Focus is the most important skill.
Everyone and everything fights for your attention.
Finding focus is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
It’s your duty to focus on what matters to you.
If you don’t fulfill this duty, you won’t achieve your goals.
Focus is like channeling your energy toward your goals.
The same energy concentrated to a point is more worth than energy spread around.
Without focus, you wander around and won’t make much progress anywhere.
Lately, I struggle to find focus and that made me think, why is that and of course how to regain my focus.
That’s why we will look at focus in this Letter
As humans, we always think about the past to justify the present.
And so did I.
When I think back on my time at university, it was much easier to focus.
Nowadays, I have much more going on a day job, building a SaaS, building my audience, fitness, courses, books, etc. and this means my focus is split.
Sure, at university I also had other stuff going on, but there are some differences, which we will explore.
I was thinking about this with my coach from two perspective:
1) the distinction between how things are having a job and how things were at University
2) how to design things in your life now to make sure you get better “flow” more consistently?
We came up with this
5 steps to creating Flow and thus the ultimate ability to focus
1. Define your bigger, longer-term purpose
2. Set a clear goal of what you want to achieve
3. Define clear steps to reach the goal (+ sub-goals)
4. Set clear deadlines with some accountability (make it measurable to see progress and stay on track)
5. Setting aside dedicated time for the project and committing to it
Keep raising the stakes
— Goal achieved ⇒ set the next one (more bold) ⇒ go to step 1.
By following these steps, you can create flow in your life and achieve anything you set your mind to.
Now let’s look at how this looked at university.
1. Define your bigger, longer-term purpose
I was studying to get a degree in Machine Learning, with the goal of getting a job in that field.
This would also make my parents proud and according to society (and my past self) I would be successful.
2. Set a clear goal of what I want to achieve
I wanted to get good grades and land a job in my field of study.
3. Define clear steps to reach the goal (+ sub-goals)
I needed to attend classes, do the readings, hand in assignments, and write exams.
4. Set clear deadlines with some accountability (make it measurable to see progress and stay on track)
I had class deadlines, assignment deadlines, and exams. Every grade along the way showed me whether I’m on track or not.
I was accountable to university, since a failing grade would mean I failed.
I was also accountable to my parents, because they partly paid my studies.
And of course, I was also accountable to myself.
This might not count, since we tend to not value our own words.
5. Setting aside dedicated time for the project and committing to it
I attended classes, did the readings, did the assignments, studied for exams, etc.
I had devoted almost all my time to study for two reasons.
1) fear of failing in front of family and friends
2) it was my full-time job (most of the time)
As you can see, all these “prerequisites” for being focused were present throughout my studies.
My goal after university was just to build a SaaS.
But this was not enough, I needed to get clear on the 5 steps.
When I got clear on those a few weeks back, my focus increased.
I hope those steps help you also to find focus and achieve a flow state.
Of course, it’s a process and takes time to work through the 5 steps.
That’s why I also want to give you some quick fixes.
Okay, some of them might not be so quick, but they are important.
Remember: You have to master the basics.
How to gain focus again
1. Change your environment
If you’re struggling to focus, take a look at your environment.
Is it cluttered? Is it too bright? Is it too noisy?
All of those things can impact your ability to focus.
2. Change your diet
What you eat can also impact your ability to focus.
If you’re eating foods that are high in sugar or processed carbs, you’re going to crash and have a hard time focusing.
Instead, try eating foods that are high in protein and healthy fats.
3. Get enough sleep
Sleep is crucial for focus.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re going to have a hard time focusing on anything.
4. Take breaks / Set a time
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you focus.
You can try the Pomodore technique, where you set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task for that entire time.
Then you take a 5-minute break.
After 4 of those Pomodore sessions, you take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.
5. Find your focus time
Some people are more productive in the morning, while others are more productive at night.
Find the time of day when you’re able to focus the best, and try to do your most important work during that time.
6. Put away your gadgets, especially your phone
Gadgets can be a big distraction.
7. Stop multitasking
Trying to do too many things at once is a recipe for disaster.
If you want to focus, do one thing at a time and give that task your full attention.
8. Breathing Exercises
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your breathing gets shallow and your heart rate speeds up.
That’s not conducive to focus.
Instead, try some deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body and help you focus.
9. Meditation
Meditation can help you focus by training your attention span
10. Instrumental Music
Listening to instrumental music can help you focus.
These were just a few of the many ways you can improve your focus. Experiment and see what works best for you.
And don’t forget to give yourself a break every once in a while.
If you have any questions or want to chat about focus, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter.
Update on my journey to reach my full potential
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If you want to try it out, just reply to this letter and send me your text/newsletter.
Less is more
This weekend I evaluated all the courses, projects, etc. I do or want to do.
Then I picked a few, and now I’m doubling down on them.
I realized that the gym is more than a gym
My fear of mediocrity (or not reaching my full potential)
I fear that if I take care of myself and accept the way things are, I will lose my drive.
I believe that uncommon results require uncommon behavior.
My obsession to achieve those uncommon results is what drives me.
Sometimes I feel like I want to be unhappy with my current situation, so I can find the discipline to do and to sacrifice whatever it takes.
Philosophy section
Quote of the week
Always remember, your focus determines your reality.
George Lucas
Health tip of the week
Go for a walk
Going for a walk is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
It can also help you clear your head and improve your mood.
Relationships are an integral part of life, I’m happy to connect and learn more about you.
Feel free to reach out on any platform.
Thank you for reading this letter.
I hope it is of value to you.
– Nic
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