How to Study with INTENSE Focus - 7 Essential Tips

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I'm not saying you'll never sit distractedly at your study space looking at pictures of birds with arms after watching this video... but it'll at least help. Here are 7 tips that'll help you improve your ability to focus intensely on your work.
My book "10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades" is completely free, so check it out if you're interested in improving your grades!
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Videos you might want to watch next:
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~ created by Thomas Frank

[@_Onlime]

I should be studying

[@daliacs96]

So go study :)

[@nishihatas]

Same :")

[@DontknowSina]

Dalía Carvalho wishing that it was only that simple

[@amberstewart2521]

Yup

[@tuhinleuna1573]

I'm in the same boat :|

[@Chejos25]

0:55 "Time * Intensity = Quality of work produced" -Cal Newport 1:44 1) Have a single target of focus 2:19 "Unlimited possibilities are not suited for man; if they existed, his life would only dissolve in the boundless. To become strong, a man's life needs the limitations ordained by duty and voluntary accepted." - I Ching 2:47 2) Keep the session sacred 3:45 3) Proper tools. Make time to maintain the tools. 4:51 4) Practice 5:51 5) Use timers, but... leave some buffer room at the end of the timed session "There's nothing an artists needs more- even more than excellent tools and stamina- than a deadline" -Adriana Trigiani. 6:52 6) Work alone. "Without great solitude, no serious work is possible"- Pablo Picasso 8:09 7) Make time for recovery 8:45 Interest. Give yourself a challenge

[@cedric1303]

Thank you!!

[@CodeEnthusiast78912]

thanks man

[@timothynaidoo9671]

thank man 👌😘

[@superemzone]

Thanks man, I straight up went to the comments section to see if anyone had noted this down. The times are a nice touch

[@artaway6647]

Thanks man!

[@RexcantorYT]

Who's watching this instead of studying?

[@allawhussein]

ah same problem here

[@tonikola20]

🎶 Story of my life 🎶 😂

[@infashionchains]

Everyone 😭

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

🤣

[@ara.zero.ara.]

😂😂😂

[@________stephens8251]

What I do with the Pomodoro technique is set a timer for 20 minutes and after it goes off stare at the wall for 1:30 trying to be as still as I can. In the beginning that minute-thirty is so boring that I feel I want to go back to work, but several hours later that mental break gives me is what keeps me going without blowing out. On top of that, I've caught my self literally stareing at a wall for 2 hrs thinking of nothing, a 20-minute timer prevents that from happing. I'm able to be in the library for hours and get a lot of stuff done.

[@pronoobie6696]

Wow, this, thank you Tyler Stephens if you are still there.

[@khalidbashir4017]

Please can you explain again??. Thank you

[@hdave5668]

I’m so lost

[@SoumOrg]

Synopsis :- 1. A single target of focus. 2. Keep the session sacred. 3. Have Proper tools. 4. Practice makes a hu-man perfect. 5. Use timers - break into smaller sessions for initial boost! 6. Work alone - no group study/work. 7. Make time for recovery but only between those smaller sessions discussed in point 5. btw I simply cannot go to coffee shop, sitting along with couples dating and study. The waiter will come and ask me politely to order something. If I say no, he'll kick me out.

[@lookwhoneedsahobbie]

If you're going to a coffee shop you should order something. This is implied.

[@Earthling108]

Lol get their cup and sit with it. ;)

[@armorsmith43]

I prefer libraries

[@armorsmith43]

If in london, look at Ziferblat

[@SoumOrg]

lookwhoneedsahobbie & ShiShi108 . Thomas told not to eat or drink something

[@festagramm]

Thank you for your clear pronunciation. I am Russian and I understand more than half of you videos despite my poor English

[@JakeVoorhees]

Thanks so much for another great video Thomas. I'll be relaying this to my students for sure, cheers!

[@jagtarwaraich7392]

Jake Voorhees plzzzz msg me [phone] wttsapp

[@unknown360ful]

I'm just curious... is Voorhees your actual family name???

[@jorgeandrestaverareyes7381]

Are you Jason´s cousin or something?

[@Riley.6607]

Old.

[@msgarciamayorca]

Glad you mentioned that you don’t* necessarily need to take breaks using the Pomodoro technique! That’s a game changer 👍🏼

[@armorsmith43]

Note: these tips rely on a foundation of taking care of your body & mind. Exercise, eat right, and sleep consistently to give your brain what it needs.

