Research and personal experience say that the absolute best the human brain can do is to focus for 4 hours per day before needing a recharge. That’s it. 4 hours
And that is at your best. Good night sleep, proper nutrition, and significant training. I’m pretty sure you’ve done a good deal of heavy lifting and getting better at focusing your mind. Most people can’t last 15 minutes working on one subject or one thing, but I’m 100% positive that you don’t fall into **THAT** category. I’m sure your brain can focus longer and better than the average Joe or Jane Schmo off the street.
But could you do better?
Of course.
There are gobs and gobs of ways to improve your focus and prolong it. By the way,**FOCUS** is the key to learning, without it you’re running around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off. You’re moving, but you’re not going anywhere.
Where was I? OH yeah, keeping focus.
I’ve always used music to help me study and stay focused. I like loud, really “full” music to block out any other thoughts. Florence and the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Muse for my PANRE – I even remember using a lot of Lana Del Ray. Lots of options out there, but like was saying, I like things that will blow out any other thoughts and not leave any room. That’s how I clear my head and focus.
Some people think Bach or baroque piano are the best options. Hard to say. I like those too, but not as much.
A few years ago, a friend showed me focus@will, and that’s what I’ve been using ever since. Focus@will is an app on your phone or a web app on your computer that runs all different kinds of music to help you… you guessed.. Focus.
I also like Brain.fm, and more recently I’ve been using ASMR study rooms on YouTube. A nice rainy thunderstorm in an ancient library has been doing the trick.
But I still stick with Focus@will more often than not. Here’s why: I don’t get lost down a rabbit hole. If I go into Youtube, I might not get to work for an hour. It’s good, but it’s very dangerous.
Music definitely helps the world melt away and allows me to focus quicker, longer, and better on what I’m working on. I even use it when I’m reading now.
You might give it a shot as you make your way through your notes, your textbooks, or The Final Step.
Brian Wallace