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In both cases, the tools are the same: computer, apps, headphones, notebook, etc. But when I want to work quietly, I go to the public library and turn off notifications. For example, I collaborate with others from my home office with notifications turned on. For me, this means combinations of places, apps, notification settings, etc. The point is to set up contexts that support the desired focus modes.

Focus undistracted products install#

And if your company’s IT department doesn’t let you install easier-to-use apps, you might take a course to learn better the ones you must use. For example, you may not have a spare room - but you can invest in noise-canceling headphones.

What if you can’t directly change these things? Perhaps there are alternatives. But you might also be missing a key tool or using the wrong tool for the job. Does it feel like you’re fighting your apps? Some tools feel more natural than others, perhaps because you know them better. Turn off notifications or at least be selective with those that come through. Are you constantly pinged by the Twitter app? If so, you’ll find it difficult to stay focused. If possible, go to a quiet room and close the door.

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Is there something exciting happening around you? It could be loud music, kids playing, a TV in the corner - they’re all competing for your attention. While you can’t control all variables that influence your attention, here are a few you can adjust relatively easily: But just like we can configure the room where we’re studying, we can also organize our computers, phones, and tablets to support our attentional needs. Again, you can organize things and places to enable you.Īlas, the “place” where most of us spend much of our time working is our devices. You arrange these items around you so they support your tasks. When you’re studying, you likely need a book, a pen and notebook, good light, etc. It’s easier to study in a quiet space than at a party. So you create conditions to support your efforts. You don’t mind being distracted while on vacation, but when you’re studying, you want to be focused. Whether you’re on vacation or studying, you want to manage your attention. You do these things because you want to attain a particular state of mind. Conversely, if you’re studying for a big exam, you’ll likely go to a quiet, well-lit room, turn off your phone, and make yourself a cup of tea.

If you’re on vacation, you might go into “recreation” mode: you put aside your cares, dress differently, ignore your calendar, direct calls to voicemail, etc. You focus differently when you listen to a lecture, solve a puzzle, fill out a tax form, or call your sibling to wish them a happy birthday. (If you know of similar features in those platforms, please let me know.) What is a “focus mode”?īy “focus mode,” I mean the mindset and quality of attention you bring or aspire to when performing an activity. There might be equivalent features and apps in Windows, Android, and Linux, but I haven’t used them. Before we start, a disclaimer: I primarily use Apple devices. In this post, I’ll share what I’m doing and what I’ve learned so far. I’ve recently started using these features on my devices, and they’ve improved my ability to focus. In particular, our computers and mobile devices allow us to set up modes that can better support our attentional needs. But we often underestimate the degree to which we can (and should) also do this for ourselves. Information architects aim to create contexts that help people get stuff done. Subscribe to receive posts like this in your inbox every other Sunday. A version of this post first appeared in my newsletter.