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

Good. Point.

[@mirettegeorge1692]

You're about to hit one million subs!!! You absolutely deserve it Thomas! Thanks for the quality content :)

[@justindemott1603]

Thomas really sheds light on all the things I also do to distract myself which really is only learned through experience, makes me realize that he suffered from all the stuff I do as well, gives me a better perception of what is possible if I really just asses all these distractions and really buckle down and start focusing and attacking my responsibilities. Another great video man thank you!

[@yitziyyb]

As usual solid video and presentation! I want to suggest to make a video on how to learn new subjects alone. There are a lot on study and review techniques (pomodoro) but not on learning anew. Also would be nice to hear one on how to think Again thank you for all the great work!

[@Chaoes96]

How could you dislike this? He gives you literally the exact thing the title says with humor and as quick as possible

[@IsaacBlencowe]

Fantastic tips mate. I agree with the importance of rest and relaxation. I think it is something often missed in the productivity space. I have felt the onset of burnout before so I now make sure to schedule in rest at the end of every day and big one at the end of the week. Where I just switch off completely and watch my favourite TV show or play a video game.Which helps me to regain my focus and energy to go at it again!

[@izabellaacosta3743]

Your videos helped me through my exams! I managed to stay motivated and overall positive about them. Thank you! Keep up the awesome work!😊

[@WillBlacksilver]

I was about to start some intense focus BUT I saw Tom Frank's video on Intense Focus and couldn't help but watch.

[@cortesvictorh]

Thomas, man! You're definitely one of my favorite KZbinrs. I actually started doing the 25 pages a day challenge, and now I'm reading around a book per week. Now I even started a youtube channel focused on book reviews, since I read so much I'm starting to forget all that info, and I needed something to reassert what I learned! Definitely life changing :)

[@momenthsoundimmersion6426]

thomas is one of the best out there for sure!

[@Pengicitis]

oooo perfect time for this video, thanks!

[@hornetisspider]

woah 3 years, a verified and no replies

[@michaeladams8263]

@@hornetisspider lol

[@skirwan78]

thanks for making these. It's easy to say "well yeah that makes sense" when you take a quick glance at it but it's reflection and action that creates change.

[@xboxsolox]

Your videos are great bro. Helpful, and too the point. His vids respect our time. Sure its 10min. But its not full of nonsense, and pointless edits etc. Also great subjects. 👍🏽

[@ROGUESPECTRE101]

Dude, I didn't know where to thank you for this so I figured I would on one of the videos that I liked of yours. I love the study playlist that you've put together it is amazing like omg I was able to concentrate on my drawing so freely while I listened to it so yeah thank you for creating that awesome music playlist :) . Keep up the good work.

[@colbyivy]

you’re my hero thomas

[@vdshukla2908]

Sounds more like thamos(thanos

[@Jean0705Alice]

These tips are really helpful! I love how you do your research in these videos and find sources and quotes. You work so hard! Thank you so much!

[@mrtwitch965]

Super glad to see your videos again! Longtime viewer! Thanks for helping me get set up in my young 20's m8! Forever grateful

[@aledeudaeta]

Great video. I hadn't realised but eating before studying distracts me too. And great knife analogy btw. Love the channel, keep it up!!

[@yukikomatsu2447]

1. Decide the project that you work on. 2. Maintain tool 3. Practice focusing 4. Use timers (time limitation) 5. Work alone 6. Take a break (This must be high density fun)

[@lowercasegoon5231]

Merci beaucoup

[@Guildarama]

Where is 7?

[@angelmushi1099]

@@Guildarama 7. Have an interest

[@jacoblpeterson]

The content you create is so inspiring! You’re like a mentor to me. Thank you for your work and keep up these amazing videos!

[@robertclement1107]

I just got to say that your videos are a blessing to this world. I am so happy and thankful that I found them. I wish you the absolute best!

[@skylarwittenborn8691]

When you mentioned how you hate cooking with a dull knife, I felt like I had to recommend the tool my family uses to keep our knives sharp. It's called the Sharpener's Edge, made by JCS Products. It sharpens your blade in minutes and is just phenomenal. Your videos are amazing; I learn so much from them! Have a nice day!

[@ofelia8912]

I love these strategies they're really helpful 👏💪

[@28meerak]

Your videos are like a mental massage-- you remove all the knots and I feel at ease after. I will return to this video to refresh my memory.

