We tend to believe productivity is about constant focus and relentless effort. A minute doing something that does not directly advance you toward your goal is a wasted minute in the land of productivity—or so it may seem after reading too many time management and productivity tips. However, in his book Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey introduces the idea of balancing focused work—the cornerstone of productivity—with a complementary state of scatterfocus.

What is Scatterfocus?

According to Bailey, hyperfocus is the state where we direct all our attention toward a specific task, helping us be productive and efficient. While this is important, scatterfocus is when we allow our minds to wander, explore ideas, and make creative connections. It’s during these moments of mental rest, such as taking a walk, or having a shower, that many of our best ideas emerge—allowing us to unlock our creative mindset and develop personally.

Why Should You Schedule Time for Scatterfocus?

Setting aside intentional time for scatterfocus is a powerful way to boost your creative expression and contribute to your personal growth. Here are a few benefits of incorporating it into your routine:

1. Boosts Creative Problem-Solving: Scatterfocus allows your brain to connect ideas more freely, leading to breakthrough solutions you might not discover in a hyperfocused state.
2. Reduces Mental Fatigue: Hyperfocus can be mentally exhausting. Scatterfocus provides necessary mental breaks, preventing burnout and helping you maintain a sustainable approach to productivity.
3. Enhances Personal Growth: Moments of scatterfocus allow for brief moments to zoom out from a task. Give yourself the space to reflect, grow, and evolve, facilitated by scatterfocus.

How to Incorporate Scatterfocus into Your Schedule

Something I love about scheduling scatterfocus: you get to pair it with a low-key activity that you like. Here are my favorite two ‘activities’ to plan to let my mind roam freely:

1. Take a Walk: Just 15 minutes of walking may do the trick. If you go for this approach, make sure that you leave your phone home. Figure out for yourself if your thoughts roam more freely when you walk by yourself, or when you are together with someone else—and go for it! 🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️
2. Sit on Your Couch: Time to set a timer for the amount of time you determine, sit on your couch and let your eyes and mind wander. Preferably do this in a space that has multiple functions so your thoughts don’t zoom in on one task. For this exercise you can grab a pen and paper in case you are struck with genious in the process. 😉
3. Take a Shower: F*ck it, many people claim their best ideas come while taking a shower or doing something completely different. So if you enjoy showers, plan a few throughout your week and let your mind wander.

By integrating scatterfocus into your routine, you’ll find yourself more refreshed, more creative, and ultimately more productive. However, keep in mind that not every session of scatterfocus will produce groundbreaking insights—and that’s perfectly okay.

Ready to Scatter that Focus?

Scatterfocus is a simple yet powerful tool that helps unlock creative growth by giving your brain the space it needs to wander. It’s the perfect complement to hyperfocus, balancing productive work with the freedom to explore new ideas.

At what moment do your best ideas come to you? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you found this post helpful! 🫴🏽💚

Photo by Skye Studios on Unsplash