You’re Doing Focus Wrong

There’s an Easier Way To Focus Than Using Self-Control and Willpower

Most people try employ focus to get something done.

Most people do it wrong.

Most people use self-control and willpower to focus.
To block out distractions and do the work they need to do.

This approach won’t work for long

Because self-control and willpower are limited resources.
And when the thing that fuels your focus (willpower) runs out, so does your focus.

It means distraction WILL rush back and consume you—eventually.

That’s not the only thing that suffers

Because you used up all your willpower and self-control on focus, you have none left for anything else.

You can’t say no to cookies, your fifth beer, or to porn.
And you can’t say yes to broccoli, a workout, or going to bed early.

All of which make focusing (when you regain some willpower) more difficult.

There’s a better (right) way to focus

Instead of seeing focus as something you do, see it as something that happens automatically when certain conditions are met.

See focus as the result of an equation.

Here’s the equation (it’s really simple):

Work minus distractions = focus

Focus is what happens automatically when you remove distractions.

Without distractions you won’t need to use willpower to focus—it will be all you can do (besides daydreaming, or just not working).

So, instead of using willpower to focus, use your willpower to remove distractions.

Creating a focus system

Turn your phone off.
Go somewhere that’s quiet.
Disconnect from the internet.
Close your tabs.
Close your apps.
Put your headphones on.
Turn on the brown noise.

Use your limited willpower to remove distractions.