are you facing more distractions than direction?
5 min read
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4 days ago
Focus, according to me, is the ability to zoom in on something so deeply that everything else becomes invisible. You must have heard someone say, “I was so involved that I didn’t realize how much time had passed.” That’s what focus feels like.
But let’s be honest, staying focused isn’t easy. For us humans, it has always been simple to get distracted. Earlier, people would complain about vehicle noise, doorbells, or ceiling fans. Our generation laughs at that, thinking, “Phew, that’s nothing compared to what we deal with.”
The truth is, even without external distractions, our brain is designed to wander. It will pull us away from the present moment again and again.
And of course, we’ve all heard the joke about humans having the “attention span of a goldfish.”
Why Focus is Everything
Think about it. Every master we admire, whether it’s athletes like Serena Williams, entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, or scientists like Marie Curie, got there because they could shut out the noise and stay with one thing long enough to master it.
Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”
– Steve Jobs
What wonders focus can do is give you mastery over a skill. It creates the space to learn, to build, and to succeed. Even small labs of focus, tiny pockets of time where you zoom in fully, can transform you. Over time, those moments stack up and move mountains.
I’ll share how we can build focus. But before that, here’s something personal, the struggle that taught me what focus really looks like in practice.
My Struggle with Comparison
One of the ways distraction showed up in my life was through comparison.
Ever since I was a child, I was compared to my younger sister, my cousins, my classmates, or later, even colleagues. They were always “doing better” in one way or another, and it started to affect me deeply.
At one point, I had had enough. I wanted a solution.
That’s when I realized the problem wasn’t them. The problem was where I was placing my focus. What was i giving more power to.
The Practice of Shifting Focus
Here’s the simple but powerful practice that changed my life:
Subconsciously, I imagine myself and the person I’m comparing to standing in front of a mirror. Both of us are there.
At first, my eyes go straight to them. I feel the usual jealousy or insecurity. But then, I deliberately shift my eyeballs from them to me.
That’s the practice. That’s the shift I now consciously follow.
When I look at myself, I remind myself of five good things about me. And if the comparison is pointing out something I’d like to improve, I take it as a cue. For example, if I admire their skills, I think, “Okay, how can I sharpen mine?” If I admire their style, I ask, “How can I dress better in my own way?”
This way, comparison becomes an opportunity for growth.
What you choose to focus on says a lot about you. Choose wisely.
So, how do we build the muscle of focus in daily life?
Focus is a Muscle
Productivity gurus have given us many frameworks such as the Pomodoro technique, time-blocking, and so on. These are great, and we’ll surely discuss these sometime too.
but the deeper practice is learning how to bring ourselves back to the present moment again and again.
Meditation is the way. Not by being harsh on yourself saying, “Why can’t I stay present?” but by gently returning to your breath whenever your mind drifts. Every time you come back, you strengthen that muscle.
A simple 15 to 20 minute daily mindfulness practice can slowly increase your ability to focus on what matters.
You learn to minimise so many tabs that are open in your mind’s computer and rather start giving your 100% focus to each, one after another.
Also, Don’t Forget to Zoom Out (contradictory Ik)
As important as zooming in is, zooming out matters too.
Sometimes, when we’re deeply focused, we miss the bigger picture. That’s why breaks are essential. Looking up from your work, traveling, exploring, and living outside your tasks actually make your focus sharper when you return.
No wonder so many young people today seek balance between working hard and exploring life. So it’s not a contradiction, it’s a survival strategy.
A Final Thought
Focus is not just about ignoring distractions. It’s about learning to bring yourself back, again and again, to what truly matters to you.
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Your support helps me keep sharing, so thank you for being here.