Working From Home: How to Stay Focused

[@Thomasfrank]

Want to be more organized? Take my FREE course on building your productivity system: collegeinfogeek.com/go/skillshare-course/ (this is an affiliate link, so using it also supports my channel 😀 )

[@yusufmax15]

What should i do if i am mobile AR developer?)

[@christianjohansmeier7333]

Here I am (at 6:45) working from home today....... lol

[@jessicawaddell2746]

The beginning was kinda dramatic but that’s literally how it feels

[@DemetriPanici]

same ^^

[@Nico-ig1mr]

Same

[@kaye.]

exactly!!

[@bomanson]

Same

[@khakihat3317]

had me at "just do it"

[@nina80808]

A tip I came across a few years ago that has really helped me is to keep a notepad next to me as I work so I can write down the thoughts that pop up while I work but will be a distraction -- for example, if I remember I need to pay a bill, I write that down instead of stopping my work flow to pay that bill before I forget. Hopefully that'll help some of you guys too!

[@MrsThollo]

I recently learned this. The video/person compared it to some kind of book a character used in Harry Potter. I've never read the books so I don't know who. I do know it has been great for keeping me on task, though!

[@diax14]

Up you go! I do this too and is really helpful.

[@MsInvestigate]

as someone with the attention span of a small rodent, this helps me a ton.

[@plaisirdelanglais]

It's called mind sweep. See Getting Things Done by David Allen.

[@mperezgumperezgu3021]

I do this too! I label the sticky note next to me ; “PARKING LOT” So to mentally park those thoughts and get back to later. Forgot who I learn this from hmmm probably Matt D or something lol

[@GradySmith]

My issue is that I work on my computer and the computer IS the distraction.

[@flightmotive]

Tell me about it lol 😂

[@reethelemon]

Well my issue is that I need my phone to do my homework but my phone IS the distraction. Life can be tough

[@imanepink]

Same tbh

[@azizouikene2351]

This vedio is actually a distraction...

[@juzam8988]

Yes!

[@garydose129]

Lets Recap: 1:28 Set an Intention - just 3 or so key things to accomplish 3:10 Eliminate Distractions 9:22 Reduce the Resistance - break down daunting tasks into smaller tasks, only commit to working for a short time, etc.

[@pranayavnish8028]

thanks

[@thelookingcat]

Tysm man

[@PamelaMortel]

I was looking for this. Thank you!!!

[@xinyiwang1525]

Thx

[@samo2697]

"choose no more than three meaningful tasks that you intend to get done." TELL THAT TO MY TEACHERS

[@torquevonthorne948]

Are the tasks they give you so much meaningful? ;) For your professional/personal improvement at least?

[@ktyy777]

Torque von Thorne i wish we had that choice, but professors tend to overload on things due in a week that have grade consequences lol

[@SincerelyMaria]

I do the exact same! Works really well :)

[@rakvian]

@@torquevonthorne948 . No, they are not, all taks schools gives me are absolute bullshit.

[@caseylydon4151]

Torque von Thorne no, they’re so tedious and usually repetitive because teachers can’t find anything else to give us. it makes sense though because if we were actually at school there are so many other options like lectures and class discussion which isn’t easy at this time, so they just give us something to do that doesn’t necessarily help me learn. it’s so annoying

[@The-ADHD-Exec]

I needed this - impeccably timed as usual! Only 25 days to go and my undergrad degree is completed!!! I can get through this 💪

[@ayellowpapercrown6750]

Congrats!!

[@rossdonald3189]

Well done

[@elevenaffirmations5821]

You got this!

[@njrom]

Being a bit ahead (I have 10) we both have got this!

[@ChristianGonzalez-ri1jx]

Aye let's go. We're almost done!

[@LynsArt]

"I know this is dramatic -" No, you've described it PERFECTLY

[@BeSmarterFaster]

Your 'B Roll' is really excellent. I don't know how you do it. You must have a great team around you. While your content is always solid, it's your ability to present your ideas with those extra video snippets that's the icing on your cake.

[@honeyno7758]

deadass quarantine is the best thing that could've happened to productivity youtubers

[@ghostghost4261]

so true

[@UmbrellaExile]

"As always, I'm not your dad." :'(

[@DemetriPanici]

Sad

[@nhanlc]

I know I should not laugh at this but I did...

