What inspired you to create Focus Bear, and what were the biggest challenges you faced in bringing it to market?
I created Focus Bear to solve a problem I was facing personally. As someone with ADHD and autism, I struggled with staying focused at work. My biggest issue was twofold:- Overworking – I was putting in long hours, which started to impact my relationship with my wife because I wasn’t making time for anything else.
- Lack of productivity – I was working long hours because I wasn’t productive during the day, leading to a cycle of stress and inefficiency.
- Balancing development with my workload (since I was working multiple jobs).
- Refining the product to make it useful for others, not just myself.
- Marketing and branding—figuring out how to position the app in a way that connects with the right audience.
What features does Focus Bear offer to help its users stay focused?
Focus Bear is designed to be more than just a habit tracker—it acts as a real-time habit coach and focus assistant to help users stay on track throughout the day. One of its main features is habit support, where users can set custom habits they want to complete in the morning and evening. Unlike traditional habit trackers that work as checklists, Focus Bear guides users through each habit with a structured flow. It can play embedded YouTube videos for habits like yoga or meditation, ensuring users stay on task without getting distracted by unrelated content. It will play a different one each day to stay fresh. A countdown timer keeps habits structured and time-bound, helping to establish better daily routines. For example, in the evening, I use it to plan the next day and complete household tasks like cooking and doing the dishes. Another key feature is the real-time productivity feature. Users set a focused task for a specific time block, such as “Write a blog post” or “Write code,” and the app’s AI engine monitors website usage to check if visited sites are relevant to the task. If a user navigates to an unrelated site like news or social media, Focus Bear prompts them to confirm whether it’s necessary, helping minimize distractions and maintain a deep work state. Instead of outright blocking apps and websites, it provides gentle nudges to encourage better choices, allowing users to create customized allowlists for apps and sites they need during work sessions. This approach helps maintain focus without feeling overly restrictive.What is the science behind Focus Bear?
Focus Bear is built on the principles of dual systems theory, a concept popularized in the book “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. This theory explains how our brains operate in two modes: System 1 (fast, automatic, instinctive thinking), the lizard brain, and System 2 (slow, deliberate, rational thinking), the mammalian brain. System 1 is useful in situations where we rely on habit, such as driving a familiar route without consciously thinking about every action. However, it becomes a problem when apps and websites exploit this automatic mode with clickbait, infinite scrolling, and dopamine-driven design that keeps us engaged without realizing how much time is passing. Focus Bear is designed to counteract this by nudging users back into System 2 thinking—helping them stay intentional about their goals. The AI-powered focus assistant checks whether users have accidentally slipped into a distraction loop, prompting them to refocus before they waste time. Another core aspect of Focus Bear’s design is its alignment with research on neurodivergence, particularly ADHD. While yoga, meditation, and exercise might seem unrelated to productivity, studies have shown that individuals with ADHD—especially those with hyperactive tendencies—struggle to focus unless they release pent-up energy. Engaging in physical activity, like running or yoga, before sitting down to work can help regulate dopamine levels and make it easier to concentrate on tasks that require deep focus. This is why Focus Bear integrates structured morning and evening routines, ensuring users engage in foundational habits that set them up for success. By combining principles from cognitive psychology and neuroscience, Focus Bear creates an environment that minimizes distractions and optimizes productivity for neurodivergent users and anyone seeking better focus.What sets you apart from your competitors?
What sets Focus Bear apart from competitors is its holistic approach to focus and productivity. Many distraction-blocking apps exist, but they often only work on a single device—either a computer or a phone—whereas Focus Bear operates seamlessly across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring a consistent experience across all devices. Another key differentiator is its AI-powered distraction blocking, which actively monitors user activity and intervenes if they stray into unproductive territory. Most competing apps rely on static blocklists, whereas Focus Bear dynamically adapts to user goals in real time. This proactive approach goes beyond simple focus timers or website blockers, addressing the root causes of procrastination and distraction. By combining AI-driven focus management with structured daily habits, Focus Bear offers a comprehensive solution that helps users stay on track throughout the day—something most competitors don’t provide in a single package.Are there any new features you plan on implementing in the near future?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand Focus Bear’s capabilities with several key features. One major update in development is an Apple Watch and Wear OS app, allowing users to start focus sessions or complete habits directly from their smartwatch for added convenience. Another significant addition will be the introduction of fully customizable routines beyond just morning and evening habits. This means users will be able to set up specific routines for different times of the day, such as a structured lunch break habit sequence. These updates will further enhance Focus Bear’s holistic approach, making it even easier for users—especially those with ADHD or autism—to develop consistent, personalized routines, stay productive, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.Is there anything else about your work that you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?
I’ll mention that while ADHD and autism might seem like niche focus areas, they actually represent a significant and growing part of the population. Current research suggests that around 7% of the global population has ADHD, with diagnosis rates rising rapidly. Beyond that, many people—regardless of a formal diagnosis—struggle with technology addiction and maintaining focus in an increasingly distracting digital world. Even if someone doesn’t use Focus Bear, I’d encourage them to think about ways to operate more in the “thinking slow” mode rather than reacting instinctively to distractions. Productivity is deeply connected to both physical and mental health, so being intentional about daily habits can make a huge difference in overall well-being.To learn more about Focus Bear, you can visit www.focusbear.io