[@elevencb4986]

you are my favorite youtuber and your book is one of my favorites, keep up the amazing work

[@CaroeJ]

1:44 focus on one single task 2:50 don’t do anything before you do the task 3:47 use the right tools/ prepare yourself before starting 4:55 intense focus need practice 5:53 use timers but leave some buffer 6:53 work alone 8:10 have time for recovery

[@ddfelder2]

Thanks

[@fanboy3430]

Omg I'm so early! Btw I love your chanel and I think you're doing great💪

[@jiae6374]

Always providing us quality content. Thanks Thomas! 💯

[@saahirashim3710]

Thanks Thomas! You really come out with videos at the best times. I'm starting school soon and focusing has been difficult.

[@UchihaAlpha]

Using this video to procrastinate ironically

[@EruOmokaro]

Me to yes me to

[@ap3008]

I have serious problems with focusing and I get easily distracted. Increasing my focus is one of my top priorities for this year. Great tips! Also, I want to get to bed earlier and read 25 pages every night before getting to bed. :)

[@elizabethmanderson2895]

I can't say how relevant this is to me right now. I am in 3rd year of an undergrad and struggle to "get work done" during my study time and am working on increasing effectiveness. Thank you!

[@ghitapaints91]

Thank you very much for the ongoing work you do. Making topics that are very hard to comprehend so easy to digest is a very wonderful reminder of the ingenuity of the human mind. You are an inspiration.

[@akh7762]

Thanks for all Your help man

[@casualdavid3321]

Those eyes are pretty!

[@tristan_park]

Yes, his eyes are gorgeous. I could gaze at them all day :)

[@eshaanrawal1167]

@@WWEMasterLucky1994 so true

[@Synocra]

gay

[@joeobama5208]

@@Synocra was gonna say- lmaooo

[@chopin65]

Wow. You nailed it on the sacred part. I work two jobs and have a deep study regime that I do at Starbucks (I hate studying alone). So I always eat before leaving home, get a coffee, sit down, put ear plugs in and crack open my book and jump straight in. It always works. I do a slotted amount of time for each subject, and use a timer for each. That way I can always get work done, and avoid distractions. Great channel, sir. : )

[@ShoroukA]

Your videos are always SO realistic, practical and to the point! I love it! Thank you =)

[@katyloveschloe]

he's getting more handsome every vid 😁

[@yayasssamminna]

Erin Rose i was going to comment just that

[@SoumOrg]

he has a gf

[@ingridayarza]

Yasss

[@Sabrina-le6we]

OMG YAAAASSSSSS ❤

[@hoesthetix7991]

Erin Rose yes girl 😂😂

[@mrprox1800]

thanks

[@Egegeg]

procrastinating with this channel, my fave!

[@huronautodetailing]

This is literally one of the most accurate, honest and helpful videos, ever.

[@maidenwarrior19]

"A blistering intensity " I like that.

[@muriel3845]

the thing is, i start studying hard at first, but after finishing like 7 pages or sth i start to get depressed and eventually i completely stop

[@LisaJeane]

Great point on the Practice tip! Our minds are like a muscle - the more we use them, the stronger they become. Practice focus to be able to focus more. Boom!

[@lisaabokhai3984]

Honestly you've helped me so much, thank you for everything.

[@frodasc96]

Two videos in a week. Nice.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

That Martin cameo tho

[@BryceDoesLife]

gang shit

[@GeniusOnHisWay]

Thomas is heading for the one mil! Been here ever since 100k. So friggin proud!

[@vivianhir3930]

You are the best channel on KZbin :D. Keep up the work!

[@ankursarmah6704]

Beautifully explained......I already started DEEP WORK by Cal Newport.....Thanks Thomas

[@hoesthetix7991]

Ankur Sarmah can you please email me the book. please please please please

[@ankursarmah6704]

Pierre The Slayer sorry bro.....I have the paperback copy.

[@hoesthetix7991]

Ankur Sarmah that's ok. thank you for the response

[@ankursarmah6704]

Pierre The Slayer welcome bro

[@atharvadeodhar5332]

Pierre The Slayer I have mp3:

[@hansvonwurscht3230]

Hey Thomas, something I would be really interested in, is how you come back to work when you got distracted at some point in time. I noticed, once distracted, it is like a waterfall that drags you down deeper and deeper and makes it really really hard to come back to work, and makes you think, e.g. 5 more minutes Minecraft won't hurt which then amounts to an hour. Do you have any strategies how to come back once distracted?

