In modern society, focus is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. We are often distracted and tempted, making it difficult for us to concentrate and complete tasks. However, focus is key to improving efficiency and achieving success.
Characteristics of Human Focus: Limited but Improvable#
Human focus is limited, just like game coins. Every task consumes a portion of our focus until it is completely depleted for the day.
What happens after focus is depleted? We don't want to do anything, we slack off, we do nothing with our brains.
When someone talks to you, your reaction is blank, as if you hear it but don't understand it, and you don't even want to respond.
Please pay attention to the difference between the manifestations of willpower and depleted focus:
- When willpower is depleted, you lie on the couch and don't want to move, don't want to go anywhere.
- When focus is depleted, what are you saying? Your mind goes blank.
Fortunately, just like willpower, focus can be improved through continuous training and exercise. If willpower is memory, then focus is VRAM.
When we need to focus on something, our brain automatically activates the VRAM capacity to help us concentrate and process information.
So what is the difference between willpower and focus?
Suppose you are studying a new course. You need to use focus to concentrate on learning the course in order 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 and complete tasks, while willpower helps you overcome difficulties and persevere.
Of course, many tasks require both willpower and focus, such as driving. You need to concentrate on observing the road, traffic signals, and other vehicles, as well as paying attention to the surrounding noise. When other drivers behave improperly or there is traffic congestion, you need to use willpower to stay calm and make the right decisions.
Effective Methods for Utilizing Focus: Pomodoro Technique and Meditation#
To improve focus, there are several methods you can try.
First, establish a habit of deep work. Set aside a dedicated time for focused work every day and eliminate other distractions. Choose a task, set a time period, and focus on completing that task.
At the beginning, you may only be able to concentrate for 20 to 30 minutes, but with practice, the duration of focus will gradually increase.
This is the famous Pomodoro Technique, which divides work time into small blocks, focuses on tasks, and takes breaks between tasks to improve efficiency and focus.
This Chrome extension, Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant, makes it easy to generate a Pomodoro with just a click, and you can check your history.
Secondly, meditation is a technique that achieves relaxation and calmness through focused attention and regulated breathing. Through meditation, we can train our focus to be more stable and enduring.
Scientific research has also shown the positive impact of meditation on focus.
For example, a study found that people 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, and improve 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 a healthy diet, and staying hydrated all contribute to improved focus.
Research has shown that lack of sleep and poor nutrition have a negative impact on focus. Therefore, to maintain focus, we need to pay attention to the needs of our bodies and provide them with sufficient rest and nutrition.
Focus is like the VRAM of a computer. It helps us concentrate, process information, and solve problems. Our brain can automatically determine when to use memory and when to use VRAM.
Willpower, on the other hand, can be seen as the brain's memory. It helps us control our behavior and emotions.
Our brain has amazing intelligence and adaptability, and as our thinking deepens, our VRAM capacity will automatically upgrade.
Therefore, we should make full use of our brain's VRAM and willpower to improve focus and efficiency.
Practical Experience and Scientific Basis for Improving Focus#
Many books and articles explore methods for improving focus. "Deep Work," "Why Elite Have Superb Focus," "Focus: The Astonishing Power of Flow," and others are highly recommended readings.
In addition, some music is believed to help improve focus, such as ASMR healing music and Alpha brainwave music.
Everyone's focus and preferences are different, so it is necessary to choose methods and resources that suit individual circumstances.
Focus is key to improving efficiency and achieving success. By using the Pomodoro Technique, meditation, paying attention to physical health, and making full use of our brain's VRAM and willpower, we can improve focus and achieve better results.
Through continuous exploration and practice, we can discover more methods to improve focus and make it a powerful tool in our careers and lives.
Let us cherish and make good use of this limited and precious resource, and achieve more brilliance and success.
🔗Related Links
ASMR Healing: Music to Improve Focus
https://open.spotify.com/album/0qvIKXiqVbuAfrLoI2xZNh
Alpha Brainwave Music for Concentration and Relaxation
https://open.spotify.com/album/5JNYPzzRPp3BZZdS5Rkn1b
Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/marinara-pomodoro%C2%AE-assist/lojgmehidjdhhbmpjfamhpkpodfcodef