In modern society, focus is an increasingly scarce resource. We are often distracted by various interferences and temptations, making it difficult to concentrate on completing tasks. However, focus is key to improving efficiency and achieving success.
Characteristics of Human Focus: Limited but Enhancable#
Human focus is limited, much like game coins; every task consumes a portion of focus until all of today’s focus is depleted.
What happens after focus is exhausted? You don’t want to do anything, you slack off, you procrastinate; in short, you don’t want to think at all.
When someone is talking to you, your response is dazed and confused; you may hear them, but you don’t fully understand, and you don’t even want to respond.
Please note the distinction between the performance after willpower and focus are depleted:
- When willpower is depleted, you lie on the couch not wanting to move, not wanting to go anywhere.
- When focus is depleted, you’re asking, “What are you saying?” Your mind is blank.
The comforting thing is that focus, like willpower, can be enhanced through continuous training and exercise. If willpower is memory, then focus is video memory.
When we need to concentrate on a task, the brain automatically activates video memory capabilities to help us focus and process information.
So, what is the difference between willpower and focus?
Suppose you are learning a new course; you need to use focus to concentrate on studying this course to better understand and master it. However, when you feel tired or bored, you need to use willpower to continue studying, even if you don’t want to.
Focus helps you concentrate on completing tasks, while willpower helps you overcome difficulties and persist.
Of course, many tasks require both willpower and focus simultaneously, such as driving; you need to concentrate on observing the road, traffic signals, and other vehicles, as well as paying attention to surrounding noise; when other drivers behave improperly or traffic is congested, you need to use willpower to stay calm and make the right decisions.
Effective Ways to Utilize Focus: Pomodoro Technique and Meditation#
To improve focus, there are several methods to try.
First, establish a habit of deep work. Set aside a period each day for focused work, eliminating other distractions. Choose a task, set a time frame, and concentrate on completing that task.
At first, you may only be able to concentrate for 20 to 30 minutes, but with practice, the duration of focus will gradually extend.
This is the famous Pomodoro Technique, which divides work time into small chunks, allowing you to focus on completing tasks and take breaks in between to enhance efficiency and focus.
This Chrome extension: Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant, allows you to easily generate a Pomodoro with a click, and you can check the history.
Secondly, meditation is a technique that achieves relaxation and calmness through focused attention and breath regulation. Through meditation, we can train our focus to be more stable and enduring.
Scientific research has also proven the positive effects of meditation on focus.
For example, a study found that individuals who underwent 8 weeks of meditation training exhibited higher levels of focus when performing cognitive tasks.
Meditation can also help us reduce stress and anxiety, enhancing mental health.
The Relationship Between Focus and Physical Health#
In addition to the Pomodoro Technique and meditation, paying attention to physical health is also an important factor in improving focus. Maintaining regular rest and exercise, eating healthily, and drinking plenty of water all contribute to enhancing focus.
Research shows that lack of sleep and malnutrition can negatively impact focus. Therefore, to maintain focus, we need to pay attention to our body’s needs and provide it with adequate rest and nutrition.
Focus is like a computer's video memory; it helps us concentrate, process information, and think critically. Our brains can automatically determine when to use memory and when to use video memory.
Willpower can be seen as the brain's memory, helping us control our behavior and emotions.
Our brains possess remarkable intelligence and adaptability; as our thinking deepens, video memory capabilities will automatically upgrade.
Thus, we should fully utilize the brain's video memory and willpower to enhance focus and efficiency.
Practical Experiences and Scientific Evidence for Enhancing Focus#
Many books and articles explore methods for enhancing focus. "Deep Work," "Why Elite Performers Have Exceptional Focus," and "Focus: The Astonishing Power of Flow" are all highly recommended readings.
Additionally, some music is believed to help enhance focus, such as ASMR healing music and Alpha brainwave music.
Everyone's focus and preferences are different, so it’s essential to choose methods and resources that suit individual circumstances.
Focus is key to improving efficiency and achievement. By utilizing the Pomodoro Technique, meditation, paying attention to physical health, and fully leveraging the brain's video memory and willpower, we can enhance focus and achieve better results.
By continuously exploring and practicing, we can discover more methods to enhance focus, making it a powerful tool in our careers and lives.
Let us cherish and make good use of this limited and precious resource to achieve greater brilliance and success.
🔗Related Links
ASMR Healing: Music for Enhancing Focus
https://open.spotify.com/album/0qvIKXiqVbuAfrLoI2xZNh
Alpha Brainwave Music: Ancient Style Healing to Enhance Focus
https://open.spotify.com/album/5JNYPzzRPp3BZZdS5Rkn1b
Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/marinara-pomodoro%C2%AE-assist/lojgmehidjdhhbmpjfamhpkpodfcodef