Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

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

1219 snips

Dec 29, 2023

Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," delves into strategies for overcoming distractions and enhancing focus. He discusses the crucial distinction between distraction and traction, emphasizing the value of booking time for deep work. Eyal introduces the 10-minute rule to combat internal triggers and suggests evolving from traditional to-do lists to timeboxing aligned with personal values. He shares insights on identity pacts and creating a distraction-free workspace, offering valuable advice for both individuals and leaders seeking improved concentration.

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ADVICE

Master Internal Triggers

Identify internal triggers like boredom or anxiety that cause distraction.
Develop tools to address these triggers instead of avoiding them.

ADVICE

Timeboxing for Traction

Replace to-do lists with a timebox calendar, scheduling every activity, including leisure.
This turns distractions into intentional actions, clarifying priorities and values.

ADVICE

The 10-Minute Rule

Use the 10-minute rule: When urged to distract, set a timer for 10 minutes.
Either return to the task or "surf the urge" by acknowledging and accepting the discomfort.

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