The process of getting back to focus.

We all have tasted it.

The laser sharp focus that led us to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

Maybe, it was the night before the exam which we were about to flunk. Or it was an impossible deadline which we had to meet.

But, most of the times, it alludes us.

Most of the time, we think that we still have time.

How can we get that focus without jumping into another do or die situation?

Step 1. Stop doing everything. Zero. Nothing. Turn off the wifi, switch off your phone, turn off your computer. No internet, no devices.

Step 2. Take a pen and paper and identify the one thing that needs to be done. Only one. How to identify? You can write only one thing on the paper. Trust me, once you force yourself to do this, your brain will pick it for you.

Step 3. Write down how do you get started with it? Which app is needed? Which files? Where are they? Break it down on the paper without opening any device. (For safety reasons, keep the devices away from your hand’s reach when doing this step.)

Step 4. Make a numbered list of very clear, doable subtasks from the above step.

Step 5. Use the paper as a navigation map and only do one subtask at a time. Resist the urge to check email or WhatsApp or any deviation from your map.

Step 6. Once this task is done, go back to Step 1.