Mastering Focus: Tips for Creators

If you have ever lacked focus you know how great it feels to actually be focussed and to be in the flow. I think we all want to know how to feel focused most of the time and this is the definitive guide to doing that.

When we think about FOCUS we can separate it into two camps: Focus in the moment (short term) and focus on the bigger picture (long term). In this article, I try to tackle both of these concepts.

What does it mean to be focused as an artist?

Being focused as an artist means being fully engaged and present in the creative process, with a clear sense of purpose and direction. It means being able to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, sketching out a design, or working on a detailed piece of artwork.

it’s important to have a strong sense of commitment to your craft, as well as a clear understanding of your goals and priorities. This involves being intentional about how you spend your time and energy and making choices that align with your creative vision and objectives.

Being focused as an artist also means being able to manage distractions and overcome obstacles that might arise during the creative process. This might involve finding ways to stay motivated, setting boundaries to minimize interruptions, or developing strategies to overcome creative blocks or setbacks.

Ultimately, being focused as an artist allows you to produce your best work, make progress toward your goals, and feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in your creative endeavors.

Understanding the importance of focus

Creatives need to understand that focus is critical for producing quality work and achieving their creative goals. Without focus, it is easy to become distracted, lose momentum, and struggle to make progress. By honing their ability to concentrate, artists can enhance their productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction with their work.

It is also important for artists to recognize that focus is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and the right mindset. By prioritizing focus and making it a habit, artists can set themselves up for long-term success and fulfillment in their artistic pursuits.

How to Eliminate Distractions and Stay in Flow

Tiago Forte’s book “Building a Second Brain” focuses on developing a personal knowledge management system to help individuals process and organize information effectively. However, he does offer some strategies for staying focused and limiting distractions, which include:

Establishing a daily routine: Tiago emphasizes the importance of setting a daily routine that works for you. This routine should include specific times for focused work, breaks, and time for relaxation.
Minimizing interruptions: Tiago recommends minimizing interruptions by turning off notifications, using tools like “Do Not Disturb” mode, and creating a physical or virtual environment that is conducive to focused work.
Using a productivity system: Tiago recommends using a productivity system, such as Getting Things Done (GTD) or his own PARA method, to stay organized and focused on your priorities.
Practicing mindfulness: Tiago suggests practicing mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and to help you stay present and focused.
Taking care of your physical and mental health: Tiago emphasizes the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that reduce stress.

Tips and Techniques

Create a designated workspace that is free from distractions.
Turn off notifications on your phone and computer.
Use noise-canceling headphones or play white noise to block out background noise.
Use a website blocker to prevent access to distracting websites during work hours.
Set specific times for checking email and social media to avoid constant interruptions.
Keep your workspace tidy and organized to minimize visual clutter.
Use a timer to stay focused for set periods, such as the Pomodoro Technique.
Take breaks to stretch, exercise, or meditate to refresh your mind and improve focus.
Work during your most productive times of day, and schedule less demanding tasks for less productive times.
Identify your biggest sources of distraction and devise a plan to manage them.
Use productivity apps like Trello or Asana to keep your tasks organized.
Create a to-do list at the start of each day to help you stay on track.
Work in a quiet place, like a library or coffee shop, to avoid interruptions.
Use a paper planner to keep track of your schedule and deadlines.
Set achievable goals for each day or week to stay motivated and focused.
Turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode to avoid interruptions during important tasks.
Consider using the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone during work hours.
Take regular breaks to rest and recharge your mind.
Use a desk lamp or other focused lighting to help you stay alert and attentive.
Try a digital detox, where you take a break from screens and technology for a set time to help you refocus

By incorporating these tricks into your routine, you can minimize distractions and stay focused on your work as an artist.

Two Great Books On Focus

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a book that explores the concept of “flow,” a state of heightened focus and immersion in an activity that brings a sense of deep satisfaction and enjoyment. The author argues that this state of flow is essential for happiness and creativity, and provides a framework for understanding how to cultivate it in everyday life.

The second book I want to mention is Deep Work by Cal Newport focuses on the benefits of focused, distraction-free work, and provides practical advice on how to achieve this state.

