Creating the Elegance of Simplicity & Focus in Your Work Day - zen habits

Let’s move on to the computer, which has some similar steps (these instructions are for a Mac but Windows/Linux users could use similar ideas):

Clear your desktop (put all files into one folder, or several). Put a nice wallpaper in the background.

Clear the dock. Instead, use a search app to open apps, such as Alfred, Spotlight or Launchbar.

Turn off most notifications.

Single-task. Close all apps but the one(s) you’re using.

Single tab. Close everything else. If it’s important, throw it into a read-later service, bookmark it, or put it into your todo manager.

Close your email program. When you open it, open with intention, and clear out the inbox as much as you can. Then close it.

Use the Momentum add-on to keep yourself focused and mindful.

I like single-tasking apps, at full screen, like Ommwriter, when I’m writing or doing other work outside of the browser.

Simplifying your physical and digital workspaces will help you be less distracted, and more able to focus on a single task.

As much as possible, it’s best to focus on a single task at a time. With intention.

That means, instead of constantly switching around, it’s best to pick one thing and set aside some time (10 minutes, half an hour, etc.) to focus on just that thing. If it’s important enough to take up your attention and time, it’s important enough to give it the space for complete focus.

When you clear everything aside, before you dive fullbore into the task, ask yourself, “What is my intention here?”

Perhaps the intention is just to learn to focus better. Maybe it’s to push into discomfort and uncertainty. Maybe it’s to be mindful and joyful as you work. Whatever your intention, set it consciously.

Then get started, with focus. Don’t let yourself do anything else, even if you feel the urge to switch. At least for 10 minutes.

Simplify by setting intention and keeping your focus on one thing at a time, as much as you’re able. This is a practice, which means you won’t be perfect at it, but daily practice helps you get better.

As you narrow your focus on fewer things, simplify your workspace so that there are fewer distractions, and practice single-minded focus with intention … things start to change.

It’s like the reverse of how the distraction of technology and social media changes our brains. Our brains seem to become calmer, more at peace, when we find joy in the elegance of simplicity.

It’s the pure elegance of simplicity, and it is found in the paring down.