Daniel Lemire's blog

, 1 min read

Distractions make you dumb

Sufficient focus is necessary to be smart. The corollary is that distractions may turn your brain into mulch. There several conditions to sufficient focus:

  • a sense of urgency: without a strong need to get the task done, long term focus is difficult;
  • the dismissal of external stimuli: either you make sure not to be disturbed, or you can filter out the distractions;
  • mental readiness: sometimes your mind will simply not focus before you rest.