Get More Done With 3 Easy Ways to Boost Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus is an extreme form of focus. It has a range of effects and uses, from the awful to the awesome. My coaching clients often ask me if there’s a way to switch hyperfocus on. They would like to take advantage of the lift it gives their productivity. Their desire is to get hyperfocus more under their control, as many times, it just seems to “happen,” and not necessarily when they want it to. Getting into hyperfocus is not so much about flipping a switch as creating the ideal environments where hyperfocus can flourish.
To get yourself into a state of hyperfocus:
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Clear the decks
- Carving out or defining some time for the project or task you wish to hyperfocus on is an excellent first step. Dedicating thought to when, and for how long, can help clarify further.
- You may need to clear your space; this could be the physical space you want to work in or your virtual space. Getting clutter out of the way will give a boost to your ability to focus efficiently.
- Get any outstanding items off your to-do list that might surface while you are busy, and off your mind. The last thing you want is having your focus broken into by thoughts of urgent emails you need to write or payments that will incur a penalty if you miss the deadline.
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Remove potential distractions
- Dealing with distractions before they happen is a sure way to promote hyperfocus. For example, you may decide to work on your project at night or early in the morning when no-one is around. Or choose a weekend when everyone is away to focus better on one thing.
- Alternatively, consider temporarily moving yourself to an undisturbed location, if it’s busy where you live or work. Try also using ear defenders to block out external audible distractions.
- Some people find the opposite works best for them – they need something to concentrate against to focus well. Many use music, white noise, or other sounds as a background, or go to busy cafes to get things done.
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Make it easy by being prepared
- Get yourself ready to hyperfocus: for many, physical exercise or movement of some kind before settling to something is a must for being able to focus. Having food and drink to keep you well-fed and watered while you work will optimize the brain energy you need in order to hyperfocus and increase your productivity.
- Make the project or task you want to hyperfocus on seem as appealing as possible. Use that fantastic creativity of yours to find new ways to look at or approach the task.
- Save time and frustration by optimising your environment and gathering materials and equipment for your project together beforehand.
- According to Shawn Achor, in his book “The Happiness Advantage,” people find it much easier to manage their attention when they’re happy. Part of your preparation can involve using your knowledge about what makes you happy. The neurochemicals involved in happiness can put you in a good place for being able to direct your attention exactly where you want it to go. Experiment with listening to music, spending time with people you love, and playfulness, for example, to discover what works best for you and when.
In summary:
- Step one
Remove obstructions; carve out time, clear physical space, and empty or defer to-do list items, and you’re one step closer to bringing on hyperfocus.
- Step two
The key with distractions is to get to know your particular triggers, and find ways to mitigate them upfront so you can get into hyperfocus and stay there.
- Step three
Get prepared before you start; use a personalized selection of methods. Things like movement, creative approaches, optimising your environment, gathering materials and tools, and sparking beneficial neurochemicals will help you slip effortlessly into a deeper level of concentration.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to create the ideal conditions for whenever you want that extra boost of hyperfocus power.
If you’re curious about any of the tips mentioned above and you’d like to explore further how to work with your unique brain to harness hyperfocus, get in touch with me here to book an initial conversation to discuss your needs and discover how ADHD coaching can benefit you.
Anna Schlapp, B.A., ACC, ACCG has been coaching people with ADHD since 2015, and has thousands of hours of experience in helping her talented and creative clients get more out of life.