The Invisible Mentor

Einstein Distraction Index: A Method of Deep Focus

May 11th, 2010 |

There is a story which says that when Einstein was a teenager he developed the “Distraction Index”, a method of deep concentration, which allowed him to concentrate totally upon whatever he was doing for up to 42 minutes. I found one reference to this information on the web several years ago. I also called the university to confirm, but no one could find the information. However, I just conducted research on the Internet again and I found a lot more information, as well as a video which I have included in this post.

Anything “Einstein” makes for a compelling story, so let’s assume for a second that the Einstein Distraction Index information is correct. The ability to focus is important in an age where there are so many things competing for our attention. This is a great technique to focus. One of the best ways to learn to focus is to get a magazine, which will be filled with many distractions. The goal of the drill is to be distraction free for a specified period of time such as three minutes, five minutes, whatever amount of time you choose. It is best to start off with a small amount of time and work your way up. Einstein is said to have been distraction free for 42 minutes. Wouldn’t it be great if you were distraction free for a time period greater than 42 minutes? Each of us has a bit of genius inside.

On a blank piece of paper, write the phrase “I won’t be distracted by that anymore” at the top
of the page
Set a timer for five minutes and start to read the magazine
Each time you’re distracted, make a note of it and read the phrase you wrote out, silently to
yourself
Start reading your material again
When the timer goes off, count the number of distractions that you had in five minutes

If you’re honest when doing this simple exercise, you’ll be surprised by the amount of distractions that you have had in five minutes. When you can be focused for five minutes without distractions, repeat the process for seven minutes and then for 10 minutes. If you keep on doing this you’ll be able to learn how long you can be distraction free.

If you cannot view the YouTube video click here.

This is a another good technique to teach to your children. Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed. I created a Mini Learning Toolkit and you can grab a copy by clicking here.

Note: I learned how to use the “Distraction Index” from a High Speed Learning course taught by Lydia Danner, several years ago.

Photo Credit: Fotopedia via Apture