Finding Focus

Leo Babauta says focus starts with stepping back from the browser and phone and asking what matters most right now. If there are several things to do, pick one and subtract the rest.

Once the choice is clear, clear the workspace too: bookmark tabs, close the browser or unused tabs, and shut programs you do not need. Then stay with the task, notice the urge to check something without acting on it, work for 10 minutes, give yourself a short reward, and repeat.

Reading notes

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• Step back from the browser and phone to make space to think.
• Ask what you really want to do right now, what is most important, and what kind of person you want to be.
• If you have several tasks, pick one and subtract the rest.
• Bookmark open tabs, close what you do not need, and keep only the window or tab required for the task.
• Work on the chosen task without letting yourself be distracted.
• When the urge to check something appears, notice it and do not act on it.
• Work for 10 minutes, or for as long as feels slightly uncomfortable.
• After that, take a short walk, stretch, check the thing for 5 minutes, meditate, read, or have tea.
• Then return to the task and repeat.