Do you have trouble focusing?
Some of us have brains that constantly scan the world for new opportunities and thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with juggling may balls in the air. If we are one of those people, we find focusing on the present and doing the most useful tasks (but not necessarily the most exciting tasks) a major challenge. That kind of personality finds distractions to be temptations.
The upside is that distractible people will often see the big picture, connections, and opportunities that others miss. The downside is the reverse side of the coin: distractions mean that these people are never fully present in the moment. They have difficulty focusing on the here-and-now, the "To Do" items that must be done within a prescribed deadline.
These people recognize the patterns their minds take when they wander. In coaching, they will often question why they are so easily distracted. Their frustrations surface at the end of the day, when they haven't completed anywhere near what they had planned to do. They write lists, but the lists just seem to get longer or lost. They buy calendars, but they fail to use them.
Naming the issue often helps lead to a series of effective solutions for the problem. Difficulty in focusing can, in its extreme, mean an Attention Deficit Disorder.
We need to realize that a few people are born with excellent mental and manual organizational skills. The rest of us need to develop and practice disciplining our creative and active brains. All peak performers have disciplined themselves to clear their minds of mental chatter so they are able to concentrate on important tasks.
One of the greatest qualities a person can develop is the ability to focus for an extended period of time. If we can commit to practicing techniques for learning to strengthen concentration muscles, no large task will ever again haunt us.
For example, simply stare at the second hand on your watch for two minutes. Clear your mind and think about nothing during that time. As first, your brain will wander. Sternly remind yourself to return to a study of the clock.
Continue to practice this exercise for at least 21 days. Once you train your mind to focus for the entire two minutes, you will find your ability to stay focused on tasks for extended periods will increase.
Click here for some books that can help you focus.
When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women--Workbook Edition--Paperback