How I tricked my brain to study even when I don't feel like it (Focus Better)

We have been working hard to figure out solutions to distractions from our mind. These distraction demons prey on us when we're bored or frustrated or lazy. But as students we still need to study, even when we don't want to. But using psychological tricks, we can reprogram our brains to block out distractions and enter focus mode when we need to get some work done. Activate focus mode!

🙏 Thanks for watching!
- Mike and Matty

00:00 Introduction
00:52 the science
1:44 F
2:26 O
3:10 C
3:54 U
4:51 S
5:44 ?

[TBC]

One thing I found that works well is to break the task down into something that can be accomplished in 10 minutes. You've probably heard this before. But I do it with a little twist. Basically, you pick on a task that you believe you can 80% complete in the 10 minutes (or however long). 10 minutes, suddenly not so overwhelming; anyone can do that. But when the 10 minutes runs out, you won't be fully done. You'll be a little annoyed that you are so close to finishing the task, so you'll continue working (hopefully). And that can get the ball rolling.
I believe this can be tied to the Zeigarnik effect described here - you have a more vivid memory of the unfinished task. It will play a little bit on your mind, giving you the urge to keep going.

[gilmariebrioso]

This video is fantastic. Great way to imagine “distraction demons.”

[melc-centex]

I will be sharing your channel with my HS math students this fall. I'm also going to incorporate some of your tips & techniques in my classes. Great content done well, gentlemen!

[Latteyeo]

This really was uploaded right when i'm fighting distraction! I just finished my college entrance exams and I need more and more to build my carrier so... Thank you for this video!

[someperson]

Familiarity. Not to easy, not too hard. If its too hard, do other things that you understand that is connected to it.
Objective. The task must be singular, specific, achievable.
Capture. Journal your distracting thoughts.
Urgency. Make yourself do things using reason.
Surroundings. Put useless things out of your table.
Have a ritual that prepares you to focus. (this is only for myself, if you dont understand what im saying, sorry)

[BoulderHypnosisWorks]

This channel is wildly underrated IMO. I use nearly all of these strategies myself. I also use co-working on video with Focusmate or Cave Day. Great information and amazing production quality too.

[domdes]

I love the Moonknight references. I have 2 more finals to go, almost finished! Great video and amazing content!

[christineevearroza]

Thank you so much Mike and Matty for making study life easier, it really helps 🤩

[buildamaze]

Man this is what I needed rn. Getting back on track after a month break of vacation

[MrJordan]

Appreciated the first point, I've found it difficult to understand how I would measure where the optimal level of difficulty is for me, but I guess familiarity is a good enough measure. Thanks for the video

[betterthannonsense]

Thank you guys for all that you do. I took a lot away from this video and am more excited to study than I was earlier today. Looking forward to more of your content. Activate Focus Mode!

[DanOladipo]

Awesome as always Mike and Matty. The moon knight style though 😂

[pandasheart]

F-amiliarity
....A topic that is neither too easy (to avoid boredom) nor too difficult (to avoid stress)
O-bjective
1.Singular
2.Specific
3.Achievable
C-apture
....Write thoughts before they become endless loops ( e.g did I take out the trash?)
U-rgency
time pressure (have a timer and an objective that is achievable within the given time)
S-urroundings
the essentials (e.g books, notebooks, water etc.) before entering focus mode and avoid having unnecessary items.

( this is just a short summary, watch full video for better and detailed explanation)

[StudyWithMe]

Super cool edit - and good advice too! Good luck to all my fellow students out here!!

[gengargang]

Yay! I talked about this in the suggestions at Discord! Really hyped to see a video on it! The order 66 bit sent me 🤣

[_negentropy_]

Your content has helped me so much. I went back to school at midlife…and everything about my life is completely different than the last time I was in graduate school decades ago. Despite this, your study tips are relatable and doable. I have so many interruptions and responsibilities to factor into my study schedule…it’s so helpful to hear that flow states can be achieved whatever length of time I can devote to focused study. Sometimes it’s 30 mins. It’s been incredibly frustrating and disempowering listening to pop scientists and influencers with steady pay checks and zero interruptions outside of their control dictate optimal flow times (or deep learning) based on research with enormous gender and sociocultural data gaps. Thank you for not being that. 🙏

[ssrtdcf]

You are amazing people who really helped me to study effectively ❤❤

[nanotech]

Never ever stop delivering such a great content....

[rimbihalder]

My pre study ritual is watching a mike and matty video..then literally throwing the phone away...(on bed)

[bruuuhhhhh]

As ive binge watching ur videos ( basically procastinating ) i thought its a old video, but it has just uploaded😂