Focus: Don't Let Distractions Knock You Off Your Path [Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix Prompt #11]
May 19, 2025Most of the professional writers I know (and maybe all of them if I asked) say they write without an internet connection. This can look like legal pads and paper or an anti-distraction app. It could be using an old computer that still wants dial up (remember dial up?). When you have too much info being fed into your brain, there is little space for creativity and output. So how do we keep flowing in the right direction?
Obviously, when you are working on an important project, online distractions have to go. Don't let your laptop trick you into thinking you need to do "more research." Make notes of what you need to look up and ask Siri or Alexa to tell you later. Better yet, visit the library, which works both for quiet creative time and focused research on your topic.
"Focus" is the penultimate last word of the creativity matrix for a reason. When the finish line is in sight, that's when distractions hit the hardest. Suddenly, everything else demands your attention: emails, laundry, gardening, the sudden urge to organize your refrigerator. Take a deep breath, the weeds will wait.
How to Stay Focused Until the End
If clearing out leftovers from your refrigerator are winning, try these strategies to bring yourself back to your project:
- Set clear priorities. Stick to your deadlines and inform your family that the end is in sight.
- Eliminate distractions. Put your phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs, and use a paper notebook.
- Work in focused bursts. The pomodoro method works for many of us. I also love Jeffery Davis' "Focus and Flow" method. Part of the process invites you to work intentionally in 25 minute blocks of time with a dose of wonder.
- Recommit daily. Each morning, set the intention to stay focused. The finish line is close and just knowing this can keep you motivated to get there.
Sit, Write, Move: A Practice for Deep Focus
In my Writing Yoga® course, we dive deeper into how to SWiM (Sit, Write, Move) for Focus, but here is a practice you can implement today:
Sit
Set a timer with a nice ringtone for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Imagine the finish line. What does your completed project look like and feel like? What is the first thing you will do when your project done? There is no need to force how you feel. Just relax and invite the possibility of satisfaction and joy.
Write
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Write about what’s pulling your focus away. What are the distractions? What’s making you hesitate? Leave all your mental sawdust on paper so you can focus on getting your work done. Distractions beware!
Move
One of the best yoga poses for focus is tree pose. Balancing on one foot takes concentration. In yoga, we talk about "drishdi" which is the process of cultivating intention through sense withdrawl and often in class we ask students to look at a single point in the distance to help with balance. Stand on one leg to remind you to focus whenever you are feeling scattered.
Your project deserves your full attention. The world is waiting for what you’ve created. Stay with it, focus, and see it through. Try all of the Sit, Write and Move exercises in any order, at any time to free you from all the attention the world is trying to steal from you.
Next week, we'll explore "release", the final step of letting go and sharing your work with the world.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
