Protected from all the distractions of the outside world. http://amzn.to/2hHeNww
Book: Eleven Rings
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Focus in a world of distractions
Phil Jackson describes a valuable state in Eleven Rings: being protected from all the distractions of the outside world. For his teams, that meant creating a space where players could focus on the game. Media pressure, contracts and personal dramas stayed outside. Inside, only teamwork and the next play mattered.
Jackson used rituals to build that protection. Team meditation, quiet moments before games and a sacred room decorated with meaningful objects all helped. These practices signalled a shift from noise to focus. As a result, players could concentrate more fully during crucial moments.
Protecting focus in a world of distractions
Today, distractions reach everyone. Phones, notifications and endless content compete for attention constantly. Cal Newport, in Deep Work, argues that the ability to focus without distraction is becoming rare and therefore increasingly valuable in modern work.
Creating your own protected space helps. It might be a physical place, such as a quiet room, or a time block, such as the first hour of the day. For example, some people keep their phones in another room while working on important tasks.
Rituals reinforce the boundary. A cup of tea, a short breathing exercise or a specific playlist can signal the start of focused work. Therefore, the brain learns to switch modes more easily over time.
Teams benefit from shared agreements too. Meeting-free mornings or quiet hours protect collective focus. Moreover, they reduce the stress of constant interruptions.
Balance matters as well. Complete isolation is neither possible nor desirable. The goal is to choose when to engage with the outside world.
In the end, Jackson’s idea is practical. Protect some time and space from distraction, and you give your best work room to grow.
