Einstein Distraction Index: A Method of Deep Focus

How would you rate your ability to focus on the task at hand? If you answered not very well, learning to use the Einstein Distraction Index may help.

Introduction: Einstein Distraction Index – A Method of Deep Focus

There is a story which says that when Einstein was a teenager, he developed the “Distraction Index”. Hence the term Einstein Distraction Index. It's a method of deep concentration, which allowed him to concentrate totally upon whatever he was doing for up to 42 minutes. Manage Your Day-to-Day

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 a researcher with over 20 years of experience, I suspect that Einstein really did not develop the Einstein Distraction Index. About fourteen years ago or so, while I was verifying a quote attributed to Einstein for my book Tales of People Who Get It, I spoke to an Einstein scholar at a top university in the United States.

Many quotes attributed to Einstein are not by him. She emphasized that's not the kind of language that Einstein used.

Further Reading

5 Ways to Avoid Distractions [VIDEO]

Have you read?

How to Improve Your State of Mind: Focus Forward by Justin Byers

Continuous learning is a part of life. If you’re not a reader, you can find a synopsis of many books from Readitforme that you can listen to. Click the link to join. This is a great way to learn the latest thinking on many topics. And it is a great way to learn which books to buy and devour.

How Einstein Distraction Index Works

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. Reports say that Einstein 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.

How to Use Einstein Distraction Index

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

Brain Gym: Teacher's Edition

Surprisingly, if you’re honest when doing this simple exercise, you’ll notice a number of distractions that you have had in five minutes. When you can focus 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.

This is another good technique to teach to your children.

Note: I learned how to use the “Distraction Index” from a High Speed Learning course taught by Lydia Danner, several years ago. Lydia Danner also introduced me to Brain Gym, a book that has lots of exercises to stimulate the brain. Brain Gyms conditions you to use both sides of the brain.

Mind Hacking: An Alternative to Einstein Distraction Index

Mind Hacking: How to Change Your Mind for Good in 21 Days

In May 2017 while reading Mind Hacking: How to Change Your Mind for Good in 21 Days, I came across a technique to focus, that is close to Einstein Distraction Index. You can easily integrate the exercises into your day and is more seamless than the Einstein Distraction Index. There are two mind hacking exercises that I found quite helpful.

Mind Game: What Was My Mind Just Thinking?

The objective of the mind game is to build up awareness of your mind. You do this by frequently asking, “What was my mind thinking?” Keep track of how many times you remember to check-in on your mind.

At the end of the day, record your final score. When I played this game, I found it very interesting what my mind was thinking when I did a check-in. At the end of the day, I noticed that I remembered to check in less on my mind as it got later and later.

Mind Game: Squirrel

The objective of the mind game is to become aware whenever you become distracted and pulled away from what you are working on. When you are working on a task, record when you become distracted. It could be a digital interruption or a human one. Try to become aware of the feeling you have when you experience the broken flow because you lose your concentration. You want to get to the point where you can ignore distractions.

Books to Complement Einstein Distraction Index

Manage Your Day-to-Day The Practicing Mind Your Brain at Work Laser-Sharp Focus

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UPDATE: First Published May 2010