As you dive into your daily reading, you’re bound to get distracted – it’s only natural. We all get distracted by the chatter of our monkey brain babbling in our ears. So what can we do about it?
Einstein was known for being able to work long hours without distraction. In fact it was his concentration abilities that were credited for his ability to solve problems no one else could. After his death, the secret to his concentration was discovered in his hand written notes. That’s right – no one knew how he could focus his mind so clearly and sharply until the secret was revealed after his death.
Ready? Here it is, with one caution: It’s deceptively simply and incredibly powerful.
How to use Einstein’s method
First, you need a timer, a white piece of paper and a pencil or pen. You’re going to time yourself for 3 minutes the first few times you do this, and as you see improvement you will begin increasing your time.
Write these words on your paper: “I won’t be distracted by that any more.”
Start your timer and begin reading.
Each time you experience a distraction, hold your finger to mark your place in the text while writing one check mark on your piece of paper.
Now continue reading where you left off.
Repeat this process until the timer goes off.
Count the number of check marks on the paper – this is the number of times you were distracted. Don’t feel bad if you have an especially high number because you will improve.
Do the exercise again, reading where you left off. Each time you repeat the exercise, your distraction marks will likely be fewer. Your goal right now is to get through 3 minutes without any distractions what so ever. When you reach that goal, increase your time to 5 minutes, and then to 7 minutes, and so forth.
IMPORTANT: Do not beat yourself up for being distracted. The more you do this exercise, the more focused you will become. I recommend doing it 5 times a day, twice a day for the first week or so, until you see major improvement. Then gradually reduce the number of times you perform the exercise.
BONUS: You’ll likely find your focus improves in all aspects of your life, not just reading.
It may take some practice to see improvement, but see it you will. Just keep with it and soon you’ll be pleased by your improvement.