[@rodhash]

IKR!? Shocked too!

[@Oversampled]

The timer is a really good thing. 30 minute work sessions are just perfect for me, not really scary and also healthier than sitting for a long time and getting tired

[@valentina7193]

As an ADHDer, the beginning is how my daily approach goes. Thank you man, much needed. Loving this series

[@madhavdaga]

I wonder if Thomas watches his own videos sometimes for motivating and tips 😂

[@Riaanwest]

haha, great observation, i'm sure he does!!!

[@CharlieName33]

I'm in the process of starting up a business that will likely have me working from home majority of the time and I've been stressing with how hard it is to actually do work in my own home. Thank you good sir!

[@George_Perez]

Man the beginning felt like I was watching a move, and LOVED this one.. as far as I'm concerned there's never been a better time to double down and stay focused while most people just lope around and watch netflix all day, lets get it guys.. time to build our empires!! 💪🤑🔥

[@Ben-dk9sk]

I’ve been sick for 2 days and have piled up work since I got to work from home. I’m usually a straight A student but I plan to use this for even college if I have to work from a dorm or such.

[@legerdemain]

Me at beginning of video: "Yes, finally someone identifies my problem." TF: "I guess I'm being dramatic." ME: "Nooooooo!"

[@KeshArt]

the front fringed Thomas reminds of the venom tobey maguire from spider man 3...... you gonna dance for us anytime soon tom?

[@Thomasfrank]

You’ll get your rent when you fix this damn door!

[@MightBeEden]

@@Thomasfrank respect+

[@tullyparker]

@@Thomasfrank Rofl

[@fernandaresendiz8380]

Me: watches video of how to stay focused while working at home Also me: *realizes that this video is distracting me from work*

[@SincerelyMaria]

haha every time! :D

[@softwareimpersonal3488]

same

[@ajiamorr350]

Exactly, this is why I hesitate to watch productivity videos!

[@rodeoleo9453]

Thomas Frank: *takes out a pack of gum from his pocket* Everyone in a 10 miles radius: Hey! We've known each other for so long!

[@clayshippy2652]

1:21 Yeah - like Chuck-E-Cheese - with the Grandkids out of school for Covid - 19 precautions - my work space is like Chuck-E-Cheese 7:31 I need you to do a program on "how to" work the notification selections on my phone. 8:33 I need something to block out when the kids decide to pick a fight with each other - usually seems to happen when I am on an important phone call - hey... maybe this is that novelty thing you were talking about earlier. 12:48 I do this with the kids study assignments - if they have a hundred arithmetic problems, I get them to focus on ten. Good stuff today - short, but very useful. In fact short worked better for me today, the kids haven't yet discovered I'm not in the room with them ! Thanks.

[@SincerelyMaria]

Thanks for this! Makes it easier to re-watch if needed :D

[@SincerelyMaria]

This has probably been the hardest part of working from home! There are soo many distractions! Appreciate this video!

[@zach7559]

Three intentions Eliminate distractions (turn off internet/phone off) Small intentions for each work session Set a timer (reasonable chunk) Work to instrumental music

[@serenityredefined5598]

Sound advice for those working from home during the pandemic. It is important to start off every day with a clear mind so you can take on your daily tasks with clarity.

[@ssenjuti7770]

Thomas, I have a great problem focusing right now, lost almost all natural sleep, anxiety with whatever's going on in the world, long term and sometimes immediate fear of losing my job, things are really tough for me. In fact, I am writing this just after watching your video, in the tacit hope that you can help. I am tired, and need sleep, and have to work, but the panic is just too much to deal with. Not a good place to be, mate.

[@KoiAcademy]

😀 We can tell that your focus methods are working.. because how else are you digesting so many books lol. Thanks for condensing this info for us!

[@georgeruellan]

I love how you've slowly upped the production value of your videos. I've always loved them but I'm even more captivated now!

[@theaveragejoebody]

Hey Thomas, Im beginning my work from home journey on August 7th. This is the first video on this subject I have watched. I need to stay focused and on track while working from home. Thank you for the advice.

