Boosting Productivity with Wit and Wisdom with Vivienne Joy | EP279

"Focus is the art of knowing what to ignore" - James Clear.

EP 279

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In episode 279 of the Mindset & Action podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Vivienne Joy for a deep dive into the topic of focus—or, more accurately, the lack of it. We began with a lighthearted moment, singing our usual introduction, but quickly shifted into the heart of the discussion. Focus is something we all struggle with from time to time, whether neurodiverse or not. ADHD, autism, and similar conditions have helped highlight different brain functions and how they impact focus, but at the core, a lack of focus affects nearly everyone. So, how do we understand it better and overcome it?

Viv kicked things off by identifying two major reasons we lose focus: boredom and fear. Boredom often stems from tasks that don’t seem valuable or exciting, so we end up disengaging. On the other hand, fear of the outcome, like launching a podcast or putting something out into the world, can also paralyze us. It’s not always the task that scares us but the fear of what happens when it’s completed. Viv explained that when we lack the skills to do something, like editing a video, it’s easy to procrastinate or feel stuck. Essentially, if the task doesn’t give us a sense of accomplishment or pleasure, our brains simply tune out.

One of Viv’s key points was that focus can be cultivated by breaking tasks down and sticking to one course until it’s completed. She shared an acronym for focus—"Follow One Course Until Successful"—which is a simple but powerful way to approach work. Multitasking is often the enemy of focus, and even those of us who struggle with conditions like ADHD can benefit from unitasking—focusing on a single task to completion for that dopamine hit of success.

We also touched on how to motivate ourselves to push through tasks that feel daunting or boring. By visualising the feeling of accomplishment after completing a task, we can create excitement and drive. Viv gave a great example about her morning swims; she doesn’t focus on the discomfort of getting up early but on how good she’ll feel afterward. It’s all about reframing tasks so they become something to look forward to rather than dread.

Viv shared her personal experience with ADHD and the hyperfocus that comes with it. While she can be intensely focused on something she finds exciting, this can lead to distraction with new ideas or even online shopping (yes, there was a funny bit about her pink wellies!). Her advice was to channel that focus into areas that align with our goals, but also to know when to distract ourselves from impulsive ideas by writing them down and revisiting them later.

In the end, the episode was a reminder that while lack of focus is common, it’s something we can manage with a little self-awareness and the right strategies. Whether it’s getting through a mundane task or finding the energy to tackle a big project, we all have the ability to train our brains to focus on what matters most. So, if you’re feeling unfocused, try following Viv’s advice—whether that’s breaking down tasks, visualising the outcome, or simply giving yourself permission to step back and reassess.

Bye For Now!

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