{"id":718,"date":"2021-09-22T10:46:08","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T05:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brimwithzest.com\/?p=718"},"modified":"2021-09-22T10:46:08","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T05:16:08","slug":"tips-to-focus-on-hard-tasks-backed-by-neuroscience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/?p=718","title":{"rendered":"Tips to focus on hard tasks: Backed by neuroscience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.39.58.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of us have a hard task to complete one time or the other. Here are a few tips to focus on hard tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Projects that require deep engagement, abstract or critical thinking, making connections, analysing information and drawing conclusions are generally considered hard tasks.<\/p><cite>Smith and Stein 1998<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Hard tasks <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Writing a scientific article <\/li><li>Solving a scientific problem <\/li><li>Designing an experiment <\/li><li>Writing a thesis, etc. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All these are tasks requiring a lot of mental energy, focus, and time. Even if we are eager and deeply interested, these tasks can create anxiety and stress. This is because of the complexity and slow progress of the projects. We also tend to procrastinate due to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only that, we tend to indulge in easier tasks for that instant gratification and get distracted in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create mental space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our working memory is limited. It is better not to engage in tasks that also require working memory just before starting our specific hard task. This can lead to a working memory deficit. You might have to shut down, allow some time and restart your brain for a fresher and cleaner mental space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create larger time blocks for hard tasks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You have to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/d41586-021-00606-x#:~:text=Be%20consistent.,it's%20just%20reviewing%20our%20work.\">create time blocks<\/a> and the time blocks have to be large enough. The time should be used only for your hard task. This is because you will require time to settle down, analyse, focus and then start to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be consistent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do it every day. If you are not in the mood to do deep work, use the specific time block to do mundane tasks related to your major task. eg organising papers, checking typos, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reserve a place and time for the task<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Capture-2021-09-22-10.38.19.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Every day engage in the task in a specific place during a specific time. When we engage in a task consistently in the same place and time, it aids in setting the tone for immersing in the work. We tend to remember and recall the work progress better in the presence of familiar sights and sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not multitask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> It is an established scientific fact that switching between tasks decreases work efficiency. We are sharing the limited working memory space when we multitask. This can decrease your mental energy and tire you easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, remove any potential distractions completely. When there are no distractions you go into a state of flow easily and accomplish more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take breaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cognitively demanding tasks require frequent breaks to replenish mental fuel and prevent burnout. If you are not progressing at all, take a break for a few days. This can bring in newer concepts and perspectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Socialize with people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> When we socialize, our memory, skills, and strategies improve. We become more competent. Interacting with people of diverse backgrounds can bring in new perspectives and transform your thought process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take away <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> For consistent progress, we have to find our energy leaks and ways to improve focus. It may not be easy, but with consistent time and energy, we will be able to progress remarkably to the finishing point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most of us have a hard task to complete one time or the other. Here are a few tips to focus on hard tasks. Projects that require deep engagement, abstract or critical thinking, making connections, analysing information and drawing conclusions are generally considered hard tasks. Smith and Stein 1998 Hard tasks Writing a scientific article &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/?p=718\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Tips to focus on hard tasks: Backed by neuroscience&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[43,44,61,78,79],"class_list":["post-718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-self-improvement","tag-hard-task-and-mental-energy","tag-hard-task-consistency","tag-mental-energy","tag-task-focus","tag-tips-for-completing-a-task","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tips to focus on hard tasks: Backed by neuroscience - Brim with Zest<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wpd.cloudron.us\/?p=718\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tips to focus on hard tasks: Backed by neuroscience - Brim with Zest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Most of us have a hard task to complete one time or the other. Here are a few tips to focus on hard tasks. Projects that require deep engagement, abstract or critical thinking, making connections, analysing information and drawing conclusions are generally considered hard tasks. 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