Maybe only somewhat relevant, but the title phrase resonated with me. Given my ADHD, desperation-induced focus was the only thing that got me through college with good grades. I wouldn't study until the night before the big exam because I was unable to focus under normal circumstances, or even pay any attention to what was being said in class, but the desperation-induced focus of the big exam in the morning finally enabled me to study, and in that circumstance, to study very well and do just fine on the test.