[@LejunglerenardThejunglefox]

Hey Mr. Frank, I just subscribed and I wanted to tell you why and what led me to do it. Right now my life has been constantly miserable and I have a serious case of student fatigue or burnout because I’ve been constantly failing in my classes to the point of almost on the verge of getting removed from college. Your videos have at least stopped me from thinking about constantly wanting to quit college, binge drink alcohol, and smoke vape products like a chain-smoker. I plan to use your advice in my life tomorrow to see if I can get my work done for my classes and salvage my classes.

[@tingting7856]

Did you get your work done?

[@viviennefung11]

I really appreciate the talking speed of this video. I need to adjust the speed to 1.5x for most of the KZbin videos nowadays.

[@damondominique]

*Working from Home Rule #1* Throw away your phone.

[@vlogswithgavin2.08]

I tried not using my phone, I didn't get distracted by my phone, I got distracted by my own mind.

[@bhuvaneshwarij1326]

So true! I have lost motivation..keep watching videos

[@danieleliassalgadomiranda224]

You need it Bro hahaha, you can make it play music for concentration or turn on the "do not disturb" mode if you want to do all your tasks.

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

@@vlogswithgavin2.08 This needs more likes. Because the distraction is INTERNAL not external...A lot of us need to realize this

[@ibrahimkalmati9379]

But it is most difficult thing in world You can understand any equation if you are focused but problem is it separating your self from useless internet is near impossible task

[@susiebolt4021]

It's not often I pause a KZbin video midstream to start it over so I can grab my journal and take notes. My ability to stay focused while working from home has deteriorated to the point of nonexistence.

[@mahathikandimalla8915]

Thomas Frank’s Next video: How to be productive at Chuck E Cheese

[@SincerelyMaria]

haha if only!

[@anamjamil9211]

Not funny

[@James-br7qy]

@@anamjamil9211 53 people disagree

[@matematicarka]

THE ULTIMATE BOSS

Watches video while working, feels motivated to get focussed, gets to the end, brilliant ad starts, ooh wow, I'm going to check out brilliant now, then I'll work...

[@dannytbm]

I feel like that bit at 3:20 was partly inspired by the opening of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. :D

[@psychoticboyz1398]

I find that sometimes if i need to get my work done checking my emails will often put me in a state of “flow” then I feel more inspired to keep going

[@tpeasetiger]

How to stay focused at home: Step one: start Thomas Frank’s ultimate study with me crossover.

[@Riaanwest]

this is excellent, love the way you think

[@thenewzero6236]

I just finished reading Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood and some of the things you say about eliminating distractions reminds me of Wendy's advice on removing friction in your environment. The reality is that for majority of us at home, we have not optimised our system to function efficiently to be productive outside of our typical workplace. The idea of 1% or incremental improvement seems like the route with the highest chance of success and the least amount of resistance. Thanks for sharing, always enjoy your content :)

[@karenrich9092]

When I need to sit down to work, I think I'll turn off my internet. I never thought of doing that. Even as a website designer, I can do the work, then turn on the connection and "Update Website X, Y and Z". That would cut out the distractions. It would also mean that watching your videos would be a reward!

[@RahulYadav-nk6wp]

How I keep my focus without getting distracted. 1. I do not check my phone or emails in the morning. I take my journal or whiteboard and write three important task for the day. 2. Then I exercise, fill myself with energy, later meditate. 3. My ritual is to brew some good coffee and go through my notes, this is essential to set the pace, so that I can strategies to tackle my task for the day. 4. I do not change places, I find it resistive. I do not time bound myself, as it’s more resistive for me. 5. I just have a simple notion that if I cannot complete 50% of my task by morning than at noon, I will do it, or before going to bed. 6. I found active recall and spaced repetition works wonders.

[@HermannssonMusic]

Loving how the cinematography is progressing lately! Keep it up! :-D

[@VanettaMosetta]

I love the ongoing Idiocracy references, I heard 1-2 in another video, and I thought it was just a flyby, but they keep comin'... love it.

[@cheyenneliu1346]

I'm literally the opposite of everyone else. I find myself so much more productive at home

[@MrShivBoom]

Why are you watching this 😂

[@mariesurdu]

I gotta say, after watching your channel for about a year now the quality and production of these videos has improved so much! I mean, angles and different locations as well as lighting etc. has upped the quality of your videos immensely. I’m no expert but wow! I love the work and progress :)

[@bronwynpillay2113]

I literally thought 03:23 was an ad for a sec.

