How to Increase Your Focus, Improve Your Productivity, and Accomplish Your Goals

Stare are the dot at below for 60 seconds and your brain will improve its ability to focus.

That’s loosely based on research about eye movement discussed by Dr. Andrew Huberman in his excellent podcast available on YouTube.

Dr. Huberman says that when we focus our eyes on an object in front of us, we activate a set of neurons that trigger the release of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and acetylcholine. The release of these neurotransmitters improves plasticity in the brain which can help with learning and with focus.

So … if you want to improve your focus and improve your cognitive abilities, you can help by focusing your eyes on the target above (or any single focal point) for a short period of time (say, 60 seconds-ish).

On a related note, I came across this quote from John C. Maxwell’s excellent book titled Think on These Things.

The quote above is worth pondering. In fact, during my workshops about leadership, persuasion, and communication skills, I mention the importance of changing your thoughts.

That idea falls under the Mindset quadrant of the Four Pillars of Leadership (seen below).

My point is this — when you change your thoughts, you change your actions. And when you change your actions, you change your outcomes.

So … if you’re interested in changing the outcomes in your life, then learn to manage your thoughts. Amazing things will happen.

New Research on the Importance of Taking a Break at Work.

There’s new research out of Trinity College in Dublin (shout-out to my friends Ian Cleary and Eamonn O’Brien, who both live in Dublin). The research shows that short, positive interventions, such as watching a funny YouTube video, can help you overcome daily demands like dealing with annoying emails or other tasks you dread.

So, with that said, here’s a video compilation of funny cats and dogs. (Don’t tell your boss I sent it to you.)

Accomplishing Your Goals in 2023

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, let’s talk about goals and goal setting.

I’m a big believer in setting goals. After all, when we can visualize an outcome in our lives, it’s much easier to accomplish those outcomes.

I almost hate to admit this, but I have a 10-year vision for my goals, a 5-year vision, and a 1-year vision.

The 5-year vision is laid out on a spreadsheet and broken into categories so that I can keep track of them.

If you’d like to download the spreadsheet and adapt it for your goals, feel free to click this link or the image below. You’ll be able to download the spreadsheet and use it for your purposes right away.

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About the Author: Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized author, professor, consultant, and speaker who has helped employees at The Coca-Cola Company, Holiday Inn, Microsoft, Verizon and others do a better job leading, managing, and mentoring others. To have him speak at your event or organization, email him at: Jamie@JamieTurner.Live