We live in a world of 15-second reels and quick headlines. Reading a book feels like an act of rebellion. But it's one of the most powerful ways to train your mind to stay focused.Unlike smartphones, books don't light up with new information every five minutes. They require sustained concentration. And they don't reward you with instant gratification.Studies show that reading a book can increase attention span by 30% and decrease stress levels by up to 68%.

3 — Read Books (1)

You're reading an excerpt from <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> — a weekly newsletter dedicated to self-improvement, goal-setting, habits, time management, and health tips.Every week, you'll receive:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A life-enhancing challenge</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A custom infographic to track your progress</li></ul><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe now</a> and start your first challenge.

The Challenge

Mornings are the most critical times for setting the tone of your days. But they are also the moment digital distractions tempt you the most.Starting the day without screens is like giving your mind a fresh canvas, unpolluted by the noise of the digital world. However, research shows that checking your phone first thing in the morning triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for seeking new information. The dopamine loop hooks you on constant checking, derailing the focus needed for real productivity.

1 — Limit Digital Consumption in The Morning (1)

But what if I told you focus is a skill you can rebuild? What if you could minimize the distractions you face every day with a few intentional practices?This week, I want to share four transformative methods that helped me regain focus, reduce distractions, and take control of my days. These techniques come from research. But they work in real life, too.

You Can Rebuild Focus

It's a new day.You wake up. You take your phone. And you spend the next 20 minutes scrolling through endless notifications, emails, and news feeds. Your mind is already buzzing with distractions when you sit down to work. And it has been only one hour since you woke up.But you are not alone. 84% of people check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. It has become a habit. And it profoundly impacts our ability to focus throughout the day.

Waking Up On Your Phone

Rebuilding focus isn’t about willpower. It’s about redesigning our routines and environment to support attention.By limiting digital consumption, turning off notifications, reading, and letting ourselves be bored, we can rewire our minds for greater focus. These small shifts create ripple effects, transforming productivity and a sense of peace and fulfillment.I’ve created a Focus Tracker printable to help you take action. Use it to set daily goals, track your focus habits, and celebrate each day you successfully reclaim control over your attention. [DOWNLOAD IT <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/never-lose-focus-again">HERE</a>]

Boredom has a bad reputation. We try to avoid it at all costs—filling every spare moment with phone scrolling, messages, or mindless TV. However, <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/cosmopolitanmindset/p/do-you-lack-creativity-try-these?r=50vfw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web">boredom is essential for creativity </a>and focus.When we don't constantly stimulate our brains, they wander, make connections, and recharge. Neuroscientists have found that boredom activates the default mode network in the brain, which is responsible for creativity and problem-solving.

4 — Get Bored (1)

When you read a book, you commit time and attention to understanding a single storyline or concept. For me, reading has become a refuge from the digital noise. It’s an exercise in patience, a way to retrain my brain to enjoy longer, slower forms of concentration.Podcasts can also be helpful if you actively listen, but the multitasking temptation often makes them less effective. Reading, however, forces you to focus on one thing at a time, creating a habit of single-tasking that can carry over into other areas of your life.

3 — Read Books (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Spread the word! Share <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> with friends and family.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe today</a> to support the ongoing creation of this content.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Want more? Explore my other work at <a href="https://www.cosmopolitanmindset.com/">Cosmopolitan Mindset</a>.</li></ul>

Next Steps

Digital distractions aren't just a minor inconvenience anymore. They shape our lives so much that we often don't even notice.The average attention span dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds today. And it seems like we are not improving.

The Attention Span Dropped

The average person receives between 60 and 80 daily notifications. You live most of your day in a constant stream of interruptions. And every time you check one, your attention span shrinks even more.Psychologists designed push notifications to pull us in, creating a sense of urgency when there is none. This constant barrage shortens your attention span, with researchers finding that your productivity can drop by up to 40% even if you don't open the notification.

2 — Limit Push Notifications (1)

For me, notifications became an excuse to procrastinate.I'd tell myself that I would only check one message. But then, I'd scroll for ten more minutes. And then, ten more, until I lost all the afternoon.I took drastic measures once I realized notifications were manipulating my attention. And now, I turn off all non-essential notifications during my work hours, which allows me to stay focused and accomplish tasks in half the time.

2 — Limit Push Notifications (2)

I started making time for boredom in my day a few years ago. Sometimes, I’d go for a short walk without my phone or sit quietly for 10 minutes. And this brief pause helped me recharge mentally and sparked creative ideas and fresh perspectives on my work.If you’re skeptical, try setting a timer for 5-10 minutes and sit with your thoughts. No distractions, no devices — just you. You might find it uncomfortable at first, but stick with it. Over time, you’ll notice that these moments of stillness bring a sense of calm, clarity, and new ideas that could transform your day.

4 — Get Bored (2)

I used to wake up, turn on my phone, check emails, glance at social media, and scroll through the news. Before I knew it, I’d lost 30 minutes, and my head was spinning. However, studies reveal that 77% of people feel more productive and less anxious when they avoid digital devices first thing in the morning. I decided to experiment with analogical mornings.I leave my phone off. I pick up my to-do list and dive into my tasks. No screen, no notifications — just me, my thoughts, and my first daily goal.It is challenging. At first, I couldn't think about anything but my phone, but it paid off.

1 — Limit Digital Consumption in The Morning (2)

Boost your focus and beat distractions with 4 powerful techniques: limit digital intake, control notifications, embrace reading, and harness boredom for creativity!