Discover the cognitive processes that support bite-size learning and how experiential learning enhances knowledge retention and application. Explore the benefits of these techniques in various fields.
Absentmindedly, you reach for your phone.
You open your favorite app.
Nothing has changed since you last did this 10 minutes ago, but you kind of forgot that you’d just done this.
So, you open a different app… but you were just there, too.
Does this sound familiar?
Sometimes, we convince ourselves we’re being super productive by staying up to date with the latest news and happenings on social media and responding to emails immediately. The reality of the matter, though, is you are distracting yourself from bigger things.
In a world full of increasing distraction, it is no wonder that without techniques we are likely to find it difficult to stay focused. This is costing you, both in terms of personal energy and in terms of staying in ‘flow’.
If we concentrate on one item at a time, we tend to find that we stay focused on that activity and deliver a higher quality of output for ourselves, our clients, and our contacts.
It’s time to take back control by using these quick and easy ‘stay focused‘ techniques.
Open your phone settings right now and go in and turn off notifications. You don’t need an update about who sent what Tweet yesterday but it’s time for you to see it now. You don’t need a constant stream of distressing news updates breaking your focus. Check your social media at set times, do the same for email, and ignore it the rest of the time.
There are apps and functions on the phone that can assist you to stay focused.
On some Android phones, you can turn on Zen mode. Turning on Zen Mode forces you to stop using your phone for a set amount of time. Once you turn the feature on, there is no going back: even restarting your phone won’t turn it off. The default active time is 20 minutes, so you will need to wait at least 20 minutes before your phone returns to normal.
Android Authority
There are other tools that act as a stay focused website blocker. An app that runs on Google Chrome, StayFocused, prevents you from accessing time-wasting websites.
You can improve your focus by establishing a healthy daily routine.
When you set your routine and you get used to it you don’t have to waste time thinking about what comes next. It’s why people like Steve Jobs did and Mark Zuckerberg does wear the same outfit from one day to the next!
Perhaps a way for you to look at repetitive decisions, is to make a note of the second time in a day or week you do something.
What decisions can you take that will lead to an action to stay focused better? This then becomes recommended actionable tasks to benefit your productivity.
What does your day look like? What is on your to-do list? The best way to avoid distractions is to rank your tasks in order of priority. It can be overwhelming when you think about all of the things you need to do, by putting them in order, you remove the stress and overwhelm.
Are you a multi-tasker? If yes, are you good at it?
If yes, I am sorry, but you’re likely to be wrong.
There was a myth a few years ago that women were better at multi-tasking than men. Regardless of gender, when you put down and pick up your next task, you use energy and lose efficiency. Your attempt at multi-tasking is slowing you down, reducing your productivity, and you’re not doing each task as well as you could be.
By multi-tasking, you contribute to distractions. So stop convincing yourself otherwise and stay focused on one thing at a time
When your schedule is going haywire, when the world is throwing distractions in your face it’s difficult to take a moment for yourself. However, renewal is vital. As your energy dips, memory is fading, and you can feel the stress creeping in, it is important that you withdraw from that and take time to regenerate.
In summary, we know that trying to stay focused is tough. It is a habit that we need to invest energy in to adjust the way that we do stuff. If you work hard to manage your exposure to social media, build up a healthy routine to minimise routine decisions, prioritise the things that are important, stop multi-tasking and know when to take a break, you will be in a better place and have taken that first step to improving your performance.
If you want to achieve your goals, you need to know what they are and you need to choose goals wisely.
There is a popular acronym that is often used in creating goals – SMART goals. Depending on the ‘reading’ that you have, you may think about the A as either Actionable or Achievable. We need to be careful when working with models as we may start to introduce factors that may inhibit. For example, by using the term Actionable – we introduce a question – is this really an actionable goal, is it really an achievable goal? and with it comes some doubt. This can be a worthwhile risk management strategy, but can also sometimes introduce the question – are you really sure?
Putting this model aside, or embracing it is a personal judgement to which I would canvas challenge.
So what could drop into a personal chosen goal?
Did you know that in a recent ClickUp case study, 51% of American workers feel as though they lose at least an hour/day being inefficient at work from things as simple as email overload, or feeling disconnected from the team. Although on face value this looks like a professional goal, the mindest surrounding overload rests with individual.
But knowing what your personal goals are isn’t enough. You also need to know what you want them to be—and that requires some careful thought and analysis. Whilst we are talking predominantly about personal goals, some of this thinking is transferable to your professional goals. Here’s how to do it:
Next, it’s time to focus on what you’re going to achieve. If you haven’t already, list your goals in the same notebook where you wrote down your vision. Then look over your list and choose which ones are most important to work on now.
Ask yourself:
You want to choose a time period long enough that you can make a difference, but short enough that you’ll stay motivated. For example, if your goal is to grow your business by 20% in one year, it’s better to set a six-month target rather than a year because it’s easier to see progress and celebrate wins within shorter periods of time. To help keep yourself on track as you work toward your goal, set short-term goals along the way so that every step of the process feels important.
