IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A University of Iowa professor is helping NASA astronauts stay focused, and his advice could change how you tackle your own workday.
Daniel Newton, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship in the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, has worked with NASA for the last 10 years on preventing mental distractions for crew members on missions like Artemis II.
Newton used a metaphor to describe what astronauts can go through in space when on a mission. Think about what happens when you look at a light bulb for too long and then look away. You can still see the outline of the bulb in your eyes. You’re not looking at it anymore, but it’s still lingering there.
“When we work on tasks that are really complex that require a lot of focus, a lot of energy, a lot of our focus, we just have to be all in on that, then we switch to something else, that’s going to linger with us,” Newton said.
Why focus matters in space
Newton said in space, this matters a lot.
“For crew members, that could be detrimental, possibly fatal, if you miss something because you don’t have all your energies that you can apply to that task,” he said.
Crew members are told to fully complete one task before moving to the next.
“You may have been in a meeting before and you’re working on something and your boss says hey can you come in this other meeting you physically transition, but mentally you’re still thinking about what you were doing before,” Newton said.
Tips for better productivity
Crew members are also told to schedule their most important tasks first.
“Imagine riding like a roller coaster. You like, build up and start the day with the most meaningful engaging, interesting tasks and you can ride that momentum throughout the whole day,” Newton said.
Newton said those tips aren’t just for astronauts. Anyone can use them to have a more productive, focused day.
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