🎯 Work Smart Wednesday

2. 📖 Book I just finished - "Stolen Focus" by Johann Hari

This book was full of so many solid gold insights. It also helped me change my perception of "fault" for distractions. The world is designed to distract you, it isn't your fault. This HONY post sums that idea up well

Top tips from the book:

1. Pre-commit to focus. E.g. locking your phone away with a kSafe, or reducing your app and internet access with the Freedom app.

2. Change the way you think about distraction. Do not chastise yourself or shame yourself into work. Think instead - "What can I do right now that may trigger a flow state for me?". Flow states are triggered by having a clearly defined monotask/goal (ONE thing), that is meaningful to you, and that is at the edge of your ability. 

3. Reduce your social media access. It is designed to be addictive. Take periodic hiatuses. Commit to this publicly. Get a friend to change your passwords if you must. Put your phone on do not disturb mode and disable notifications.

4. Let your mind wander. A wandering mind is not a crumbling of attention, it is a crucial form of attention in itself. It is important to let your mind make connections between things that you have learned that seem otherwise unconnected, you do this automatically when you give your mind space. Go for a walk for an hour each day with no distractions, no phone and no music. Or swim. Or yoga, meditation, or other slow practices. Or whatever else works for you. Let your thoughts float freely. It is extremely valuable.

5. Sleep. Sleep is not a luxury or an enemy of productivity, it is critically important for you to produce your best work. Minimum 8 hours per night required for most people. Set a routine, e.g. no screens for 2 hours before bed. Journal or something else to release the stress of the day.

6. Cut out processed food. Junk in = Junk out. Cut your consumption of things that make your energy spike and then crash, like sugar and coffee. Manage your energy and your work will improve.

7. Take a proper break. When was the last time you had a proper break, some days without any access to work? It sounds difficult, but it is possible with the right systems in place. An extra day off work each week really helps. Your work quality will improve, you will get more done in less time. Stress shatters attention, an extra day will help you to reduce your average stress level.