English Podcast For Learning English | Why You Can’t Focus | English Leap Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the English Leap Podcast, Aaron and Evan dive into the challenge of maintaining focus, especially in today’s overstimulating world. They explain that lack of focus isn’t due to laziness but the brain’s overload from constant distractions. Offering practical tips, they emphasize the importance of a focused environment, setting realistic goals, and creating systems for consistent learning. The episode also explores the significance of understanding your 'why' for better engagement and the importance of treating focus like a muscle that strengthens over time. This episode is a valuable resource for English learners looking to improve focus and productivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus isn't about being lazy or broken, it's often due to overstimulation of the brain from too much input.
• 😀 Trying to do multiple things at once (like switching apps or watching multiple videos) can cause your brain to shut down and make it hard to focus.
• 😀 Creating a quiet, clutter-free space is essential for better focus and productivity.
• 😀 Less is more: Instead of trying to learn everything at once, focus on doing one thing deeply to achieve better results.
• 😀 Focus is a skill that requires training, not just waiting for the right mood or environment.
• 😀 Your brain needs a purpose for the task at hand. If you don't know why you're doing something, it will be hard to focus.
• 😀 Focus should be practiced regularly, just like training a muscle in the gym.
• 😀 Moving your body, even a little, helps improve mental clarity and focus.
• 😀 Relying solely on willpower to focus can lead to burnout; instead, create systems and routines that make focus automatic.
• 😀 Set small, repeatable habits (like listening to English for 10 minutes daily) to build consistent focus over time.
• 😀 Connecting your English learning to real-life goals (e.g., traveling, talking to a friend) will increase your motivation and focus.

Q & A

Why is it hard for people to focus in today's world?

It's hard for people to focus because the world around us is designed to constantly steal our attention. This overstimulation, from scrolling, switching apps, or multitasking, prevents the brain from processing things effectively.

How does overstimulation affect the brain?

Overstimulation exhausts the brain, not from doing nothing but from trying to process too much information at once. This leads to mental fatigue, making it difficult to focus.

What is the key advice for English learners struggling with focus?

The key advice for English learners is to reduce distractions by sticking to one task, whether it’s watching one video or focusing on a specific language skill. Avoid jumping between different tasks or apps.

How does environment affect focus?

An environment full of noise, clutter, or interruptions makes focusing difficult. It’s important to create a quiet, clean, and distraction-free space to improve focus.

What does the podcast suggest about busy schedules and productivity?

The podcast emphasizes that being busy doesn’t equal being productive. Engaging in surface-level activities like watching many videos without depth can feel active but doesn’t lead to real progress.

How can learners ensure they focus deeply on their studies?

To focus deeply, learners should aim to do one thing well rather than trying to do everything at once. For example, focusing on just five new words each day with repetition and practice yields better results.

What role does 'purpose' play in staying focused?

Having a clear purpose for learning—whether it’s to travel, talk to a friend, or watch shows without subtitles—helps your brain understand why the task matters, leading to natural focus and motivation.

How does focus compare to a muscle?

Focus is compared to a muscle because it gets stronger with regular, intentional practice. Just as you need to train muscles to lift heavier weights, you need to practice focus regularly to improve it over time.

Why is relying solely on willpower not a sustainable approach to focus?

Willpower is like a battery that runs out. Relying solely on willpower to maintain focus can lead to burnout, so it's better to build consistent, automatic habits that support focus over time.

What are some strategies for creating systems to improve focus?

Creating systems involves forming repeatable, low-effort habits that don’t rely on willpower. For example, listening to 5 minutes of English every morning or reading an article before bed helps build momentum and make focus automatic.