This week’s must-reads: Stop thinking about productivity, and start thinking about focus

In my work as a behavioral designer, I come across important stories on how psychology influences our behavior. Every week, I share my round-up of the most important stories at the intersection of psychology, technology and business. I hope you enjoy them!

How to be indistractable (Psyche) Stop blaming technology — distraction starts within. Manage your inner triggers to enjoy greater focus and a fuller life.

Stop thinking about productivity, and start thinking about focus (Medium) If you are willing to begin a practice of focus, then the improvements you’ll see both at work and in your daily life will be exponential.

The World Is Becoming More Equal (Foreign Affairs) The world became more equal between the end of the Cold War and the 2008 global financial crisis.

What if Certain Mental Disorders Are Not Disorders At All? (Psychology Today) A new paper by anthropologists argues that disorders are responses to adversity.

Why people object to laws that save lives (BBC) Wearing a seat belt or a face mask can help save lives so why do some people refuse to put them on and even protest against laws requiring them.

How to Write Usefully (Paul Graham) Most of us were taught that an essay should be persuasive but perhaps we need to write essays that are useful.

Happy reading!

• Nir