When focus is hard to find

Big and small changes to support better thinking

This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about… thinking. 

Or more specifically, what gets in the way of it. 

I came across the idea of mental fatigue, and how a change in environment can help. 

Do you ever find yourself feeling distracted, unproductive, or more reactive than usual? 

You might be stuck, or not as creative as you’d like to be. 

It’s not through lack of trying. 

Turns out, there’s a name for that kind of brain-tiredness: directed attention fatigue. 

Not very catchy, but it describes what happens when your brain becomes overworked from filtering distractions and trying to stay focused. 

Your prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for creative thinking, decision-making and focus, gets tired. Just like a muscle, it becomes depleted with overuse. 

That’s when thinking slows down and becomes less flexible. You might even be irritable or a little snappy. 

If that feels familiar, here are four small shifts that can help: 

Change your setting 
Move away from your usual desk, even briefly. It’s a simple change that can help reset your focus. That’s why many of my coaching clients appreciate meeting in a different environment. 

And even with a nice home office, I keep a subscription to a lovely co-working space. I might go once a week for something different. 

Get outside 
Nature can do wonders for your thinking. Whether it’s a short walk or simply stepping away from your screen, being outdoors creates space, both mentally and physically. 

Take your meeting outside 
Have you ever tried a walking meeting? 
If you are up for it, and it’s not pouring with rain, it can be a helpful change of pace. 
Walking side by side, without the need for direct eye contact, can help people feel more open. 

Refresh your space 
If leaving your usual spot isn’t possible, small tweaks can still make a difference. 
We’ve worked hard to make our home setups nice, but even the most carefully curated space can start to feel a little flat. 

One thing I’ve been trying lately is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, ideally something natural, like a plant or a view. 

You could also rearrange the layout, adjust the lighting, or add a plant or two. These small changes can bring relief and help your brain re-engage. 

Thinking well takes energy and a little care. 

Sometimes, a small shift is enough to help you see things differently. 

How do you support better thinking? 

It might be with one of the above, or something else completely. 

I’d love to know what helps. 

P.S. If better thinking is something you’re working on, for yourself or your team, I’d be glad to explore it with you.