[@Yas-zq4rk]

You always seem to upload videos at just about the same time I need them. Thanks Thomas :P

[@leggermentesara]

So true about the timers... Especially when you are doing "reasoning" work, like math or programming, you may be fully into the resolution of a problem, you have that state of flow, that doesn't have to be broken.

[@matteoventura6344]

Do you have anything on exam anxiety?

[@TenTonNuke]

So YOU'RE the guy who goes to a busy coffee shop to concentrate. Hmmm, I need a nice, quiet place to think, free from distractions. Better head to the amusement park."

[@mohammedsalmanali01]

Great work man, keep going, waiting for your next video

[@rociogabrielenglishtime7750]

Greetings from Peru!!! The best part of being at home is finding you, thanks for your suggestions. It encourage me to do my best and I will share your essential formula's ingredients.

[@naveenkumar7758]

1st viewer from india... Just waiting for first heart Thomas 😍

[@mrudulasrivatsa]

You actually got it! So cool!

[@naveenkumar7758]

Mrudula Srivatsa yeah! I am Still astonished how this happened

[@vishalbhartiya2853]

You are watching his videos first time?..

[@DCVCPC]

You are not first from India, there are many others too. I am watching his videos from many months.

[@naveenkumar7758]

D C i guess this coment was meant for this video cause when notification flashed then i just clicked within fraction of seconds so maybe i am the first for this video.... and for the other part its been 2 and half year i am regular viewer of his videos 😊

[@abdullahsiddiqee518]

Im finding it really hard to focus on the video cuz i keep reading the godamn comments😒😒

[@ingridayarza]

abdullah siddiqee same

[@diegoh.s.9762]

Same here 😅

[@maanyachugh9896]

honestly, same

[@AcapellaAddict4Lyfe]

abdullah siddiqee Same and I have ADHD so most of the time I need stimulants to focus decently.

[@mindscape2431]

Same

[@alonerider17]

Thank you so much Thomas. Plus, I love the IT Crowd snippet!

[@Cam-fe6st]

Thank you for this video! for years i have had a hard time concentrating or staying focused on the task at hand because of my distractions such as video games or browsing the internet so watching this has helped immensely thank you!

[@ABeardedDad]

"Work alone" - kid you not, 3 seconds after getting into this tip, some guys walked into the room I'm using to study (and listen to Frank vids).

[@chipsiomega8132]

" a cup of coffee" ...proceeds pouring 1 gallon of milk in the cup

[@charlenelaguer7072]

Great video! These tips really narrow things down and create real focus. Thanks so much for the great tips!!!

[@abdeelmora4042]

I love your "how-to videos" keep up with the great work

[@betterideas]

Using the same background music as me again I see ;)

[@Thomasfrank]

We're going to need to rap battle to decide who gets it

[@betterideas]

I have already begun my training.

[@Thomasfrank]

I started mine 5 years ago :P soundcloud.com/tomfrankly/battle-in-downtown-yokohama

[@betterideas]

Damn, your flow is sick. I'd have to beat you with a killer chorus: soundcloud.com/joey-schweitzer/lover-come-back-cover

[@abidsabanovic8188]

Oh my God, is this really you hahahahahahahaha

[@victorandrew646]

How to study with intense focus: Adderal

[@Lily.valkyrie]

Victor Andrew can say from experience; NO.

[@tserings2228]

The only difference is that eventually you forget the knowledge which you memorized whilst studying using the artificial focus provided by Adderal

[@sineadtbc3338]

Wreaks havoc on your body if done long term.

[@sruti19jan]

hey! ADHD bud!

[@AcapellaAddict4Lyfe]

Victor Andrew YESSSSS

[@MaitiaVangLover]

Love the tips, thanks Thomas!! You should be getting more views! Your channel is underrated man. Love all your videos. Time to go study now.

[@jihyounnie]

I agree with all these points, I do all of these and my friends often ask how I stay focused so well but I was never able to explain it, I'll just send them this video now !!

[@Mestil99]

This distracted me from my work

[@noyemisarkisian7842]

The problem is that i can't take short breakes... every time I want to take a short break I end up being distracted and waste my time! And about the tip of relaxing and playing video games is also a problem for me because then I wouldn't be able to get back to my work and I will constantly think about gaming... Any advice please?? Nice vid btw LUV U!!!