[@joeobama5208]

SAME 😭😭

[@JanMan37]

Very helpful vid. Definitely plan to implement some ideas. Exercise is also very important. If you're indoors most of the day, that's probably one of the reasons why you can't focus.

[@sahilgangwani]

This was such a well made video! It was Refreshing to see your cat and gf in the video haha! I love the tips in the video! Super insightful! 💯💯💯💯👏👏👏

[@improvementhub2675]

Those personal touches!

[@FrankHuynh]

Great video! I stumbled on this after uploading to my channel a productivity video as well. All the best!

[@Roma-mt9mj]

9:50 I LAUGHED, why is my sense of humor so broken ahasahsgh

[@viniciuscosta8848]

The Best KZbinr I have found this year ! A hello from Brazil !

[@barbarajemedy2657]

“This is really dramatic isn’t it” 😂 lol I loved it

[@chocopuff]

Your editing is realllyyy improving, love the quality!

[@vain_za]

11:32 "Wedneday" - Thomas, April 2020

[@tonybueno408]

i procrastinate alot at homeand never get any chores done, and i stil dont know why but this video does help me think about what is actually distracting me and finding ways to overcome those distractions. i dont work from home but once im home i dont want to work, and i dont like that. i been trying to fix that. this helps. thank you.

[@fireshine4105]

"and you wonder if you get anything done ever again" Me: omg this is exactly what I feel like! "this is a bit over dramatic isn't it?" Me: OH

[@korinneleal644]

You said the beginning is dramatic, but that's how it feels sometimes. Thanks for the good advice. 👍🏽

[@jonathanlong9176]

When Thomas Frank was in middle school, he was more productive than the teachers grading homework because he was the one grading homework.

[@jennys9043]

Most of the WHF advice videos I see give the same old advice over and over. This is new to me and legitimately helpful (not to mention timely). Thanks.

[@DemetriPanici]

The last time I was this early I hadn’t started my self-development journey.

[@rajesaravanan521]

the amount of work you have put into this video is exceptional .

[@thisismaeday]

The quarantine hair is setting in :')

[@nikyabodigital]

MarsAttacks1993 He is gonna cut himself and be semi bald again xp

[@reyalexandro]

I've been struggling hard to concentrate. The days just feel the same. I've never worked from home for this long. This video has helped me big time

[@lazysheep3102]

6:23 **the Rock's TikTok** where is Matt.

[@Riaanwest]

great question

[@nickcormier]

Thomas, videos like this has helped me so much this past year - I really appreciate the hard work you put into this channel!

[@andrzejkowasz]

3:30 - The hitchhiker's guide to the quarantine ;)

[@jonathanmullett5186]

I just started watching a dog video on Facebook whilst watching this video, whilst I was supposed to be working! I need this advice!!

[@Archetapp]

I'm being distracted right now by this video... thanks Thomas. 🙃

[@improvementhub2675]

This always happens to me!

[@Fumblesftw23]

Just finished watching this as an assignment and i had to sub! very helpful information. I could learn a lot from this channel !!

[@F.Ray97]

Quarantine has turned this dude into Alisson Becker 😂

[@jag831]

I can totally relate to the thumbnail of this video. I need to overhaul my entire habits/processea

[@Brute4rce1111]

Me: working on editing more videos for my YT channel My brain: look! SQUIRREL, SQUIRREL!!

[@irregularmana6216]

Dude.... you mentioned don't starve in another video and now this, I think you get me.... Instant subscribe

[@abigailchristina3072]

As usual the timing be lit

[@ricarichiericky3978]

Forwago is the best thing I did this year, it takes time, but the results are amazing. I'm finally happy with my life and where I'm headed.

[@jigyanshushrivastava6153]

"We do not need to be focused. We need to observe new things. " Ellen Langer in The art of mindful learning.

[@Riaanwest]

this is so true "We need to observe new things" thank you for sharing

[@dinonet6423]

You always have refreshing and unique ideas that actually help people when they apply them! Thank you

[@mateussantos1041]

Who noticed "wednesday" spelled wrong on the white board? Great video though, thanks!

