Have you noticed that when you have a project that needs to starting can be pushed to the side (procrastination) by other smaller less important “to do” list items? We may have prioritized the must-do items. Still, we find that we are completing other items on our list instead of getting down to work on the bigger task.
Here are a couple of other ideas for getting our focus back and get our work completed.
- Imagine yourself putting on “blinders” and FOCUS. Buckle down and in effect force you to get it done. Forcing it may not be the easiest way to approach our focus problem.
- Setting a timer is one of the techniques I use. I set a timer for 25 minutes and only focus on one task. Then take a five-minute break and back to the 25 minutes of focused work. Look up the Pomodoro technique. For a child, you may make it 10 or 15-minute sessions.
- Some people make a list and cross things off as they get them completed.
Mentally we can try using calming techniques like three deep breaths and tell ourselves to ‘calm down’ or think of a peaceful place and relax with meditation techniques. However using the brain to concentrate can be enhanced with another set of exercises that come from some work called “Brain Gym.” There is a set of four activities that help our brain to refocus on the next task that comes from Brain Gym that I would be happy to share. Some teachers use this in their classroom with success.
Focus is key to our success. In fact, Anthony Robbins said that “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.” Learning to focus may be the best gift we give ourselves and our children.