I find it very difficult to pay attention to video content or audio content without getting distracted or just wanting to turn it off. I wonder if anyone has tips for how to improve my concentration.
Funnily, I don't have this issue with music or with movies/TV. It's just lecture formats and podcasts that don't work for me.
I much prefer to read articles, guides, transcripts, etc.
I find it really helpful to actively take handwritten notes, for two big reasons:
Firstly, hand-writing notes without falling behind the content forces me to choose the most relevant information presented and reword that information into a concise-enough form that I can quickly write it down. This helps me actually process the content instead of just hearing it. Mentally, it feels like the information soaks into my brain, rather than bouncing off of it.
Secondly - and this is comically simple, but just as important as the first - it keeps my hands off of my keyboard/mouse, so I don't get distracted by other interesting things on the Internet (like HN) and tune out.
Funnily, I don't have this issue with music or with movies/TV. It's just lecture formats and podcasts that don't work for me.
I much prefer to read articles, guides, transcripts, etc.