6 ms·

How to Focus

152 points by cjoh 16y ago

vidar 16y ago
Vipassana meditation is basically the boot camp equivalent of this, it is nothing but focused attention. Highly recommended.
- pkghost 16y ago
  Seconded. There's more than a bit of literature documenting the benefits of mindfulness/insight/vipassana meditation, which, besides an increase in the ability to focus, include reduced stress and anxiety: http://bit.ly/9OKHt9 http://bit.ly/9OKHt9 (google scholar search) And "...a nuts-and-bolts, step-by-step guide to Insight [Vipassana] meditation...": http://www.kusala.org/udharma4/mpe.html http://www.kusala.org/udharma4/mpe.html
  - mian2zi3 16y ago
    I second the recommendation for Mindfulness in Plain Language. Great book.
captaincrunch 16y ago
I use concerta... 30 minutes till focused.
jknupp 16y ago
Interesting that an article on how to focus, which I read in Readability, contained 28 links. I wonder if this was an intentional assualt by the author to prove his point.
- Entlin 16y ago
  My thoughts exactly. Out of those 20 links, the author expressly asked the reader to click at least one link to understand his point. And that was a link to a picture that a good article could have easily embedded inside his article. I guess without proper "paid" media, articles of this quality is all we get.
  - cjoh 16y ago
    It's a matter of preference I suppose. Ultimately, I tend to keep images out and stick with links because it gives users more control. I feel like a big image there will have everyone rushing to see the screenshot, whereas someone can open it up in a new window to get the point with minimal flow distraction. Regardless, I use links because I think I ought to be doing you the service of linking to my original sources -- usually well founded research -- rather than just presuming that I'm to be trusted. A link isn't distracting. You clicking on it is. We need articles with more links to background information, not less. See: http://infovegan.com/2010/06/19/bloggers-and-bills http://infovegan.com/2010/06/19/bloggers-and-bills
    - dieterrams 16y ago
      I appreciate links to sources, but links are definitely distracting. Even if you don't click on it, a link forces your mind to imagine what's at the other end of that link and make a decision about whether it's worth clicking on. If you frequently link to many sources within a single post, it might be better to use superscripts and link to sources at the bottom (which, incidentally, is how PG does it). These are still distracting, but considerably less so when they're used exclusively for citations, as opposed to digressions.
- blaix 16y ago
  The article isn't about how to narrowly focus on one and only one minuscule thing (reading one article), it's about focusing on one and only one task (reading a blog post in this case, which typically implies the availability of related links), and more importantly, how to train your attention span so that it lasts longer than the usual couple minutes.
- Tichy 16y ago
  I had the same thought when I tried to read "Getting Things Done". The text is sprinkled with small info boxes of wisdom, which made it next to impossible for me to focus on reading the text. That really amused me at the time.
vishaldpatel 16y ago
So, this works for me: Step 1: Clear your mind: - Close your eyes, take a deep breath and say "oooooooooooooom" ten times. Try to keep your voice as steady as possible - concentrate on trying to keep the intensity and pitch of your voice consistent. Step 2: Open your eyes slowly. Your mind will feel clear and you can now focus on the task at hand.
endlessvoid94 16y ago
I've been using the pomodoro app for a few weeks now, and I love it. I've found I can get twice as much work done before I started to lose my concentration. Also, vidar mentioned Vipassana which I also have tried in the past. I meditated daily for a few months and my focus increased a TON. Extremely beneficial.
blaix 16y ago
I've used the pomodoro + Spaces + single monitor technique for a while. I actually took things a bit farther and now keep my laptop on a stool to the left of my desk (I do my main work on a desktop). Instead of having a separate Space for non-work stuff (chat, email, casual browsing), I keep it all on the laptop. I only use it during pomodoro breaks and I have the screen go to sleep after only a couple minutes of inactivity so it's not distracting when the breaks are over. I've found that since I have to perform the physical act of swiveling my chair to comfortably use the laptop, it is much less tempting to get distracted. It was too easy to "just check my email really quick..." or "just respond to this one instant message..." when it was only a quick Spaces shortcut away.
Synthetase 16y ago
I usually commit browser suicide and grab a meal if I ever start slowing down.
mvp 16y ago
Getting off the computer helps me to focus. I use a pencil and paper to work on any task that doesn't really need a computer. I print off long articles to help me read them with concentration.
NyxWulf 16y ago
I used to use techniques like this to maintain my focus. Let me toss something out though that might be a bit controversial. Perhaps having to do this is a sign of ADHD. For me it was. There are many signs and symptoms, and unfortunately many people have heard that people are over medicated on things like Ritalin and Adderral. However, the thing to consider is that people with strong ADHD actually have a different brain structure. It turns out that the focus benefits of being on the medication only works for people who genuinely do have ADHD, and does not work for "regular" people (if there even is such a thing). Let me just say, that Adderral changed my life. I used to have what I termed "Reddit seeking behavior". I could work on tasks that were interesting, but if it got a little rough or boring - what's happening on Reddit, or HN or Digg? However when I got on Adderral that entirely changed. I still check HN, but much less frequently because I'm busy getting things done. I don't have to resort to extreme changes in my environment to resist distractions. It comes naturally now. I don't discount or disagree that focus can be improved. I know it first hand, but I would also argue that people with ADHD have some additional things going on that are much harder to train. If you are one of those people, getting on the appropriate medication could well change your life. I know it did mine. That's a big statement, and often over used, but for me, it changed the way I experience every day life in substantial and dramatic ways. Take it for what it's worth, YMMV.
