How I Stay Focused Studying for Long Hours. Full Guide.

Summary

Zaynon Smith, a third-year medical student, presents a comprehensive guide on mastering focus. He outlines three key steps: preparing for focus by eliminating distractions and setting a routine, hacking the focus through understanding the flow state and managing internal triggers, and excelling with focus by setting clear goals and leveraging passion. Smith's practical tips, backed by research, aim to help viewers develop the ability to concentrate deeply and efficiently, transforming their learning and productivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Less than 10% of viewers have the attention span to watch a video to the end, which is ironic since they need the content the most.
• 🎓 Zaynon Smith, a medical student, shares a comprehensive guide on mastering focus, based on over 13 hours of research, four books, and numerous podcasts.
• 👀 The first practical step to improve focus is to go full screen and minimize distractions, training the mind to concentrate on the task at hand.
• 🔕 Eliminate external triggers by disabling non-essential notifications on devices to prevent the brain from entering a loop of constant distraction.
• ⏰ Schedule work effectively to avoid wasting mental energy on deciding what to do next, which can quickly deplete focus.
• 📅 Create a weekly task list and transfer tasks onto a daily calendar to stay organized and focused, treating the calendar as a flexible guide rather than a strict schedule.
• 🛠 Develop a pre-work routine to condition the mind for focus, such as going to the same place, having a coffee, and preparing the workspace.
• 💡 Understanding the 'Flow State' involves recognizing the initial struggle phase and pushing through it to achieve deep focus and productivity.
• 📝 Use a Post-It note to jot down distractions as they arise, helping to identify and manage internal triggers that lead to a loss of focus.
• 🕒 Apply the 10-minute rule to resist distractions, giving oneself a short-term goal to stay focused before addressing the urge to check phones or snacks.
• 🚀 Leverage passion and curiosity to achieve significant improvements in skills and knowledge, rather than relying on incremental one-percent gains.

Q & A

What is the ironic statement made at the beginning of the video?

The ironic statement is that less than 10 percent of viewers will have the attention span to watch the entire video, which is about mastering focus and staying focused, a skill that the viewers likely need.

Who is the speaker in the video and what is their educational background?

The speaker is Zaynon Smith, a third-year medical student studying at the University of Manchester.

What does Zaynon Smith claim to have spent over 13 hours on to create the guide?

Zaynon Smith claims to have spent over 13 hours on reading four full books, listening to countless podcasts, and conducting research to create the guide on mastering focus.

What is the first practical action Zaynon suggests to improve focus?

The first practical action suggested is to go full screen on the video and focus on the speaker's eyes, as if having an in-person conversation, to train the mind to focus in real time.

What is the mindset change Zaynon encourages regarding focus?

Zaynon encourages the mindset change that focus is not something one inherently has or lacks, but rather something that can be developed and improved over time.

What are the three major steps to becoming a highly focused individual according to the guide?

The three major steps are: Step one - Prepare for Focus, Step two - Hack the Focus, and Step three - Excel with Focus.

What is the advice given for removing external triggers to focus?

The advice given is to disable notifications for all non-essential apps on one's phone and to inform family members of the need for uninterrupted focus time.

How does Zaynon suggest organizing work to improve focus?

Zaynon suggests making a weekly task list and transferring tasks onto a daily calendar, creating a schedule that runs on autopilot and reduces the mental energy spent on deciding what to do.

What is the 'Flow State' as described in the video?

The 'Flow State' is described as a state of hyper-productivity where one is totally absorbed in what they are doing, with distractions fading away and focus being effortless.

What are the two practical actions Zaynon suggests to overcome the initial struggle phase of the flow cycle?

The two practical actions are: 1) Having a Post-It note and pen to write down the sensations that make one want to leave work, and 2) Using Neil Eyers' 10-minute rule to delay gratification and regain focus.

What is the 'four percent challenge' and how does it relate to the skill ratio for achieving flow?

The 'four percent challenge' is the idea of pushing oneself only a little bit beyond the comfort zone by challenging oneself four percent more than usual every time one studies, maintaining the same quality of learning, to find the perfect balance between task challenge and skill level.

How does Zaynon define the role of passion in achieving focus and flow states?

Zaynon defines passion as the fastest way to become laser-focused, get into flow states, and learn skills much faster than incremental one percent improvements. He suggests capitalizing on moments of passion to make significant progress in a short time.

What is the importance of the recovery phase after a flow state, and what should one avoid during this phase?

The recovery phase is important to consolidate learning and to prevent burnout. One should avoid using their phone and engaging in social media during this phase to ensure effective consolidation of the information learned and to prepare for re-entering the flow state.