Hyperfocus Flashcards
Pre-01
Smart phone is a productivity black hole in your pocket
Pre-02
Keep a list of things that come up as distractions so you don’t let them fall through the cracks but then let them go.
01
Switch off autopilot. Work on things that are important.
02
Managing our very limited short term memory is key - author calls this memory combined with focus attentional space
02-02
The more you are aware of what’s in your attentional space, the better you can bring it back where it needs to be
02-03
All thoughts want to be taken seriously. Few warrant it.
02-04
Tasks can’t be multitasked but habits can
02-05
Attention overload comes with big costs. You can Slip into autopilot
02-06-01
How much time do you spend intentionality?
02-06-02
How long can you hold focus in one sitting
02-06-03
How long does your mind wander before you catch it
03-01
Hyperfocus is having one thing in your attention space completely filling it and thus receiving 100% of your attention and effort
03-02
Hyperfocusing on habits is possible but usually overkill and actually counterproductive, like when you stop to focus on your bowling throw and it makes you worse
03-03-01 focus step 1
Focus on a chosen thing
03-03-02 wandering
If you aren’t simply distracted your mind will begin to wander.
03-03-03 focus 3 notice attention drift
You realize your attention has drifted. Happens four to five times an hour on average. Can be practiced to increase
03-03-04 focus step 4
Refocus
03-04-01 hyperfocus step 1
Choose an object of focus
03-04-02 hyperfocus step 2
Eliminate distractions
03-04-03 hyperfocus step 3
Focus on chosen thing
03-04-04 hyperfocus step 4
Continually draw attention back to said thing
03-05
Distractions take 22 minutes of recovery from an outside distraction and 29 minutes from an internal distraction
03-06
Catch your distractions and then reward yourself for doing so
03-07 hourly timer 1
Set an hourly timer to check for distractedness
03-07 hourly timer 2
When the chime goes off - was your mind wandering?
03-07 hourly timer 3
Are you immersed in a productive task?
03-07 hourly timer 4
What’s the most consequential thing you could be doing right now?
03-07 hourly timer 5
How full is your attentional space?
03-07 hourly timer 6
What distractions are keeping you from hyperfocus?
03-08 intentions
Specific intentions double or triple your odds of success
03-09 starting a ritual 01
Set a realistic starting time you can be totally focused, 15-25 minutes. Take distraction breaks of 5-10 minutes.
03-09 starting a ritual 02
Remove or anticipate distractions. Set times others know about. Be especially prepared when you don’t like the task.
03-09 starting a ritual 03
Set a timer. Turn off all distractions.
03-09 starting a ritual 04
Hyperfocus! Rein yourself back in but don’t be harsh on yourself
03-09 starting a ritual 05
Hyperfocus as often as possible