If you’re actually the boss of your own brain, then act like it. Delegate your attention.
Multi-tasking is a myth.
“Context-switching” is expensive.
We know this, yet persistently give away our focus for free.
Often without even realizing we’re the suckers.
I challenge you to read this post, then close the tab - and all tabs.
Silence your phone and go to the most quiet spot in your home / apartment / wherever.
Focus on ONE task for ONE hour.
See what happens.
If you’re actually the boss of your own brain, then act like it. Delegate your attention.
“For the next HOUR, I will give my attention to ________”
Make it a conscious choice.
Eliminate the availability of distractions.
Should a distraction still arise, or should your mind naturally wander… OK.
Take a breath, and bring the task back into focus.
No judgement, no irritation. Full zen-mode… back into focus.
There is enormous potential energy in each day.
Capturing that energy depends on your ability to focus.
Recently, I've had good success with making a schedule for myself.
At the end of each day, I plan the next workday, pick the most important tasks and schedule them for specific times. I try not to do anything that isn't scheduled. In my schedule, I include time for deep thinking, time for answering emails, time for household chores and also time for things that I enjoy in my free time, e.g. making music, exercising or calling friends.
Knowing that I schedule both the important and the fun parts of my day and that everything will have its place helps me stick to it.
This speaks to me as I know I have a problem with multi-tasking. I think it stems from a serious case of FOMO.
That said an hour of focus is a big step. For me, I'm starting with something small - like 20 mins of reading - and building up. I think taking incremental steps feels less overwhelming.