The Distraction Log

The ability to focus for sustained periods of time is rare and highly valuable. The Focus-90 Protocol is not just a quick hack to have a more productive work session. It’s also a training program to help you develop one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any entrepreneurial project or to the work force, in our time.

To make this even more effective, we’ll add two “boosters” today.

1) Declutter Your Environment

It’s easier to be undistracted in a clean, clutter-free environment. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you have to spring clean your entire living space.

To start, just look at what is in your field of vision when you are in your usual work space. Is there clutter on the desk? Stacks of unopened letters, cables, gadgets, empty soda cans, that kind of thing?

If so, take a moment to clear the space in front of you. Less visual clutter means less mental clutter and it will make your next work session better.

2) Keep a Distraction Log

Start a distraction log. Ideally, use a simple note pad on your desk. Alternatively, you can use a simple note taking app. What’s important here is that the thing you use to take your notes doesn’t itself become a source of distraction.

Once you have your notepad, keeping a distraction log is simple: every time a distraction pops into your head, write it down and then carry on working.

Whether it’s “I need to call my mom”, “I need to remember to get onions when I go to the store”, “I have this brilliant idea for my next project” or any other thought that distracts you from your current work, just jot it down and then carry on.

This way, you get those internal distractions out of your head and it clears your focus for the task at hand.

What to do after the F90 session is done?

You will probably find that you can discard many of these distraction log notes. Often, things seem important in the moment, but they really aren’t, on closer examination.

Some items, you will want to action and you can either do them right away or add them to your to-do list.