New Habits for Better Focus

Are you struggling to maintain focus and productivity throughout your workday? If so, you're not alone. Many of us face the challenge of staying on task amidst a constant stream of distractions. 

As someone with a naturally quick-thinking brain and a previous head injury, I've spent years grappling with the challenge of keeping my mind sharp and focused. Despite my efforts, I found myself hitting a mental wall around 1pm. It wasn't physical fatigue but rather mental exhaustion that hindered my ability to concentrate and produce quality work.

Research shows that our brains are constantly processing information, making decisions, and navigating through countless thoughts and tasks. The energy expended by our brains throughout the day accumulates and eventually leads to fatigue. I began noticing a pattern in my behavior: around 1pm, I would instinctively seek out distractions—scrolling through my phone, taking unnecessary breaks, or engaging in low-cognitive tasks—anything to escape the mental strain of focused work. I became aware that I was distracting myself.

Recognizing these habits was the first step towards finding a solution. I delved into understanding why I was experiencing this midday slump and what I could do to break free from it. One key realization was the need to prioritize deep, focused work over the multitude of small tasks that cluttered my mornings.

So, I made a bold decision: I started waking up at 4:30 in the morning. Yes, it sounded crazy at first, even to me. But the quietude of the early hours offered an ideal environment for undisturbed concentration. By tackling my most demanding projects first thing in the morning, I eliminated distractions and maximized my cognitive resources.

Adopting this new routine wasn't easy. It required discipline and a willingness to challenge conventional notions of workday structure. Yet, the results were undeniable. With my most important tasks completed by the time others were just starting their day, I felt a sense of accomplishment and clarity that carried me through the remainder of the day.

Moreover, aligning my schedule with my core values—such as prioritizing family time and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—empowered me to create a day that felt meaningful and purposeful.

Doing this showed me that I needed to shift my perspective, to challenge old habits and be motivated enough to want to do things differently.

In embracing this new habit, I reclaimed control over my time, energy, and attention. By proactively shaping my day to align with my priorities and leveraging the quiet hours of the morning for focused work, I've experienced a profound improvement in my productivity and overall well-being.

So, if you find yourself struggling to stay focused or falling victim to the distractions of modern life, I encourage you to explore alternative approaches. Whether it's adjusting your morning routine, reorganizing your workspace, or simply being more mindful of how you allocate your time, small changes can yield significant results.

Remember, you have the power to choose how you use your time and energy. 

To learn more I cover this in detail over at my Podcast “Distracted” New habits for better focus.