#43: How to Avoid Distraction and Manage Attention to Write
Show Notes\xa0\n\nEpisode #43: How to Avoid Distraction and Manage Attention to Write\n\nIn this episode, I take both a macro and micro view of attention, focus, and distraction.\n\nAt the macro level, I suggest that formulating a general plan of where you\u2019d like to go as a writer will make it easier to focus your attention on how a given activity fits into the big picture (and you can more easily resist Shiny Object Syndrome).\n\nAt the micro level, we can focus our attention by minimizing everyday, moment-by-moment distractions. Clear your desk. Try the Pomodoro technique. When you launch your writing session, silence phone notifications, close the browser. You can even try using the "focus" view in Word to\xa0minimize visual distractions on the screen.\n\nIn addition, we can learn to become "meta-aware," noticing when our mind is wandering. When we increase meta-awareness, we can learn to nudge our mind back to the task at hand by telling ourselves, \u201cOkay, I\u2019m writing now. So, quiet. I\u2019m trying to concentrate."\n\nListen for the full podcast.\nLots of Resources:\n\n \t#42: Manage Your Energy So You Can Write\n \t#41: 5 Steps to Find Time for Writing\n \t#40: Take Charge of Your Writing Space, Tasks, and Projects\n \t#39: Manage Your Writing Space to Be a More Productive Writer\n \t#38: Manage Your Writing Space, Time, Energy, and Attention\n \tNovelty and the Brain: Why New Things Make Us Feel So Good\n \tConcentrate! How to Tame a Wandering Mind\n \tWrite in the Middle: Yes, You Can Maximize Distraction-Free Writing\n \tWrite in the Middle of Everyday Distractions: 7 Strategies for Getting Back on Track\n \tProductivity 101: A Primer to the Pomodoro Technique\n\n* * *\nYou can subscribe with iTunes,\xa0where I'd love to have you subscribe, rate, and leave a review.\n\nThe podcast is also available\xa0Stitcher,\xa0and you should be able to search for and find "Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach" in any podcast player.\n\nImage by Ann Kroeker.