Several things occur when we’re at our most productive. We single-task, focusing on one thing at a time. We limit distractions. We know when our mind wanders and, when it does, guide it back to the task at hand.
Our tasks are on the edge of what’s achievable. Not too challenging. Not too easy. We are engrossed in our work and experience little resistance to stopping once we start.
Chris Bailey describes this ultra-level of productivity as hyperfocus. And in his eponymous book, Bailey describes a four-step process for managing our attention and achieving more:
- Choose a productive or meaningful object of attention;
- Eliminate as many external and internal distractions as you can;
- Focus on that chosen object of attention; and
- Continually draw your focus back to that one object of attention.
Let’s explore each step in more detail.
Step 1. Choose a Productive or Meaningful Object of Attention
Bailey explains that the best way to become more productive is to choose what you want to achieve before you start working. And it makes sense, as Bailey writes, “Attention without intention is wasted energy.”
One way to know the right tasks to focus on is to consider what Bailey calls consequential tasks, which lead to the greatest positive consequences. Or, to borrow a phrase from Greg McKeown, the vital few tasks that matter.
Choosing three things to want to achieve by the end of the day is a good example. The consequence of writing those three things down ensures that you don’t forget anything important.
Many consequential tasks also have second- and third-order consequences, including forcing you to do less, but better, and improving your odds of becoming a deliberate craftsperson.
Your objects of attention matter.
Step 2. Eliminate as Many External and Internal Distractions as You Can
Distractions, whether internal or external, are tempting because they’re more attractive than the task we’re currently working on—or the intended outcome we’re working hard to achieve.
However, with the right mindset and a little practice, we can learn to avoid distractions more easily by knowing (1) which are within our control and (2) which are most likely to occur when we Hyperfocus.
For instance, if you know you’re prone to checking social media when a task becomes too challenging, you might want to limit that possibility by using a website blocker or putting your phone on airplane mode before you start working.
You can also do a Mind Sweep before we Hyperfocus, which involves writing anything and everything that currently has your attention. Externalizing our thoughts reduces our cognitive load and improves our mental focus for our most important tasks.
Step 3. Focus on That Chosen Object of Attention
Focusing on a chosen object of attention for a set period becomes easier once we lay the groundwork for the first two steps. But two other habits make Hyperfocus easier: mindfulness and meditation.
To meditate, schedule time to sit down and focus on your breathing for a given amount of time each day. If you’re a beginner, start small and focus on meditating only for an amount of time that feels easy.
If that’s too difficult, you can always practice mindfulness instead. Pick a daily task that requires little working memory (like eating a meal) and practice noticing and redirecting your thoughts during it.
Research shows that mindfulness and meditation increase our working memory capacity, increasing the amount of information we pay attention to and helping us get more done.
Step 4. Continually Draw Your Focus Back to That One Object of Attention
One of the most common reasons for mind wandering is that our tasks do not match our current skill level. The problem is twofold: we feel bored if a task is too easy and anxious if a task is too difficult.
The find that balance, we need to ensure that our tasks are within our optimal zone of difficulty, or to borrow an idea from writer James Clear, follow The Goldilocks Rule:
“Humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities,” writes Clear. “Not too hard. Not too easy. Just right.”
Another reason for mind wandering is that our tasks are not high-impact enough. So, if the tasks you’re working on aren’t making the highest possible contribution to your goals, try replacing them with ones that will.
Hyperfocus Summary
Mindless distractions have never threatened our attention more than they do today. But by following the four stages of Hyperfocus, we can regain control over our attention and work more deliberately on the tasks that matter.
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