1. Focus Mode

The brain operates at its peak when concentrated on a single task.

I have been inspired by Professor Cal Newport, who has demonstrated that we can accomplish much more than we think. Newport managed to double his output, producing between four to nine professional papers, while also writing a book—all without sacrificing his evenings and weekends for family time. His secret? Mastering focus mode.

When you engage in focused, distraction-free work on a challenging task, you can generate an impressive amount of high-quality output. To produce your best work, you must harness the power of focus mode. Yet, many of us fail to utilize it effectively.

It’s as if we are driving in first gear on a highway, when our brains are capable of shifting into higher gears. In focus mode, the brain becomes a superhero, ready to tackle immense challenges. However, distractions and multitasking are its kryptonite, sapping its energy.

Your brain will instinctively seek distractions. I tried to implement Newport’s focus mode by using a web blocker to prevent social media scrolling. To my surprise, after just 17 minutes, I found myself attempting to access Twitter without even realizing it—an automatic reaction to the difficulty of focusing, as described by Stephen Pressfield as "the resistance."

Distractions can lead you down a long tunnel. According to Chris Bailey in "Hyperfocus," it takes about 27 minutes to regain focus after a distraction. Consequently, less than half of your writing time is spent actually writing. By minimizing distractions, you can significantly boost your productivity.

Your brain is wired to conserve energy and seek out quick dopamine hits, so it’s important to acknowledge that you may struggle with focus mode. Think of focus mode as an underdeveloped muscle—you are in training, and you require support.

Here are three strategies that have aided my focus:

1. Automate Decisions: Establish habits and rituals so you don’t have to consciously choose focus mode. The brain is resistant to decision-making; automate your writing schedule (e.g., write at the same time every day) and create cues (like writing after your morning shower).
2. Environment Triggers: Your surroundings can significantly impact your ability to concentrate. Identify places that help you focus—whether it's a clean desk, a library, or a coffee shop. Repeating the same environment can train your brain to associate that space with focus mode.
3. Erect Barriers: Recognize your vulnerabilities to distractions and set up safeguards. Don’t rely on willpower alone; use web blockers, leave your phone behind, or find a quiet space to work.

Using these strategies has allowed me to focus effectively, utilizing most of my writing time. I was astonished at the volume I could produce—two 60-minute writing sessions a day can yield 30 articles a month.

Focus mode generates more output than you might expect, so don’t squander it.

2. Free Mode

While mind wandering is often viewed negatively, it can yield valuable insights for writers.

Unfortunately, many minds today are overstimulated by constant dopamine hits from our devices. However, by creating space for your brain—sitting in the garden, walking in silence, or doing chores without music—you can enter free mode.

In this state, you may discover three valuable benefits:

• Unique Ideas: Picture everything you’ve encountered as sticky notes scattered on a table. In free mode, your brain begins to rearrange these notes, seeking connections. True creativity emerges not from inventing new ideas but from linking existing ones. This is why epiphanies often strike during mundane activities or when you’re not consciously thinking about a problem.
• Helicopter View: Free mode allows you to step back and gain perspective. Focus mode can cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture, becoming absorbed in details. In free mode, your mind can revisit past experiences and consider future possibilities, prompting valuable reflections.
• Recharge: Free mode rejuvenates the brain. While focus mode expends considerable energy, leading to a productive but tiring experience, free mode allows your brain to rest and reset.

To harness the advantages of free mode, incorporate relaxing activities into your daily routine. Engage in physical tasks such as walking or gardening, or simply sit quietly for 20 minutes without external stimuli. Notice any ideas that arise and jot them down—don’t rely on memory alone.

Combining focus and free modes creates a potent strategy for writers. If you wish to elevate your writing even further, consider adding a third mode.

3. Mini Mode

Matthew Dicks, a prolific novelist, often shares a valuable insight: you can maximize productivity in small increments.

Dicks emphasizes that we frequently underestimate the potential of brief moments throughout the day. Instead of wasting these 10-minute intervals scrolling through our phones, consider what you can accomplish in that time. You could:

• Review ideas you’ve noted down
• Brainstorm headlines
• Edit your introduction for impact
• Read a blog post and take notes
• Explore other articles for content inspiration

Imagine if you made use of just three 10-minute mini modes each day. If you’re already writing for one hour daily, this could increase your writing time by 50% without additional effort.

Although you can’t engage in focused work during a 10-minute window, you can still make progress. The key is to have a list of bite-sized tasks ready to tackle during those short breaks. When waiting for a bus or while your kids are finishing school, pull out your mini-mode list and start with the first task.

At the end of a focus mode session, I often add mini-mode tasks to my list—like brainstorming a metaphor or reviewing a title. These seemingly small actions can significantly enhance my efficiency as a writer.

Finding time to write while working full-time can be challenging, but integrating these three modes into your routine can yield substantial results.

If you’re interested in my writing system that has attracted 12,000 followers in eight months and generates $1,200 per month, consider joining the 1,687 other writers who have found success with it:

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In just three minutes a day, you can gain access to essential tools that will help you become a more compelling writer and elevate your skills.

www.derekhughes.biz

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