Focus

 

You have probably heard about the "10,000 Hours Rule". It takes about 10,000 hours to achieve mastery in a particular field. 

Unfortunately, most sources relaying this insight omit a key word in the original study: It takes roughly 10,000 focused hours for mastery. 

Time spent on a task without focus does not count. Sending a text on the line while waiting for your tables food? Doesn't count. Scrolling your socials in a corner cameras don't reach? Doesn't count. 

Moreover, it takes your brain time to fully reengage after its been pulled off the task at hand. Up to 30 minutes, according to some studies. 

Keeping your phone on you is costing you a lot more than you think. It's not worth it. If there's an emergency, your loved one can call the restaurant. If your significant other isn't secure enough to go a few hours without hearing from you...well, that's a problem (and topic outside the scope of this post). 

If you want to maximize your earning potential in this performance-based profession, put your phone in a locker or leave it in your car.

Stay focused.