Reducing Digital Distractions: Minimize notifications, create tech-free zones, and intentionally use technology to avoid constant interruptions. Even hobbies, such as playing a few bets game, are often much more fun when you put a little passion and intention into them.
- Purpose and Meaning: Our attention increases when we are doing things that are consistent with our values and that feel meaningful.
Not Just Techniques: A Mindset Change
So having real focus isn’t just a matter of new techniques; it’s a change in orientation. It’s about:
- That’s how I show my Intentionality: Focusing on what could be worth my attention, instead of allowing my attention to be Mined / Hijacked by outsiders.
- Practice: It will require practice and repetition to learn.
- Awareness: Noticing your attention habits, and the things that pull your attention.
Wrapping Up
Mastering true focus and attention requires much more than tech productivity hacks. Such comprehensive solution can only be achieved through a holistic approach which tackle with the root causes that govern our overall cognitive health. Through mindfulness, deep work, letting go of distractions, and finding a focused mindset we can sit better, think better and in turn interact with the world around us clearer and with intention.