- learner4life 16y ago
  How are you coping with the side-effects? When I tried Adderall for the first time, it was like some one had switched on the stadium lights. However, it killed my sleep and I was a wreck within a week. I had to discontinue it as lack of sleep was causing social issues with my wife and co-workers.
  - zaidf 16y ago
    I've heard your kind of experiences from friends too. And that is what kept me from taking it. Yet, I experienced no high of any sort. I still indulge in timewasting activities while on adderall(I'm on it now:)--but it's significantly less.
  - NyxWulf 16y ago
davidwparker 16y ago
Pretty good article. I used to use Remember The Milk too, but deleted my account a few weeks ago as my list(s) ended up being way to distracting. I never felt like I was making any progress. I'll definitely check out Pomodoro though.
kadavy 16y ago
I find that AntiRSI not only prevents me from developing RSI, it also keeps me focused by making me take breaks: http://download.cnet.com/AntiRSI/3000-18487_4-85044.html http://download.cnet.com/AntiRSI/3000-18487_4-85044.html
anthonyb 16y ago
I find that actually focusing is not an issue - it's more the 'getting started' part that I have trouble with, ie. tackling serious issues/features in the code base, rather than just frittering around the edges, tidying up minor things, checking HN, and so on. I just tried pomodoro today as an experiment based on this article, and ended up going waaay overtime on several of them. As in, an hour or more of sustained focus at a stretch. So I suspect that the paperwork and the "have to stop after 25/35/45 minutes" parts are actually impacting my productivity (by popping me out of 'the zone'), not helping it.
- _debug_ 16y ago
  +1 After reading a suggestion on HN, I now try to start with something productive instead of email. If I HAVE to check my email first, I'll first start an alarm countdown to 10 minutes and then check email + HN.
panic 16y ago
http://i.imgur.com/39U4k.png http://i.imgur.com/39U4k.png This is an image representing an average-length human life; each box is one month.
guelo 16y ago
tldr
- guelo 16y ago
  I thought this was a hilarious comment considering the article. but I know, this isn't reddit
mhd 16y ago
The article starts by mentioning Nick Carr, who recently wrote a book about how the Internet is ruining our mind/attention span. Steven Pinker disagrees[1]. (Which Carr tries to rebut[2]) I'm always a bit scared about the large influence a few pop-sci titles have, especially the ones that aren't even written by scientists. [1]: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/opinion/11Pinker.html?_r=1 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/opinion/11Pinker.html?_r=1 [2]: http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2010/06/steven_pinker_a.php http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2010/06/steven_pinker_a.ph...
lss 16y ago
I don't know why in the world people think that it's "normal" to sit still for hours on end focused on a task. Has that ever been natural for us? Kids can't do it. Most adults can't do it without caffeine or other drugs. Why do we keep trying? The answer for me is balance. Work for two hours, then 1 hour break. Maybe exercise. Then when I come back, I'm focused and ready to go for another hour or so. Then maybe break, run an errand, have lunch. Take a short nap. Then work for another 2 hours. Also, if you're having trouble focusing, ask yourself how much you like what really like what you're doing. I've been a programmer for 6 years, thought I liked it but had problems focusing, then realized my true passions were elsewhere.
thecircusb0y 16y ago
I'm not a fan of medication. I believe some people really do need it to balance out, but I think others just need some proper dieting and exercise to balance their body's chemistry out. Our bodies aren't made to sit around all day on a computer, we need to have some physical activity to stimulate the rest of your body and give your mind a break. Perhaps thats the problem people have with focus'ing, is that they are overworking their mind. My friends, colleagues, joke I have adult add, or whatever you call it, because I jump from topic to topic. Perhaps. But when summer came rolling around I began hiking miles and miles of the Adirondack Mountains. I began to bike around. Not to mention I picked up a motorcycle and began riding that. These activities away from the screen, really help. I still jump on topics, but when I work, I'm focused on what i do. Granted I can't wait to get out of work to go on another ride or hike. Get off the computer, and read a book, go for a walk, do something that doesn't require you being near a screen. Get some real achievements in life, not on the xbox. Check your diet for being healthy. You will have to google on this one cause everybody's diet is different. For me as I try and lose more and more weight (so I can go skydiving), I tend to eat leaner protein, and keep on the carbs for energy, making sure to exercise to burn the carbs right. Some of you might want some St. John's Wort, for your moods, others may want to get some more Omega3's in their body. I'm no dietition, I just like to research what I can eat naturally before turning to synthetic drugs pushed by a corrupt government and group of doctors looking for money in treatments and never the cures. Once a day I try and push myself physically to a racing heart, and it in turn clears my mind. The joy you can get from pushing your body will clear your mind and help you appreciate it much more.
karlzt 16y ago
this: http://userstyles.org/styles/28042 http://userstyles.org/styles/28042 helps me.

