Transform Your Life: 7 Habits to Safeguard Your Focus
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Focus
It's not about early morning workouts, mindfulness practices, or journaling.
Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash
To truly excel and be among the top performers, one must adopt the habits of the elite. While I may not be in that top tier, I'm here to share how I protect my focus to lead a fulfilling life. I don’t rise at dawn or run daily, yet over the past year, I've transformed my reality.
Once feeling out of place in a soul-draining job, I now embrace a career I love as a writer. The difference? I feel energized, inspired, and aligned with my true purpose. Here’s what has guided me on this journey.
Section 1.1: Avoiding Mental Drain
Have you ever been lured into clicking on a notification, only to find it exhausting?
Just yesterday, I lamented during a call about how I impulsively clicked on my LinkedIn notifications after a long hiatus, and it left me feeling unsettled. About a year and a half ago, I decided to stop checking notifications on various apps, instead allocating specific times to engage with them on my own terms.
While some cognitive fatigue from notifications is unavoidable, we can choose what drains our mental energy.
To do:
Identify the notifications that are truly essential (for me, it’s just iMessage) and silence the rest. On social platforms, opt for those where notifications are unnecessary, and resist the urge to click on them. Notifications vie for your attention—don’t allow them to win.
Section 1.2: The Illusion of Refreshing
For those creating content online, the urge to constantly check stats can be overwhelming.
Here’s a truth many overlook: refreshing your stats won’t increase them; only consistent effort will. It’s tempting to fixate on views, sales, and earnings. Instead, redirect your focus to the actual work being done rather than the fleeting satisfaction of stats.
To do:
Review your statistics for insights, but don’t rely on them for a dopamine fix.
Subsection 1.2.1: Letting Go of Work Attachment
I must admit something that could jeopardize my future job prospects: I’ve never been particularly passionate about my past jobs. I didn’t feel compelled to put in extra hours like many of my colleagues. For instance, when my boss offered to assist me over the weekend with a presentation, I declined, knowing it wouldn’t serve my interests.
It’s challenging to detach from your work, especially when it feels deeply personal. However, for your peace of mind, it’s crucial to separate yourself from your creations. Once you complete a project, let it go and move forward.
To do:
Focus on the act of creating rather than the reception or outcomes.
Chapter 2: Recognizing Energy Drainers
The first video, "THESE 7 HABITS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE | Self-Mastery Seven Daily Success Habits," explores how adopting effective habits can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Section 2.1: Identifying Energy Vampires
As you strive to excel, you may notice that not everyone around you wants you to succeed. Some individuals may undermine your efforts under the guise of humor, while others may flatter you insincerely.
These "energy vampires" can drain your positivity and motivation. After a significant health challenge that left me bedridden for six weeks, I learned to distinguish between those who truly cared and those who didn’t. Surprising allies emerged from unexpected places, revealing my true support system.
To do:
Be discerning about your circle. Surround yourself with genuine, uplifting friends.
Section 2.2: The Impact of Social Media
You might not need to expose yourself to countless images of others seemingly living their best lives. Social media can subtly make you feel inadequate.
To do:
Consider a total break from platforms like Instagram, or limit your use as I do—downloading the app only once every few weeks for less than half an hour. I went cold turkey for seven months, which significantly boosted my self-awareness and self-esteem.
Section 2.3: Curating Your Online Experience
Bruce Lee famously said, “It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.” The content you consume shapes your thoughts, which in turn shape your reality.
To do:
Be selective about what you engage with online. Block or mute anything that doesn’t contribute positively to your life. Protect your mental space by curating your online experience.
Chapter 3: Time Management Techniques
The second video, "7 Habits To Make You More Productive," provides practical advice on how to enhance productivity through effective habits.
Section 3.1: Tracking Your Time
For those not confined to a 9–5, consider utilizing free tools like Clockify to monitor your time. You’ll likely be surprised at how much of your day is consumed by unproductive tasks, leading to excuses about not having time for hobbies, exercise, or reading.
To do:
Keep a log of your time to understand where it goes, allowing you to manage it more effectively.
As Oprah Winfrey said, “Energy is the essence of life.” Each day, you decide how to utilize your energy by clarifying your goals and maintaining focus.
I may seem unconventional for adopting these habits, but if being unique enables me to build a fulfilling life and business, I have no regrets. These practices aim to minimize external distractions, allowing your mind to declutter.
You cannot pursue significant ideas with a scattered mind that struggles to focus. Protect your energy and direct it towards realizing your aspirations.
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