Summary

• A constant storm of electrical activity takes place in the brain
• Distractions exhaust the prefrontal cortex's limited resources
• Being "always on"(including being connected to others via technology) reduces effectiveness similarly to losing a night's sleep
• Focus occurs partly through the inhibition of distractions
• In addition, distractions consume too much energy because the braking system is part of the prefrontal cortex
• Continual inhibiting reduces the effectiveness of more inhibiting. Need to short-circuit the inhibiting process.
• Having explicit language for mental patterns gives a greater ability to stop patterns emerging early on, before they take over
• Really effective focus requires removal of all external distractions completely
• Reduce the likelihood of internal distractions by clearing your mind before embarking on difficult tasks
• Improve your mental braking system by practising any type of braking, including physical acts like going for a walk.
• Inhibit distractions early before they take on achieve momentum