Where is Your Mind?

Summary

To improve focus while writing, the author suggests adopting a "no mind" approach, avoiding distractions, and concentrating on the present moment.

Abstract

The author of the article discusses the challenges of maintaining focus while writing, specifically on Medium. They highlight the tendency for one's mind to wander, thinking about factors such as publication, response, and tagging individuals. To overcome this, the author suggests adopting a "no mind" approach, as demonstrated in the film "The Last Samurai," where the character is told to focus solely on the present moment rather than external distractions. The author encourages readers to try this method when writing, refocusing when their mind starts to drift towards external factors such as claps, responses, and statistics.

Bullet points

The author discusses the challenge of maintaining focus while writing, especially on Medium.
The mind tends to wander, thinking about publication, response, and tagging individuals.
The author suggests adopting a "no mind" approach, as demonstrated in the film "The Last Samurai."
This approach involves focusing solely on the present moment rather than external distractions.
The author encourages readers to try this method when writing, refocusing when their mind starts to drift towards external factors such as claps, responses, and statistics.

Here? There? Everywhere? To focus better— use ‘No Mind’

When you are writing a Medium story, where is your mind? What else do you think about.

Does your mind wander?

Which publication? Will the story get plenty of claps? Responses?

Should I tag someone, or a flock of someones?

Perhaps, you’re thinking too much of everything except what you’re writing.

You’re battling too many minds. Have ‘no mind’ to maintain focus.

There is a scene in a film called “The Last Samurai” that covers this mindset. Have a look:

Instead of thinking about his sword, his enemy, and the people watching, Tom Cruise’s character is told to have ‘no mind’ — just focus on what ever his happening at the moment.

When I’m reading many of your stories, I sometimes need to refocus and pay attention to your story. It’s not your writing that derails my mind, it’s my mind that knocks me off track.

I have too many minds. An unquiet mind. So to get back on track, I remind myself “no mind.” It helps me stay grounded and focused.

Maybe you too. If you start thinking about claps, and responses, and statistics, refocus. Have ‘no mind.’

No Mind.

Thank you, friends and readers. Feel free to clap if you want to or leave a response. What’s your refocus go-to?

Focus

Where is Your Mind?

Here? There? Everywhere? To focus better— use ‘No Mind’