Focus
When I was growing up, being able to multitask and juggle all of life’s many aspects was a prized skill. The more you could juggle, the more you were expected to juggle. However, this line of thinking is directly correlated with burn-out, anxiety and ultimately life dissatisfaction.
“Research in neuroscience tells us that the brain doesn’t really do tasks simultaneously, as we thought (hoped) it might. In fact, we just switch tasks quickly. Each time we move from hearing music, to writing a text, or talking to someone, there is a stop/start process that goes on in the brain.
That start/stop/start process is rough on us. Rather than saving time, it costs time (even very small microseconds). It’s less efficient, we make more mistakes, and over time, it can sap our energy.”
We live in the age of distractions. From social media to cell phones, not to mention work, family and life, there is always something pulling on our attention and energy making it almost impossible to focus on one thing.
I see it every day and nine times out of ten, it is something completely changeable!
Ask yourself …
Do I find myself immediately responding to notifications? Checking social media multiple times a day? Losing hours to mindless surfing and scrolling? Is it hard for me to stay focused on one task? Does it seem I never have time for anything, especially the things I want to do?
If you are reading this blog post, then you likely answered yes to at least one of these questions.
To do something, anything well, especially the things that really matter in your life, we must be able to focus on one thing at a time.
Let’s address each of the questions above with a practical and doable solution you can try today.
Do I find myself immediately responding to notifications?
Solution: Turn off all notifications on your phone and computer that are not absolutely necessary. If you must have some for work, turn them off at the end of each day and on weekends. You’ll be amazed how much your energy was being manipulated by the constant dings and banners. Reclaiming this energy, means you have more to spend on yourself.
Checking social media multiple times a day?
Losing hours to mindless surfing and scrolling?
Solution: There is nothing inherently wrong with social media. In fact, it can be a great way to keep up with friends, family and events. You may also need to maintain a social media presence for business purposes. However, it can also be challenging not to be dragged into and effected by the drama and negativity. The best plan of action here is to select a couple of times a day to hop on and limit your time on each platform to 10 minutes or less. Limiting your exposure frequency and time will keep you focused on the task at hand and prevent the inevitable “rabbit-hole” phenomenon.
Is it hard for me to stay focused on one task?
Solution: Do one thing and only one thing at a time. It may take a little reconditioning and persistence to change your multitasking ways. But trust me when I say, it will change your life for the better when you do. Create environments that are calming by eliminating distractions and clutter so that when it’s time to do something you can focus on the one thing in front of you.
Does it seem I never have time for anything, especially the things I want to do?
Solution: When you are able to focus on one thing at a time, you will get more done and faster. Then prioritize your life, making sure to schedule time for the things that matter to you. When you make time for yourself, it recharges your batteries and restores your energy giving you the power to keep moving forward.
Give some of these solutions a try and watch your energy and life shift for the better. Not only will you be able to better focus on the things you need to do, but you will also be able to focus on the things you want to do!
Want even more great solutions for moving forward in your life?
Join me August 28th at 4pm for the Focus Forward Workshop
