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Table of Contents

1. Preface

2. Main Article

3. Readers’ Favorite

4. Stuff

Preface

We all have our daily routines, but routines don’t contribute to our growth.

To grow, we need to do “extra”: write a manuscript, prepare a presentation, or keep up with the latest literature.

But doing the “extra” requires focus. A lot of focus.

We all know the struggle of sitting down to work only to be derailed by distractions.

We hear the phone buzz, we glance at the notification, and suddenly, our focus is lost.

Does this sound familiar?

Today, I will share my strategies to stay focused.

Number 75.

Let’s dive in!

Main Article

The Challenge of Maintaining Focus

We've all experienced it: sitting down to work only to be distracted by an email about an unimportant lecture scheduled in five months.

Suddenly, you're checking messages, scrolling through social media, and reading the news. Bye-bye focus.

Somehow, the junk our phones deliver becomes more important than our life goals.

Here's what I do to maintain focus:

1️⃣ Turn Off Notifications

Getting notifications on your phone is one thing. But who needs notifications on the computer?!

That email about the distant lecture? It can wait.

Do you really need WhatsApp on your computer?

Sure, it's convenient, but this is exactly what Facebook, the owner of WhatsApp, wants.

They want to break your focus and bring you back to their apps. Don't let them sabotage your focus.

The solution is simple: turn off all notifications on your computer.

2️⃣ Use Dedicated Apps

When you read or write, you want to use apps DEDICATED to reading and writing.

And no, Microsoft Word or Google Docs are not good writing apps. They will distract you with toolbars, fonts, layouts, and spelling checks. The same applies to Google Chrome and Acrobat Reader, which are not good reading apps.

For writing, I use Notion. No distractions, maximal focus.

For reading, I use Readwise Reader. It converts any text (including PDF) into a reader-friendly format.

3️⃣ Transition from Screen to Paper

Screens will never be as good as paper.

Writing or reading on paper activates your brain differently. It engages more parts of your brain, which automatically enhances your focus.

But for me, paper isn’t practical. I can’t carry my books everywhere, and I want to store everything on my computer.

So I use an E-Ink tablet. It’s a device that mimics the paper experience while offering the convenience of digital. It strikes the perfect balance and boosts my focus. For more on how the Boox Tab Mini C enhances my routine, check the "Stuff" section.

4️⃣ Listen to the Right Sounds

Not everyone can focus with music in the background.

But there are many other options: white noise, rain sounds, river sounds, or putting on noise-canceling headphones.

The nice thing about headphones is that they signal to others not to disturb you.

For focus music, I recently started testing "Brain.fm". You can try their free playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

Readers’ Favorite

How can you make your Zoom lecture great?

Delivering an online lecture is very different than in-person.

Read about the 4 most common mistakes while delivering Zoom lectures and how to fix them.

Click here to read.

Stuff

💡Boox Tab Mini C

The Boox Tab Mini C has been a game-changer for my focus.

It's an E-ink device that feels like real paper. My focus time has increased 3-4 times; what used to be 15 minutes of concentration is now 45-60 minutes.

Unlike a Kindle, it allows for a range of apps, making it highly versatile.

I use the Kindle App, Notion, and Readwise Reader on it.

But beware! Don’t expect it to replace your iPad! It’s slower, and the colors resemble a textbook.

Epilogue

That’s it for this issue.

Hope for better times.

Shay