Traditional media sources capitalize on your attention by exploiting fear. Social media platforms hijack your focus by presenting relatable and frequently self-deprecating memes. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook possess a deep understanding of the colors, subjects, and presentation styles that captivate your interest.
There is always something to fill the void. Just a moment ago, I mindlessly switched to checking my Twitter notifications.
From a macro perspective - 10000 ft. view - this is the big problem that the modern world faces. Rather than addressing the root cause of our thoughts, individuals tend to fixate on their mental well-being. Instead of prioritizing long-term vitality, people indulge in fleeting pleasures that impact their physical health. Monetary pursuits often revolve around seeking instant wealth rather than fostering sustainable business growth. While our focus today is on concentrated work, it's crucial to acknowledge the problem arising from the attention economy.
In the attention economy, only being a consumer will be disastrous for you.
You can consume much faster than you can earn. How do you plan to make up the gap?
However, amidst this landscape, numerous opportunities are sprouting like weeds, waiting to be seized. Then you can make money from the new Digital Economy - to use to consume whatever you want.....at some point in the future.
To make the most of these opportunities, you must transition from being a mere consumer to becoming a producer - a value adder. It requires directing your attention towards building something with minimal risk, yet holding the potential for significant rewards. These are what we call asymmetric bets.
Some opportunities that have popped up in the last 5-10 years (that you can still take advantage of):
E-commerce and Online Marketplaces
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Remote Work and Freelancing
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Online Education and E-Learning
Health and Wellness Industry
Digital Content Creation
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
4 years ago, I started freelancing with web design and coaching. I didn't go to school for web design and I am not a certified coach - my corporate career was in finance and investments.
I'd built 4 websites for myself in addition to dozens of landing pages. I started working with some friends and their businesses when I realized I knew what I was doing. We always discount ourselves, our knowledge, skills and abilities - to what end? Is it the safety of knowing that you will never embarrass yourself with your severe lack knowledge regarding something that you know how to do and could help someone with?
I started to believe without a doubt that there were many people a few steps behind me in their process that needed the help that I needed when I was in their shoes. This required zero (or minimal) initial investment, just some time spent on YouTube tutorials. Little did I know that this venture had the potential to replace my income entirely.
When the twins were born, I decided to focus on Twitter, where my presence gradually grew. This enabled me to shift away from client work and explore new opportunities. Presently, I find myself in the initial stages of launching a blog, YouTube channel, and podcast. With the right approach, I am confident that these endeavors will yield significant rewards.
The formula for my success revolves around a menial upfront investment, unwavering persistence, and continuous iteration, resulting in exponential rewards. My achievements, regardless of their scale, are the product of strategic asymmetric bets. However, the true catalyst behind these outcomes is focused work. By investing my attention into the attention economy's stock market and consistently adding value to the world, one hour at a time, I have witnessed the transformative power of focused work in shaping my path.
You can get more done in 4 hours of focused work than you can in 8 hours of distracted work.
Hell, even 1 hour of focused work can pay off nicely, especially for those with other time-consuming obligations. I am a dad of 4 with 16 month old twins.
I don't have as much time to dedicate to "writing" as I would like to - but I am able to get started with this method.
To embark on your focused work journey, there is a prerequisite: having interests or curiosities that you are eager to pursue.
Without actively learning and cultivating these passions, it will be challenging to discover opportunities worth pursuing.
Once you have gained knowledge and skills, the next crucial step is implementing them in the real world.
Here are my three steps for getting into focused work:
Step 1: Brain Dump
Grab a physical notebook and a pen or pencil before you begin.
Sometimes Analog is better than digital.
This step serves two purposes:
- Clear your mind of internal distractions, such as random thoughts and ideas.
- Gain clarity on the specific tasks you need to complete for a given project.
Let your creativity flow and write down everything that comes to mind. Don't limit yourself to just work-related tasks. Include household to-do lists, this week's shopping list, and anything else that needs your attention.
This brain dump exercise will help you organize your thoughts and create a comprehensive task list. It's the first step toward regaining focus and prioritizing your work effectively.
Step 2: Categorize & Prioritize
Now that you have completed the brain dump and have a comprehensive list of tasks, it's time to categorize and prioritize them. This will help you bring structure to your work and ensure that you focus on what matters most.
Create categories for your tasks to fall under. Here are some examples:
Household: Tasks related to managing your home and personal responsibilities.
Social growth: Activities aimed at building your online presence and expanding your network.
Product promotion: Tasks focused on promoting your products or services.
Outreach for freelancing: Actions taken to reach out to potential clients or opportunities.
Client work: Tasks related to ongoing projects or assignments for your clients.
Relationships: Actions to nurture and strengthen your personal and professional relationships.
Health: Activities related to your physical and mental well-being.
Once you have categorized your tasks, it's time to prioritize them. One effective method is to use the Eisenhower Matrix. This matrix helps you differentiate between urgent and important tasks, allowing you to prioritize effectively.
If you're unsure whether a task is a priority or not, consider flipping a coin. Indecision usually indicates that it's not a priority. By flipping a coin, you can save yourself unnecessary mental strain and make a quick decision.
Review each category and select 2-5 tasks that need your immediate attention within the next few days. These tasks should be your top priorities, and by focusing on them, you can make considerable progress towards your goals.
Step 3: Time Blocking & Scheduling
Now that you have categorized and prioritized your tasks, it's time to schedule them into your calendar or favorite planner. By setting specific time blocks for your tasks, you prepare your brain for action and increase your productivity.
Take 10 minutes to allocate your tasks to specific time slots. Consider using the Pomodoro method, which involves working in focused 50-minute intervals followed by 10 minutes of active rest. This technique helps maintain your concentration and prevents burnout. Start with 1-2 hours of focused work and gradually increase your workload as you build the habit.
Scheduling your time blocks should not take more than 15 minutes each week. By committing to a schedule, you establish a routine and ensure that you allocate dedicated time to tackle your tasks effectively.
Rapid Fire Tips for Maintaining Focus:
Tip 1: Increase Clarity by Decreasing Uncertainty
To enhance your focus, it's crucial to have clarity about your goals and tasks. Revisit steps 1-3 outlined above to ensure you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
Tip 2: Remove Distractions
- Turn your phone on Do-Not-Disturb and move it off your desk.
- Close all browser tabs except for ones you are using to execute.
- Get out of your house if you have to (coffee shops and urban spaces work)
Tip 3: Music
- Listen to instrumental music instead of music with lyrics.
- Movie or your favorite video game soundtrack.
- Interstellar, The Dark Knight, or anything by Hans Zimmer works wonders.
Tip 4: Take Care of Yourself
- Move more (exercise).
- Nutrition - Eat better.
- Get quality sleep (Top Priority - Absolutely Crucial).
- Prioritize recovery
- Mental Health
You can’t force a tired mind into work. Your mental performance must be sustainable. Remember, sustainable mental performance is essential, and self-care plays a crucial role in achieving it.
By following these tips and implementing focused work strategies, you can optimize your productivity and achieve your goals effectively.
Commit
Congratulations on your ambition to build a better life. To achieve your goals, it's time to make a commitment. Embrace the concept of asymmetric bets and focus.
Dedicate yourself to opportunities with high potential and take calculated risks. Stay committed, even in the face of challenges.
Focus your time and energy on meaningful tasks. Resist distractions and surround yourself with supportive people.
Make a commitment today and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.
Success awaits.
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