152 points by cjoh 16y ago

vidar 16y ago

Vipassana meditation is basically the boot camp equivalent of this, it is nothing but focused attention. Highly recommended.

pkghost 16y ago
Seconded. There's more than a bit of literature documenting the benefits of mindfulness/insight/vipassana meditation, which, besides an increase in the ability to focus, include reduced stress and anxiety: http://bit.ly/9OKHt9 http://bit.ly/9OKHt9 (google scholar search) And "...a nuts-and-bolts, step-by-step guide to Insight [Vipassana] meditation...": http://www.kusala.org/udharma4/mpe.html http://www.kusala.org/udharma4/mpe.html
- mian2zi3 16y ago
  I second the recommendation for Mindfulness in Plain Language. Great book.

captaincrunch 16y ago

I use concerta... 30 minutes till focused.

jknupp 16y ago

Interesting that an article on how to focus, which I read in Readability, contained 28 links. I wonder if this was an intentional assualt by the author to prove his point.

Entlin 16y ago
My thoughts exactly. Out of those 20 links, the author expressly asked the reader to click at least one link to understand his point. And that was a link to a picture that a good article could have easily embedded inside his article. I guess without proper "paid" media, articles of this quality is all we get.
- cjoh 16y ago
  It's a matter of preference I suppose. Ultimately, I tend to keep images out and stick with links because it gives users more control. I feel like a big image there will have everyone rushing to see the screenshot, whereas someone can open it up in a new window to get the point with minimal flow distraction. Regardless, I use links because I think I ought to be doing you the service of linking to my original sources -- usually well founded research -- rather than just presuming that I'm to be trusted. A link isn't distracting. You clicking on it is. We need articles with more links to background information, not less. See: http://infovegan.com/2010/06/19/bloggers-and-bills http://infovegan.com/2010/06/19/bloggers-and-bills
  - dieterrams 16y ago
    I appreciate links to sources, but links are definitely distracting. Even if you don't click on it, a link forces your mind to imagine what's at the other end of that link and make a decision about whether it's worth clicking on. If you frequently link to many sources within a single post, it might be better to use superscripts and link to sources at the bottom (which, incidentally, is how PG does it). These are still distracting, but considerably less so when they're used exclusively for citations, as opposed to digressions.
blaix 16y ago
The article isn't about how to narrowly focus on one and only one minuscule thing (reading one article), it's about focusing on one and only one task (reading a blog post in this case, which typically implies the availability of related links), and more importantly, how to train your attention span so that it lasts longer than the usual couple minutes.
Tichy 16y ago
I had the same thought when I tried to read "Getting Things Done". The text is sprinkled with small info boxes of wisdom, which made it next to impossible for me to focus on reading the text. That really amused me at the time.

