Focus - Leo Babauta [0]
about focus
section i: step back
1: introduction
2: the age of distraction
3: the importance of finding focus
4: the beauty of disconnection
5: focus rituals
section ii: clear distractions
1: limiting the stream
2: you don't need to respond
3: let go of the need to stay updated
4: how not to live in your inbox
5: the value of distraction
6: why letting go can be difficult
7: tools for beating distraction
section iii: simplify
1: creating an uncluttered environment
2: slowing down
3: going with the flow
4: effortless action
5: three strategies for prioritizing tasks
6: letting go of goals
7: finding simplicity
section iv: focus
1: a simple system for getting amazing things done
2: single tasking and productivity
3: the power of a small work focus
4: focused reading and researching
5: walking, disconnection and focus
6: creativity and practicing deep focus
7: finding stillness and reflection
section v: others
1: finding focus, for parents
2: the problem of others
3. managers transforming office culture
4: making changes at a broader level
focus: bonuses
1: overcome the fears that stop you from focusing
2: how to create a minimalist workspace to find focus
3. how to take a digital sabbatical
4: life lessons from tea rituals
5: two ways to focus on the stuff that matters
Full Version
about focus
This book, "focus", is by Leo Babauta, creator of zen habits (http://zenhabits.net) and mnmlist (http://mnmlist.com). It was written publicly, online, in small bursts, with feedback from readers throughout the writing process. It would be much worse without their wonderful help.
dedication
The book is dedicated to my grandfather, Joe Murphy, who lived a life that inspired me, and whose death has left a gap in my life... and to my grandmother, Marianne Murphy, who I love deeply and whose strength and kindness have always pointed the way for me.
uncopyright
All content of this book are in the public domain. I hereby waive all claim of copyright in this work; it may be used or altered in any manner without attribution or notice to the me. Attribution, of course, is appreciated.
To clarify, I'm granting full permission to use any content on this site, including the chapters of my book, in any way you like. I release my copyright on this content.
While you are under no obligation to do so, I would appreciate it if you give me credit for any work of mine that you use, and ideally, link back to the original. If you feel like spreading a copy of this book, you may do so without payment.
section i:
step back
1: introduction
"Smile, breathe and go slowly."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
This won't be a long book, a detailed treatise into modern life with an exhaustive system of remedies.
It's meant to be short, simple, concise. We'll talk about some of the problems we face as we try to live and create in a world of overwhelming distractions. And we'll look at some simple ways to solve those problems.
And yet, at the heart of this simple book lies the key to many of the struggles we face these days, from being productive and achieving our goals, to getting healthy and fit in the face of fast food and inactivity, to finding simplicity and peace amidst chaos and confusion.
That key is itself simple: focus.
Our ability to focus will allow us to create in ways that perhaps we haven't in years. It'll allow us to slow down and find peace of mind. It'll allow us to simplify and focus on less -- on the essential things, the things that matter most.
And in doing so, we'll learn to focus on smaller things. This will transform our relationship with the world. It's not that "less is more", but "less is better". Focusing on smaller things will make us more effective. It'll allow us to do less, and in doing so, have more free time for what's important to us. It'll force us to choose,