The other thing about choosing the right amount of time: It should be long enough for you to see true results from all your hard work (and short enough so it doesn’t feel like forever).
An ambitious goal is great.
Now that you’ve got your chosen goal, the next step is to break it down into specific actions.
First of all, let’s take a look at how this might work for a goal like “I want to lose weight.” That seems like a pretty good one! How can we break that down?
Well… what does losing weight entail? If you think about it long enough, there are really only two things involved: eating less food and exercising more often. So we could say something like “I will eat fewer than 2200 calories per day and I will exercise three times per week on non-consecutive days.”
That sounds like a doable plan! Now let’s look at another goal: “I want my business to make $50K in profit before 2020.” How could we break that down into specific actions? Well… there are lots of different ways – but maybe something like this would work well: “In January 2020 I will spend 30 minutes every morning writing out my quarterly goals for my business so that I know exactly what I need to achieve each month.”
Once you’ve figured out the most important goals for your life, it’s time to start working on them. It can be hard to figure out how exactly to start, however.
To make things easier, try getting support from other people. This could mean friends or family members who are also working towards their own goals. Or, if you don’t have anyone to turn to in person, there are still plenty of ways to get help online:
As a result, you’re more likely to achieve your goals and feel successful in the long run. Further, if you have a goal that excites and energizes you, it’s much more likely that it will be sustainable.
You can also choose goals that are rewarding for you. The reward doesn’t necessarily need to be something outside of yourself—the reward might come from within or could be intangible (e.g., feeling proud of yourself). When a goal is rewarding, it makes working toward it more motivating because there’s something good waiting at the end!
In order to create a life of personal wealth, it is essential to choose goals that will allow you to grow in areas other than just financial. The following are some examples:
You can measure these things so that when you have achieved them, there is no doubt about the value they have brought into your life. Once again this list is by no means exhaustive – if it were then we would all be billionaires! But hopefully it gives an indication of how important these areas are when considering our goals for living a happy and fulfilled life.
The bottom line is this: if you do want to achieve something, you need to be clear about what it is and how you’ll get there. If a goal is vague and hard to measure, then it’s not a good one.
Take the time to work out what exactly your goal means, so that you can identify steps towards achieving it. Then, break down those steps into smaller chunks so that they’re more achievable in the short term – and feel great when you finish! Finally, don’t forget about all the things that will support your progress along the way – whether that’s friends or family with similar interests who can help keep each other accountable for their goals (see our previous blog post on accountability here).
Happy planning! 🙂
I have been doing some research into what a successful business in the Metaverse will look like, and what we need to do to make the metaverse a success?
As a business owner, you should understand the importance of using the metaverse to your advantage. The metaverse is a powerful tool that can help you take your business to the next level.
Business owners who create successful businesses in the metaverse have certain common traits. These professionals know the importance of having a strong online presence, which can help them reach more clients, as well as a working knowledge of marketing and communication skills that help promote their business effectively. They also care deeply about providing excellent customer service and making sure they’re always improving. Finally, they show enthusiasm for new technologies by embracing experimentation and risk-taking just as much as they appreciate success by failing at different times.
Have a Strong Online Presence
A robust online presence is about more than just having a website. You need to have an active social media presence and be involved in online communities related to your industry. Consider creating a blog or podcast to help promote your business to have an excellent online presence. Your website is the only thing you will own outright, so it’s imperative as metaverse tools come and go.
A Strong Understanding of Marketing
Marketing in the Metaverse is different than traditional marketing. You need to be able to reach your target audience and engage them in new and exciting ways. In addition, it is distinguishable by platform, so you will need to understand each platform’s marketing landscape. You should also consider using new marketing channels like influencer marketing and guerilla marketing.
Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is key in the metaverse. Without communication, there would be no metaverse. You must communicate clearly and effectively with your team and target audience to see results. You should also be able to use various communication tools, such as voice chat, text chat, and video chat. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your team and target audience. This will help you see results in the metaverse.
A Passion for Technology
The metaverse is a highly technical environment. Therefore, you must be comfortable using new technologies and willing to learn new things. For example, you should be familiar with virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D modeling. Each platform has its own technology that you’ll need to learn. If you skip these steps, you’ll be at a disadvantage, and your target audience will likely move on to someone else more tech-savvy.
A Dedication to Customer Service
You need to be responsive to customer needs and feedback. You should also be proactive in solving customer problems. Offering top-notch customer service is essential to the success of any business. If you don’t put your customer’s needs first, you’re likely to lose them.
A Willingness to Experiment and Fail
The metaverse is constantly evolving. What works today might not work tomorrow. So you need to be willing to experiment and fail to find what does work. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks. Honestly, the experience will ensure you learn from your mistakes and be better prepared for the next big thing.