Key takeaways from “Flow”

include the importance of setting clear goals and challenges that are matched to one’s abilities, focusing fully on the task at hand, and receiving immediate feedback. The book also emphasizes the value of pursuing intrinsically rewarding activities, rather than focusing solely on external rewards such as money or status.

Flow: Csikszentmihalyi coined the term “flow” to describe a state of optimal experience in which a person is fully engaged and absorbed in an activity. Flow is characterized by a sense of enjoyment, challenge, and immersion in the task at hand.
Creativity: Csikszentmihalyi emphasizes the importance of creativity in human flourishing. He argues that creativity is a fundamental aspect of our nature and that it is essential for personal growth, innovation, and social progress.
Challenge: Csikszentmihalyi believes that optimal experiences are most likely to occur when a person is engaged in activities that are challenging but also within their skill level. This creates a sense of focus and immersion in the task, leading to feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Autonomy: Csikszentmihalyi suggests that having control over one’s work is essential for achieving optimal experience. This includes having the freedom to choose one’s activities, goals, and methods of working.
Purpose: Csikszentmihalyi believes that having a sense of purpose and meaning is essential for achieving optimal experience. This involves setting clear goals, understanding one’s values and priorities, and being committed to a larger purpose beyond oneself.

The author also highlights the potential downsides of a modern, technology-driven society that can make it difficult to achieve flow, such as constant distractions and interruptions.

Overall, the book provides a roadmap for achieving optimal experiences in life and work and offers insights into the psychological processes that underlie happiness and creativity.

Most noteworthy quotes from the book

“Contrary to what we usually believe, moments like these, the best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times—although such experiences can also be enjoyable if we have worked hard to attain them. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
“The flow experience, like everything else, is not “good” in an absolute sense. It is good only in that it has the potential to make life more rich, intense, and meaningful; it is good because it increases the strength and complexity of the self.”
“To overcome the anxieties and depressions of contemporary life, individuals must become independent of the social environment to the degree that they no longer respond exclusively in terms of its rewards and punishments.”
“The key element of an optimal experience is that it is an end in itself. Even if initially undertaken for other reasons, the activity that consumes us becomes intrinsically rewarding.”
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
“The self becomes actualized when it is invested in a task that makes it stretch itself beyond its habitual boundaries.”
“The mark of a person who is in control of consciousness is the ability to focus attention at will, to be oblivious to distractions, to concentrate for as long as it takes to achieve a goal, and not longer.”
“The optimal state of inner experience is one in which there is order in consciousness. This happens when psychic energy—or attention—is invested in realistic goals, and when skills match the opportunities for action.”
“The enjoyment of life is not only for the fortunate few, it is for anyone who is willing to pay the price—within reason.”
“One of the best ways of making sure that we grow is to set aside time for activities that have no purpose other than to allow us to experience the sheer joy of doing them.”

Key Takeaways from Deep Work

Deep Work: Newport defines deep work as “professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit.” Deep work is valuable because it allows you to produce high-quality work, learn and master complex skills, and generate valuable insights.
Four Rules: Newport outlines four rules for achieving deep work: (1) Work Deeply, (2) Embrace Boredom, (3) Quit Social Media, and (4) Drain the Shallows. These rules involve strategies such as scheduling blocks of focused work time, reducing distractions, and minimizing low-value tasks.
Productivity: Newport argues that productivity is not about working longer hours or multitasking, but rather about producing high-quality work in a shorter amount of time. By focusing on deep work and minimizing distractions, you can accomplish more in less time.
Attention: Newport emphasizes the importance of attention as a finite resource that needs to be carefully managed. This involves being intentional about how you spend your time and energy, setting priorities, and minimizing distractions that can drain your attention.
Flow: Newport suggests that deep work can lead to a state of flow, in which you are fully immersed and engaged in your work. This state can be highly rewarding and can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

Overall, “Deep Work” encourages us to prioritize focused, distraction-free work and provides practical advice on how to achieve this state. By doing so, we can produce high-quality work, learn and master complex skills, and achieve greater productivity and creativity.

