Anthony Ongaro

Back in 2014, I started noticing something strange. Every day, there were small things I’d do that I often didn’t even realize were happening. And although small, I couldn’t help but notice the compounding effect those small things were making in my life. It was the result of the four most common Twitches adding up to create a massive impact.

These tiny unintentional actions I was taking would temporarily solve the discomfort I was feeling. I’d wish I were more physically fit, and ‘Click’ I’d order some running shoes. Procrastinating on a writing project? ‘Tap’ on the Instagram app. The more I started paying attention, the more I saw these Twitches literally everywhere.

[Read more…] about 4 Common Twitches That Steal (And Profit From) Your Attention

We’ve all done it—walk into a room with the intention of doing something, go through the doorway, and forget why you were there in the first place. It’s a pretty common thing, and don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you’re losing your mind.

Psychologists believe that passing through a doorway and entering a different room creates a mental block in the brain—it’s kind of like your brain turning the page to log new information, and it’s called the doorway effect.

[Read more…] about A Quirky Mindfulness Practice Inspired By Japanese Train Conductors

Maybe we don’t need to know about everything the SECOND it happens.

Really excited to share this short and fun video with everyone. And if this hits too close to home, perhaps you need a digital detox. Please share this with someone who needs to see it! 😉

Massive thanks to Kylee and Christian Creative for producing, filming and editing this fun project!

Have you ever picked up your phone and the next thing you know, 30 minutes have passed? Or perhaps, purchased something you didn’t really need with just one click through your favorite shopping app? Maybe you’ve sat down at the computer to work—only to spend the first 20 minutes on Facebook.

If these situations sound familiar, you’re not alone. If you’re like most Break the Twitch readers, you’ve recognized these tiny distractions and are working to change them. There’s a simple concept I’ve used over the last five years that’s helped with these distractions.

I call it intentional friction, and it’s a total game-changer if you’re trying to improve your focus and get less distracted day-to-day.

Five years ago, I was at my desk writing a blog post as the Marketing Director of a nonprofit. A coworker came by my office, interrupted me, and what happened next literally changed my life forever.

[Read more…] about Why Intentional Friction Is A Game-Changer