If you possess these qualities, you’re well on your way to being a successful business in the metaverse.
So keep learning and stay ahead of the curve to ensure continued success.
As the metaverse grows in popularity, more and more businesses and influencers are looking for ways to make money within this digital world.
If you have already established within the metaverse, there are a few powerful and advanced ways you can boost your income.
If you need ways to boost your income in the metaverse, here are seven powerful and advanced strategies you can use:
Offer Consulting Services
One way to boost your income in the metaverse is to offer consulting services. This could involve helping businesses with their presence in the Metaverse or coaching individuals on how to make money within the metaverse. If you have experience and success in a particular area, you can use this to your advantage by offering consulting services. In addition, consulting is practical to earn additional income, as you can charge for your services.
Use Data and Analytics to Your Advantage
Data and analytics are your friends when boosting your income in the metaverse. Use data to track your progress and identify areas where you can improve. Analytics can also help you understand your audience and determine what content or products they’re most interested in.
Use Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a beneficial way to reach a larger audience and generate more income. Find influencers already established in the metaverse and partner with them to promote your brand or product. This will give you access to their large following and help you reach new people.
Offer Exclusive Products and Services
People are always looking for exclusive products and services in the metaverse. If you can offer something that’s not available anywhere else, you’ll be able to charge a premium price and boost your income. A few examples of exclusive products and services include 3D-printed items, virtual reality experiences, and one-of-a-kind digital art.
Participate in Events and Collaborations
There are always events and collaborations happening in the metaverse. Participating in these can help you reach a new audience, make valuable connections, and generate more income. Look for events relevant to your brand or product and see if you can get involved.
Build a Strong Brand
A strong brand your audience recognizes in and out of the metaverse is essential for success. Take the time to create a unique and recognizable brand identity that sets you apart from the competition. When your branding is solid, it is easier for people to find and remember you, leading to more income. Using your avatar’s style to reinforce your brand identity can be helpful here.
Provide More Value
People want to get more value for their money. So if you can offer more value than your competitors, you’ll be able to charge a higher price and boost your income. A few ways to increase your value in the metaverse include offering exclusive content, providing personal attention, or delivering superior customer service.
The way to make money in the metaverse is through creating and selling content. Content can take many forms, including:
The metaverse provides endless opportunities for businesses and individuals to increase their income if you’re looking for ways to boost your income in the metaverse, be sure to use these tips to get started.
Want some absolute goto VR or metaverse platforms to check out? Here is 10 to start with.
An interesting question that many futurists have been thinking about. Be it from references to novels such as Ready Player One, through to the ease of delivering remote capability – we can be sure that the Metaverse (or virtual reality), will have a place to play in our future lives. Our use of technology has increased at an exponential rate for many years now, and we are beginning to see the emergence of technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These two technologies have been predicted to help us create new worlds that will impact our lives in ways we can only imagine. By combining augmented and mixed reality enhancements we are in an exciting phase of our lives.
If we consider that we are using the web in a fairly linear way at the moment, this makes VR growth exciting. The value of the internet has barely been scratched. Sure, you may now accomplish tasks that were once thought impossible. For example, you can get food delivered or request a car with a click of a button. However, while the metaverse idea has been around for decades, it is only recently gaining mainstream recognition. The biggest step forward in the use of VR was when Facebook bought Oculus Rift, a leading virtual reality company. This meant that one of the largest tech companies in the world was now investing in it. The acquisition is estimated to have cost $2 billion and came just as researchers were beginning to explore how virtual reality could be used for medical purposes. It is interesting that Facebooks parent company (Alphabet), has now rebranded as Meta, and positioning as a metaverse company.
As technology continues to develop, it is becoming clear that the metaverse has the potential to be bigger than the internet and change the world more than anything that has come before it.
Here are five reasons why:
Some will find this prospect quite frightening, as do I.
We are on the tipping point of when science fiction of our teenage years is starting to become reality. In the next few years, we will see the world change in a way that is hard to predict. The metaverse will be there for us as a place where we can go to escape from reality, or as a place where we can build our own realities.
Is this good, is this bad?
Do people already do some of this through mindfulness apps, watching streaming reality TV, or listening to music?
I guess my main point is that I think it’s important for us to be aware of the world around us, and what we can do to make it better. There will always be people who have a different idea of what is right or wrong, good or bad. In the end, though, I believe that having more tools at our disposal will allow us to make better choices in life.
So far, the internet has only scratched the surface of what’s possible. The metaverse, on the other hand, has the potential to change the world more than anything that has come before it. Thanks to technological advances, the metaverse is becoming more realistic and immersive. Many metaverse platforms exist and are growing. This in itself should add to competition, which one could consider as good, but also with the abundance of platforms comes risk as to which one(s) a business could consider.
As it continues to develop, it will become increasingly clear that its potential is limitless. So don’t be surprised if, in the not-so-distant future, the metaverse is more significant than the internet.
