Don't be a Monk - Focus. Get some Focus to increase Productivity

I read an interesting article on a website earlier this week. 'The people going 'monk mode' to limit social media use'. It rang a bell with me as although social media is part of a writer's toolbox, it does get in the way when you need to get your head down and crack on with a word count.

The article focused on a human rights lawyer using the Freedom app. It is a blocking app, and several others are available across operating systems.

Someone who found the lure of Facebook too much whilst at University, so much so that he nearly missed submitting his dissertation, developed the Freedom app. 

I like to be quiet and not disturbed when writing, although I'm writing this in the office at work during my lunch break. But for those encompassed in the Apple Inc. environment, on MacBooks, iPads & iPhones, there is a functionality that can do all this without downloading apps. 

 Focus Modes help concentrate the mind on writing or whatever you have set it up for. By going to settings and scrolling down to the Focus button, it walks you through the process. I will link to YouTube for a VLOG by the extremely excellent William Gallagher.

Several built-in focuses include 'Driving' and 'Do Not Disturb'. I have set myself a customised Writing Focus. It switches off access to the net and only allows calls and messages from my wife.

There is a but, though. A word of warning: you could miss calls whilst in a Focus. If you have set your Focus not to receive any calls, you could and will miss any important calls. This very hand whilst driving and certain apps will send a message to say that you are driving. My phone automatically goes into Driving Focus once the car is moving.

You can automate when, where and how Focus starts using Shortcuts, another installed app. I have yet to get myself around Shortcuts at the moment. I will put that research into my writing diary, which can be the subject of a future blog piece.

Today, we will take the tram to Stade Pierre Mauroy to watch the England vs. Samoa game. As always, I will be the one in the England shirt. You can spot me on the TV.