Planning and Organizing Your Creative Time

Set specific creative goals: Before you start working, it’s important to have clear goals in mind. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your creative time.
Create a routine: Establish a consistent creative routine, whether it’s a certain time of day, days of the week, or specific length of time. This will help you stay on track and make your creative time a regular part of your schedule.
Prioritize your creative time: Make your creative time a priority and block out distractions. Turn off your phone, email, and social media notifications, and set aside a designated space to work.
Use a planner or calendar: Keep track of your creative goals and progress in a planner or calendar. This can help you stay organized and motivated. Even better, get a project management tool here.
Break down projects into smaller tasks: Break larger creative projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to stay focused.
Use a timer: Set a timer for your creative sessions to help you stay focused and productive. This can also help you avoid burnout by taking regular breaks.
Collaborate with others: Working with other artists or creative professionals can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Schedule time for relaxation: Make sure to schedule time for rest to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Create deadlines: Set deadlines for yourself to keep you accountable and motivated. This can also help you avoid procrastination.
Be flexible: Allow for flexibility in your creative schedule, as unexpected events and challenges may arise. Remember to be patient with yourself and adjust your schedule as needed.

Adopting Mindfulness Practices to Boost Focus

Taking a few minutes each day to meditate can help clear the mind and increase focus.
Breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce distractions.
Practicing mindful observation, by paying close attention to your surroundings and sensory experiences, can help increase focus and inspire creativity.
Taking regular breaks can help prevent burnout and increase focus when returning to work.
Practicing mindful eating, by savoring each bite and being present at the moment, can help increase mindfulness and improve overall focus.
Engaging in activities like yoga, Tai Chi, or walking can help increase mindfulness and reduce stress.
Writing down your thoughts and ideas can help clear your mind and allow for more focus.

Building a Supportive Environment for Your Artistic Focus

Building a supportive environment can be crucial for maintaining artistic focus. Here are some tips for creating a supportive environment:

Create a dedicated workspace for your creative work that is free from distractions and where you can focus on your art. It also helps to have a place that you consistently work on so you can program yourself to be in work mode when you are in that space.
Identify distractions that are preventing you from staying focused and eliminate them. This could mean turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or letting others know you need some uninterrupted time. You can also minimize distraction by getting rid of clutter and hiding things so you can create more calm by giving your eyes a rest.
Set boundaries with family and friends about your creative time. Let them know that your art is important to you and you need time to work on it. This forms an important part of becoming a productive creative person. Setting boundaries is a form of self-care.
Joining a creative community can be a great way to get support and feedback on your work. This could be an online group or a local arts organization. Make sure these people lift you up and want you to succeed.
Surrounding yourself with inspiration can help keep you motivated and focused on your creative work. This could be through artwork, books, or other creative materials. Fill your space with things that bring you joy, make you laugh, or bring back memories.
Taking care of yourself is important for staying focused and motivated. This could mean getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when needed.
Use positive affirmations to stay motivated and focused on your creative goals. Repeat affirmations to yourself regularly to help build confidence and overcome self-doubt.
Finding a mentor who can provide guidance and support can be invaluable for staying focused on your creative goals.
Keeping track of your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. This could mean setting goals and tracking your progress towards them or simply keeping a journal of your creative work.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your creative work.

What tips do some well-known artists have on how they manage to stay focused?

Here are some tips from well-known artists on how they manage to stay focused:

Maya Angelou: The late poet and writer Maya Angelou used to rent a hotel room to do her writing, saying that “there’s no television, no radio, no interruption.” She also had a strict routine of waking up at 5:30 am every day and working until 2 pm.
Pablo Picasso: Picasso had a daily routine of waking up early and working in his studio until lunchtime, taking a break in the afternoon, and then returning to work late at night. He also emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work, saying “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
Chuck Close: The artist Chuck Close has a strict routine of working in his studio every day, even if he doesn’t feel like it. He also uses a technique called “incremental repetition,” in which he breaks down a large project into smaller, manageable tasks.
Stephen King: The prolific writer Stephen King emphasizes the importance of consistency and routine in his writing process. He sets a daily goal of writing 2,000 words and works on his projects every day, including weekends and holidays.
Marina Abramovic: The performance artist Marina Abramovic uses meditation and mindfulness techniques to stay focused during her performances. She also emphasizes the importance of preparation and rehearsal, saying that “the more you rehearse, the more you can enter into a state of grace.”

Overall, these artists emphasize the importance of routine, discipline, and preparation in staying focused on their work. They also emphasize the importance of creating a dedicated space for work and minimizing distractions.