By all means, don't bother "focusing"

Focus — as a verb, an action — only happens naturally, that's what I'm going to argue, at least.

When focus is used as part of a command ("pay attention"), what you are hearing is an essentially unworkable demand. When I focus — no matter the subject or setting — my own "will" is not at work, even if it appears that way. Focus comes and goes, sometimes it's expected, other times surprising, but always... it goes as it will, seemingly uninterested in what we "think".

Fight the impulse to enjoy yourself. Thanks, Management

Surely, you have experienced this, eh? The sun has called it a day, you've slipped into something that is only socially acceptable in private, and you're thinking about some bullshit (let's go with the banal: a co-worker rides your coattails, a memorable woman on the train... whatever) that you wish (or maybe you don't) would be kind enough to exit your mind. But... no. It lingers. It does not release. Focus has you. Perhaps you can wait it out, maybe that will work... didn't work. Talk about it... still nothing. And then, without warning or fanfare, the object of your focus departs. This, necessarily, happens behind our backs (you won't find yourself commenting: "whew, glad I'm not thinking about that any longer").


And yet, I experience and perpetrate this absurd demand.

"Pay attention, student! Focus! Hear me!"

"Sorry boss, I am focused, but not on you. If the mood to think about work strikes me, I'll let you know."

Just another reminder: thirsting for control is untenable — your throat remains scratchy, so please relax.