vishaldpatel 16y ago

So, this works for me: Step 1: Clear your mind: - Close your eyes, take a deep breath and say "oooooooooooooom" ten times. Try to keep your voice as steady as possible - concentrate on trying to keep the intensity and pitch of your voice consistent. Step 2: Open your eyes slowly. Your mind will feel clear and you can now focus on the task at hand.

endlessvoid94 16y ago

I've been using the pomodoro app for a few weeks now, and I love it. I've found I can get twice as much work done before I started to lose my concentration. Also, vidar mentioned Vipassana which I also have tried in the past. I meditated daily for a few months and my focus increased a TON. Extremely beneficial.

blaix 16y ago

I've used the pomodoro + Spaces + single monitor technique for a while. I actually took things a bit farther and now keep my laptop on a stool to the left of my desk (I do my main work on a desktop). Instead of having a separate Space for non-work stuff (chat, email, casual browsing), I keep it all on the laptop. I only use it during pomodoro breaks and I have the screen go to sleep after only a couple minutes of inactivity so it's not distracting when the breaks are over. I've found that since I have to perform the physical act of swiveling my chair to comfortably use the laptop, it is much less tempting to get distracted. It was too easy to "just check my email really quick..." or "just respond to this one instant message..." when it was only a quick Spaces shortcut away.

Synthetase 16y ago

I usually commit browser suicide and grab a meal if I ever start slowing down.

mvp 16y ago

Getting off the computer helps me to focus. I use a pencil and paper to work on any task that doesn't really need a computer. I print off long articles to help me read them with concentration.

NyxWulf 16y ago

I used to use techniques like this to maintain my focus. Let me toss something out though that might be a bit controversial. Perhaps having to do this is a sign of ADHD. For me it was. There are many signs and symptoms, and unfortunately many people have heard that people are over medicated on things like Ritalin and Adderral. However, the thing to consider is that people with strong ADHD actually have a different brain structure. It turns out that the focus benefits of being on the medication only works for people who genuinely do have ADHD, and does not work for "regular" people (if there even is such a thing). Let me just say, that Adderral changed my life. I used to have what I termed "Reddit seeking behavior". I could work on tasks that were interesting, but if it got a little rough or boring - what's happening on Reddit, or HN or Digg? However when I got on Adderral that entirely changed. I still check HN, but much less frequently because I'm busy getting things done. I don't have to resort to extreme changes in my environment to resist distractions. It comes naturally now. I don't discount or disagree that focus can be improved. I know it first hand, but I would also argue that people with ADHD have some additional things going on that are much harder to train. If you are one of those people, getting on the appropriate medication could well change your life. I know it did mine. That's a big statement, and often over used, but for me, it changed the way I experience every day life in substantial and dramatic ways. Take it for what it's worth, YMMV.

learner4life 16y ago
How are you coping with the side-effects? When I tried Adderall for the first time, it was like some one had switched on the stadium lights. However, it killed my sleep and I was a wreck within a week. I had to discontinue it as lack of sleep was causing social issues with my wife and co-workers.
- zaidf 16y ago
  I've heard your kind of experiences from friends too. And that is what kept me from taking it. Yet, I experienced no high of any sort. I still indulge in timewasting activities while on adderall(I'm on it now:)--but it's significantly less.
- NyxWulf 16y ago

davidwparker 16y ago

Pretty good article. I used to use Remember The Milk too, but deleted my account a few weeks ago as my list(s) ended up being way to distracting. I never felt like I was making any progress. I'll definitely check out Pomodoro though.

