Basically, my life got better when I started to:
- Concentrate on a core set of values and goals
- Take my own ability to focus more seriously
Even in my 30s I was totally lost, pulled between different priorities and directions. I had no real expertise or career capital.
And I was miserable as a result.
It was only by focusing that I was able to inch towards something more meaningful. And the more I focused, the better life became.
Early on I was lucky to recognise the effect social media had on my focus, so I ditched it.
I was also drawn to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and how it helps people stay in the moment even in the presence of difficult stuff (like anxiety or boredom).
And I read people like Cal Newport, Nancy Klein, Barbara Oakley, David Allen, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Greg McKeown, all of whom added something to my understanding of focus.
I did my Doctorate whilst working full time and juggling a young family – so much of that was down to improved focus.
And so for my latest challenge… I have been meaning to write a book (on the subject of High Performance Routines) for a while.
But I am still time poor, with a busy business, and a lot of commitments as a Dad which I won’t compromise.
So, my latest idea is to try and write the book in one pomodoro (i.e. 25 minutes of intense focus) a day.
What do you think? Is it possible?
Could my book be next on the list one day?
