How Focus Really Works (2 Min Read) | Vol. 130

December 20, 2024

“Knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to focus on.” — Warren Buffett

How Focus Really Works

Johannes Kepler is considered one of the founders of modern optics. In the early 1600s, he improved Galileo’s reflecting telescope in ways that made the universe visible. To describe the point of convergence where distant light rays come together, he chose the Latin word focus which meant “hearth” or “fireplace.” The focus was the center of the Roman home. Kepler surely knew that when you focus light rays, you can also start a fire. He gets bonus points for finding the perfect word. 

We could all use a bit more focus. In teaching The ONE Thing, I’ve observed that there is a general lack of clarity around how focus works. Most people imagine our brains spotlighting the object of our focus, like a sequined Beyonce in a dark stadium. It’s actually just the opposite. To focus on something, our brains blot out everything else, like mental blinders. 

I’ve written about this before, the more things you have to blot out, the harder it is to focus. This makes sense, because blotting those distractions is mental work. When we talk about  “building a bunker,” the first step is to find a location that is largely free of distractions. Where can I work that has the least amount of things for my brain to blot out? Another step is to “sweep for mines.” You’ve got to remove any distractions that are there. This might mean using noise-cancelling headphones. It almost always means turning off phone notifications. 

Our brains are designed to notice changes in our environment.  It’s a survival mechanism we can’t turn off. That’s how our ancestors evaded predators. Is that a velociraptor I hear?  Knowing this and how focus works, removing distractions is the  first line of defense for your focus! 

One question to ponder in your thinking time: What’s one change I can make to my workspace to improve my focus?

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan
Co-author of The ONE Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent