Sustaining attention.
WHAT PREVENTS CONCENTRATION
Notifications A phone within reach An unclear task Fatigue Working where others interrupt
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NOTIFICATIONS
Disable them during focused work.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PHONE
Put it out of reach, not merely face down.
WHY
Its presence reduces attention even when it is silent.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT AN UNCLEAR TASK
Define the next specific action before starting.
WHY
Vagueness produces avoidance.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT INTERRUPTION
Establish with others when you are unavailable.
WHAT TO DO WHEN ATTENTION FAILS
Stop, move, and return.
Not persist while absorbing nothing.
WHAT TO TRACK
When you actually concentrate well.
WHY
Most people have a period when work is easiest, and it is frequently not when they schedule difficult work.
WHAT TO DO WITH THAT INFORMATION
Put demanding work there.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
Sustained concentration is limited, for everyone.
