Brief Summary
This video provides ten actionable hacks to enhance focus and productivity, particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. It emphasizes the importance of filtering distractions, creating routines, and managing energy levels to achieve a state of hyperfocus. The hacks range from creating "not-to-do" lists and focus triggers to managing energy and designing a perfect week.
- Focus is a filter, not a muscle; decide what not to do.
- Create focus triggers using location, sound, and routines.
- Start with the hardest task first to build momentum.
- Be hard to reach by turning off notifications and scheduling response times.
- Increase pressure by shortening timelines and increasing stakes.
- Train your social media algorithm to feed your brain with useful content.
- Design your perfect week by theming days and batching tasks.
- "Gify" your work by tracking streaks and creating visual milestones.
- Manage your energy with proactive and reactive boosts.
- Find your unique flow through reflection and constant tweaking.
Hack 1: Make a Not-To-Do List
Focus should be approached as a filter rather than a muscle that requires brute force. It's more effective to define what you will not do to streamline decision-making and conserve energy. Saying "no" to distractions and low-value tasks is essential for achieving goals. The "not-to-do" list should include low-value tasks that can be delegated, bad habits, vices, and interactions with energy vampires.
Hack 2: Create Focus Triggers
Instead of waiting for inspiration, create a structured environment to induce a flow state. Flow state isn't random; it's designed through focus triggers. Location, such as a specific chair or off-site meetings, can serve as a trigger. Sound, like specific music playlists or binaural beats, can also enhance focus. Establishing routines, similar to those of world-class athletes, creates a rhythm of success.
Hack 3: Start on Hard Mode
Begin with the most challenging task first thing in the morning to set a tone of accomplishment and build momentum. Identify the "one thing" that, if completed, would set you up for success. Schedule deep work blocks before checking emails or social media to avoid distractions and maintain high energy levels.
Hack 4: Be Hard to Reach
Minimize interruptions by being difficult to reach. Turn off all unnecessary notifications and schedule specific times to respond to messages. Use focus signals, such as wearing headphones, to indicate when you shouldn't be disturbed. If necessary, remove yourself from the environment by working from home or a coffee shop to eliminate distractions.
Hack 5: Turn Up the Pressure
Increase focus by creating a sense of urgency. Shorten timelines to combat Parkinson's Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available. Increase the stakes by setting clear consequences for not achieving goals.
Hack 6: Train Your Algorithm
Actively manage your social media feeds to make them sources of information rather than distractions. Teach the algorithm your preferences by searching for relevant content and engaging with it. Unfollow or mute accounts that don't contribute to your learning goals. Integrate what you learn by sharing and teaching it to others.
Hack 7: Design Your Perfect Week
Avoid multitasking, as it can take significant time to regain focus after a distraction. Start by scheduling "big rocks," or non-negotiable activities. Theme your days for specific tasks like marketing or sales to streamline decision-making. Batch similar tasks together and schedule them in blocks. Plan your activities around your energy levels, not just your time.
Hack 8: Gify Your Work
Make your work more engaging by visualizing progress and measuring wins. Track streaks to maintain momentum. Create milestones with rewards to build anticipation. Make your progress visual by using posters or whiteboards. Do it together with others to increase accountability and motivation.
Hack 9: Manage Your Energy
Manage your energy through habits. Exhaust the body to tame the mind. Create a proactive energy boost through a consistent morning routine that includes exercise and reading. Use reactive energy boosts, such as push-ups or walking meetings, to reset when feeling drained.
Hack 10: Find Your Flow
Recognize that your journey to finding focus and flow is unique. Take time to reflect on what works and what doesn't. Constantly tweak your routines and habits based on your current needs and energy levels. Don't give up on finding a system that works for you.