kadavy 16y ago

I find that AntiRSI not only prevents me from developing RSI, it also keeps me focused by making me take breaks: http://download.cnet.com/AntiRSI/3000-18487_4-85044.html http://download.cnet.com/AntiRSI/3000-18487_4-85044.html

anthonyb 16y ago

I find that actually focusing is not an issue - it's more the 'getting started' part that I have trouble with, ie. tackling serious issues/features in the code base, rather than just frittering around the edges, tidying up minor things, checking HN, and so on. I just tried pomodoro today as an experiment based on this article, and ended up going waaay overtime on several of them. As in, an hour or more of sustained focus at a stretch. So I suspect that the paperwork and the "have to stop after 25/35/45 minutes" parts are actually impacting my productivity (by popping me out of 'the zone'), not helping it.

_debug_ 16y ago
+1 After reading a suggestion on HN, I now try to start with something productive instead of email. If I HAVE to check my email first, I'll first start an alarm countdown to 10 minutes and then check email + HN.

panic 16y ago

http://i.imgur.com/39U4k.png http://i.imgur.com/39U4k.png This is an image representing an average-length human life; each box is one month.

guelo 16y ago

tldr

guelo 16y ago
I thought this was a hilarious comment considering the article. but I know, this isn't reddit

mhd 16y ago

The article starts by mentioning Nick Carr, who recently wrote a book about how the Internet is ruining our mind/attention span. Steven Pinker disagrees[1]. (Which Carr tries to rebut[2]) I'm always a bit scared about the large influence a few pop-sci titles have, especially the ones that aren't even written by scientists. [1]: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/opinion/11Pinker.html?_r=1 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/opinion/11Pinker.html?_r=1 [2]: http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2010/06/steven_pinker_a.php http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2010/06/steven_pinker_a.ph...

lss 16y ago

I don't know why in the world people think that it's "normal" to sit still for hours on end focused on a task. Has that ever been natural for us? Kids can't do it. Most adults can't do it without caffeine or other drugs. Why do we keep trying? The answer for me is balance. Work for two hours, then 1 hour break. Maybe exercise. Then when I come back, I'm focused and ready to go for another hour or so. Then maybe break, run an errand, have lunch. Take a short nap. Then work for another 2 hours. Also, if you're having trouble focusing, ask yourself how much you like what really like what you're doing. I've been a programmer for 6 years, thought I liked it but had problems focusing, then realized my true passions were elsewhere.

thecircusb0y 16y ago

I'm not a fan of medication. I believe some people really do need it to balance out, but I think others just need some proper dieting and exercise to balance their body's chemistry out. Our bodies aren't made to sit around all day on a computer, we need to have some physical activity to stimulate the rest of your body and give your mind a break. Perhaps thats the problem people have with focus'ing, is that they are overworking their mind. My friends, colleagues, joke I have adult add, or whatever you call it, because I jump from topic to topic. Perhaps. But when summer came rolling around I began hiking miles and miles of the Adirondack Mountains. I began to bike around. Not to mention I picked up a motorcycle and began riding that. These activities away from the screen, really help. I still jump on topics, but when I work, I'm focused on what i do. Granted I can't wait to get out of work to go on another ride or hike. Get off the computer, and read a book, go for a walk, do something that doesn't require you being near a screen. Get some real achievements in life, not on the xbox. Check your diet for being healthy. You will have to google on this one cause everybody's diet is different. For me as I try and lose more and more weight (so I can go skydiving), I tend to eat leaner protein, and keep on the carbs for energy, making sure to exercise to burn the carbs right. Some of you might want some St. John's Wort, for your moods, others may want to get some more Omega3's in their body. I'm no dietition, I just like to research what I can eat naturally before turning to synthetic drugs pushed by a corrupt government and group of doctors looking for money in treatments and never the cures. Once a day I try and push myself physically to a racing heart, and it in turn clears my mind. The joy you can get from pushing your body will clear your mind and help you appreciate it much more.

karlzt 16y ago

this: http://userstyles.org/styles/28042 http://userstyles.org/styles/28042 helps me.