[@rainynunez8362]

Noyemi Sarkisian Have you thought about how your environment might distract you for your short breaks? Like do you use your computer, phone, TV, etc. to take a break? Maybe that might be the cause. Maybe try to find a place where you can minimize any distractions and have a timer to remind yourself when you need to start working again.

[@benji_h3734]

I have a math exam in 8 days and I was struggling trying to focus on it and this helps me a lot, I noted things that you said that I think it is important and put them behind my screen to look at them easily thank you very much!

[@ericaaguirre6881]

Your videos are really great!! Love all the research you do for these

[@scroogietw6878]

FUN FACT: L'Hopitals rule was discovered by Bernoulli but he sold it to L'Hopital.

[@dimitrav8601]

REALLY? IM KINDA SHOOK

[@profesionalninjivar7425]

I don't understand part from 1:03 to 1:35 can someone please explain this to me. What did he do?

[@ishansharma5787]

Quality output is "Time" (number of hours you are doing something) times (Multiply) "Intensity of focus". That is: The more time you spend with high degree of focus on your work (without much distraction), the more you will end up getting done.

[@ligidk]

Rooseveldt had his normal schedule and in the spaces between (his 'free time' ), he was studying intensely.

[@profesionalninjivar7425]

Ishan Sharma thank you for your help

[@profesionalninjivar7425]

ligidk thank you so much!

[@nicolealam5597]

That video helped me pass through my exam period successfully. I could really relate to the distractions that you mentioned. Your video helped me build more discipline regarding time .THANK U!

[@BleachBubblegum]

Only commenting because I loved this video and felt liking it wasn't quite enough. This genuinely sounds more applicable to my particular struggles than any video of yours before now. Which is saying a lot, as I've enjoyed the vast majority of your videos since I subscribed around August last year.

[@marcogouveia622]

Dam! He also cooks! I'm straight, but I rethink my sexuality because of this man.

[@rahulsreekumar2562]

Who's studying instead of watching this? Not you,me neither.👌

[@plantyoflove54]

Hi again😂❤

[@DanGamano]

Just found you, Wow!!..... Exactly the channel I wanted for a while. Super thankful for your passion on productivity and success. Great Channel and keep it up! Great Content, I’m very impressed.

[@Ana-zy5qe]

LIFE SAVER, glad I found your channel!

[@ablabs6863]

Shoutout to Dr Jordan Peterson @ 3:27

[@tserings2228]

ablabs Lmfao the boy was my prof. Solid lectures. Shame what’s going on.

[@QuesoCookies]

First off, live in a time without TV, cell phones, or the internet...

[@pramayudasaleh2172]

Thanks Thomas, I've been following your video for the last 6 months and now i just passed the entrance exam to a college that was "unattainable" for me

[@HeyImRod]

Thank you Thomas! I read Deep Focus by Cal Newport and I have to say that this book truly helped me with getting things done and submerging myself into the state of "deep focus". Keep up the good work.

[@jeevanraj619]

I remember opening KZbin to listen to XXXtentacion. Now I'm here

[@taydavies9971]

Jeevan Raj :/

[@awsomegamer-100]

7:40 She?? ;) I see you Thomas... "Studying"

[@aymanesghiar3164]

MrAwesome5321 😂😂😂😂

[@thesandrapagethings]

Leaving buffer time at the end of a timer is so important!! 👏🏻

[@IfIcanYoucan]

Thank you for all the study tips...I will try to apply them, I really need to become more focused when studying

[@UserName-dw8rk]

I want a bf like him

[@eagle8826]

Sarah H I know right? 😍

[@Lily.valkyrie]

Then rise up to meet one: raise your standards and change ur own life so that you can have enough skills to relate w/the guy

[@Bella-ns1bc]

Sarah H I was thinking the exact same thing and comparing my bf with him and how inadequate I feel he is compared to hin

[@OmgitsNeens]

I feel like even sex would have to be efficient! Lol

[@ForeverMasterless]

@@Bella-ns1bc well your boyfriend is probably thinking the same thing about you. Maybe y'all should break up.

[@mnon1612]

I couldn’t even focus on the video🤡🤡

[@doxo9597]

I LOVE learning but right as i sit down for a couple of minutes I always find myself clicking on youtube videos and social media. Thanks to you though I managed to create myself a habit of sitting and working for long periods of time without distracting myself, and when I finished everything I need to do, i reward myself. Thanks A Lot!

[@Tushinho]

Almost 1 million subscribers, congrats man!