Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

Strategies for becoming less distracted and improving focus | Nir Eyal (author of Indistractable and Hooked)

Dec 29, 2023

Nir Eyal, author of two bestselling books, discusses strategies for becoming less distracted and improving focus. Topics covered include the difference between distraction and 'traction,' the 10-minute rule to stay focused, the problem with to-do lists, creating a timebox schedule, and developing a high-agency mindset. Advice is also given for leaders on helping employees improve focus in the workplace.

01:24:42

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Nir Eyal

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Quick takeaways

Identifying and addressing internal triggers is crucial to overcoming distraction and staying focused.

Creating a time-boxed schedule based on personal values helps prioritize important tasks and aligns intentions with actions.

Effective management of external triggers, such as notifications or interruptions, is key to protecting focus and reducing distractions.

Implementing pacts, such as price pacts or identity pacts, can serve as powerful tools to prevent distraction and maintain focus.

Deep dives

Mastering Internal Triggers

The key to overcoming distraction is to understand and address the internal triggers that prompt us to seek escape or avoid discomfort. By identifying and acknowledging these triggers, such as boredom, anxiety, or fatigue, we can prepare ourselves with tools like the 10-minute rule or surfing the urge. This empowers us to recognize that these triggers are just feelings and that we can exert control over them.

Understanding Triggers and Distractions

01:20

Making Time For Traction: never on the day, the day before

01:52

Understanding Distraction, Addiction, and Taking Responsibility

02:48

Measuring Productivity Without To-Do Lists

02:27

Introduction

4min

Becoming Indestractable: Understanding Distraction and the Need for Practical Advice

4min

Mastering Internal Triggers

26min

Managing Internal Triggers and Improving Focus

11min

Strategies for becoming less distracted and improving focus

2min

The Three Pacts: Time, Hacking Back, and Effort

30min

Empowerment and Agency in Product Management

3min

Habits, Routines, and Overcoming Distractions

4min

Nir Eyal is the author of two best-selling books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. He writes, consults, and teaches at the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. His books have sold over 1 million copies in more than 30 languages; he has taught at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and its Design School; and he has started and sold two startups since 2003. In our conversation, we discuss:

• Strategies for becoming less distractible and improving focus

• The difference between distraction and “traction”

• Reactive work vs. reflexive work and why you should book time in your calendar

• The 10-minute rule to overcome internal triggers and stay focused

• The problem with to-do lists, and what to do instead

• The value of creating a timebox schedule that aligns with personal values and priorities

• The use of pacts as a last line of defense against distraction

• How to develop a high-agency mindset

• Advice for leaders on helping employees improve focus in the workplace

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Find the full transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/strategies-for-becoming-less-distractible

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Where to find Nir Eyal:

• X: https://twitter.com/nireyal

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/

• Website: https://www.nirandfar.com/

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Where to find Lenny:

• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com

• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/