Jeff Brown
@jeffbrown
Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

Ep. 217: Slow Productivity Advice

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Passive Training Activities to Build Up Focus

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Passive training activities for concentration involve becoming comfortable with boredom and lack of novel stimuli. These activities help train the brain to not give in to distraction. Any hobby that requires full attention without the use of screens can serve as passive training. Active training involves actively practicing maintaining focus on something difficult. Hobbies that require unbroken concentration, particularly during deliberate practice, can improve the ability to concentrate. By engaging in both passive and active training activities, individuals can become comfortable with boredom and familiar with the feeling of concentration, translating to improved focus in cognitive demanding tasks.

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