[@MrMarshEnglishClass]

Your videos are wise and helpful. I am going to rewatch this one and take notes.

[@Drewrejee]

Step 1: turn on airplane mode Step 2: sit cozily in yr work area Step3: LAUNCH THAT PHONE on a soft surface multiple feet away. Where you cannot see Yw :)

[@RsirS_]

Angelina Rejametova спасибо,так проще:)

[@Riaanwest]

LOVE the steps you outlined :)

[@UjjwalKumar-wg4wu]

The video I was waiting for

[@improvementhub2675]

Same!!

[@cullinm]

In my opinion, working from home doesn’t really change ones productivity. I think it just makes the reality of our lack of productivity that much more obvious.

[@Ivwin]

i think it depends. For example if ur a student and u learn primarly by hearing and following along in the structured classes ur most likely less productive at home and more productive in school.

[@DemetriPanici]

ya that's pretty true ^

[@cullinm]

Lev Win There’s a lot to be said for the environment and focus, I don’t disagree with that. But I think the environment highlights the bigger problem, our individual inability to focus. What do you think?

[@Cosmuex]

I disagree. Having structure and required tasks (ie going to class, volunteering, working at an internship/job etc) encourages productivity because you learn to plan the rest of your day around required tasks. I was extremely productive as a student but with all this extra flexibility is has been DIFFICULT. I went from working 9-10 hours a day, completely maxing out my productivity since I didn't have access to my room, bed, nor distracting family members, to struggling to work 4 hours consistently. Idk what made me think working from home would be easier. If I could even just go to a library things would be much easier. This is frustrating.

[@cemilalp5639]

Dude I love how you are not only a great youtuber but also a great video editor and composer!!!

[@alem.14]

Me: *takes online classes in Teams* Thomas: close it Me: ok *leaves the classes*

[@nguyen2003]

What we need is not MORE information, but better USE of that information.

[@mohamadoubah2725]

Starting chemistry always feels like I’m lifting a 50 ton rock 🤒

[@bayleewichlan6779]

Hey, this video really helped me. Thank you!

[@travisbroneske3711]

5:50 Tom mispronounces "Best Distraction in the whole house"

[@gamemotronixg3965]

Your video quality is so nice that even at 240p it feels like 1080p

[@mohammadtila7746]

frank :- " as always, i'm not your dad." his future child watching this video :- " i'm adopted ?"

[@trish87563]

The challenge with planning your day such that you can focus on the big things you want to get done is that it doesn't work when you're not the boss, if your boss isn't on board. If your boss isn't efficient, you're expected to answer the phone, check the email, respond right away, etc., rather than focus on the important things first. I've tried to use a lot of these ideas in my office, but they're always thwarted by those higher up the food chain who insist on immediate responses. Like I'd love to turn off Outlook when I need to focus, but then people start lighting up my phone and cell with messages like, "Why haven't you responded to my email yet???" 😒

[@gymaholicTV]

How to stay focused: Close KZbin! *End of Story*

[@entropie138]

Hey Thomas! You get that Big Red sponsorship yet? I've been stuck starting an essay that I really need to finish soon. I have an extension and that time is swiftly running out. I knew that you'd have a great video with strategies to get me to work. Thank you so much again!

[@Xengaa]

Thomas' got that "quarantine hair" going on

[@Optimus5011]

Love that Hitchhiker's Guide reference!

[@soum8975]

Me: *Watches this video* My brain: That was a productive task. Now time for some break. Me: *Goes back to gaming* Thomas: *YOU'RE DIGUSTING* , do whatever you want, i Am NoT yOuR dAd

[@Deankut]

omg...I'm only 1 min in & I'm hooked! What a great video!!!

[@Koko-sx5ri]

Me: watching this video while I’m supposed to be in virtual class 😂

[@notepic4134]

Yeah me too😂

[@RunsWithCamera22]

Ironically, I found this video while "taking a quick break" from my tasks, but it still was highly useful.

[@PowerMatrixAnime]

I have found that wearing a suit or just professionally when working at home helps creating the mood for focus. You can control your mind through controlling your environment.