54: The Focus Fix: Why You Can't Concentrate (And How to Change That)

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At a glance:

• Essay: The Focus Fix: Why You Can't Concentrate (And How to Change That)
• Quote: Concentrate all your thoughts on the work in hand.
• Visual: Focus

The Focus Fix: Why You Can't Concentrate (And How to Change That)

Issue #54 | The Clarity Edition

The Real Problem Isn't What You Think

You've blamed your phone. You've blamed notifications. You've even blamed that coworker who won't stop talking.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: You're trying to optimize noise.

The real reason you can't focus isn't distractions: it's the lack of clarity about what you're actually trying to accomplish.

We're solving the wrong problem.

The 4-Step Clarity System

1. Define Success for This Week

Most people have 10 vague goals floating around their head. That's not planning. That's mental clutter.

Do this instead:

• Pick ONE clear outcome for this week
• Be ruthlessly specific
• Write it on a sticky note
• Stick it on your laptop where you'll see it every day

Example: Instead of "work on marketing," write "Complete 3 client case studies for website by Friday."

2. Create Your "Not Now" List

Your brain is constantly generating ideas, reminders, and "what-ifs." These mental interruptions kill focus faster than any notification.

The solution:

• Keep a running list of everything pulling at your attention
• Label it "Later, Not Never"
• When something pops into your head, write it down and get back to work
• Review the list weekly

This isn't about ignoring good ideas, it's about timing them properly.

3. Establish ONE Sacred Focus Block

Multitasking is a myth. Deep work requires protection.

Your daily focus ritual:

• Identify your peak energy time (morning? afternoon?)
• Block 60 uninterrupted minutes
• Close all tabs except what you need
• Put your phone in another room
• Work on ONE task only

Start with 60 minutes. Once this becomes habit, you can extend it.

4. Share Your Priority Out Loud

Clarity grows when it's spoken. There's something powerful about verbalizing your intention.

Try this:

• Tell someone your main priority for the day
• Say it out loud, not just in text
• Ask them to check in with you later

Bonus: They'll remind you what matters when you inevitably get pulled into less important tasks.

The Question That Changes Everything

Stop asking: "Why can't I focus?"

Start asking: "What exactly am I trying to do?"

The first question makes you a victim of circumstances. The second makes you the architect of your attention.

This Week's Challenge

Pick ONE thing you want to accomplish this week. Write it down. Put it somewhere visible.

Then watch how much easier it becomes to say no to everything else.

Clarity isn't optional in a noisy world.

It's your competitive edge.

What's the ONE thing you're focusing on this week? Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

Until next week,
Jon

P.S. If this resonated, forward it to someone who's been struggling with focus. Sometimes the best gift you can give someone is a new way of thinking about an old problem.

Focus 

Source: Janis Ozolins

Until next week!

Jon Giganti 

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