Time for some character based honesty, my people.
Do you ever have one of those days, weeks, or even months where you just can’t find your focus? You begin feeling like you’re wasting time because you’re wandering so much in your mind. In my opinion, it’s okay in short bursts because we all need breaks whether we want to believe it or not. That’s when I feel my mind is forcing me to accept “slowing down”. But, c’mon. After a while it’s a bit upsetting. I’m already one of those people who thinks too much, which is why I have a tendency to get a bit “bent out of shape” when someone asks me too many questions after a long day. I’m just like, “Seriously, I’ve been thinking allllllll day, and maybe not about THAT, but seriously?!” That leads to a focus issue, which is guaranteed to make me flip…the…f**k….out.
So, let’s talk solutions.
The Top 5 Methods to Refocus
(+3 Blogs to Inspire Change)
#1. Mind Your Presence
It’s important to take a moment to live in the moment. In other words, take a break. Take in what’s around you and enjoy it. You’re probably staring at your screen like, “Veronica, isn’t that “mental wandering” technically a break?” Haha. To an extent, but nottttt really. When my mind wanders I still feel myself being drained. My friend teases me and says it’s because even when I daydream I’m still imagining the outcome of what I was working on, which….is totally true. Still, bookmark everything you were supposed to be working on, save your e-mail drafts, put your phone to the side, and take a couple minutes to literally….do…nothing.
#2. Accept that Perfectionism is an Illusion
Perfectionism is synonymous for procrastination for many people. It masks itself in how we view ourselves and how we view our work. In this case, I’m going to shift that blog to stand for our work. So, instead of saying, “I will make mistakes, I will not always have my happy ending for each and every moment. I will give myself permission to be happy regardless. I know we are all made different and I will accept that. I will strive to become the absolute best version of myself daily, no longer comparing myself to someone else.” Say, “I will make mistakes, I will not always have my perfect piece for each and every assignment. I will give myself permission to be happy regardless. I know we are all at different academic/working levels. I will strive to make this the absolute best it can be, no longer comparing my work to any one else’s.”
Why do I say all that?
Because perfection in any medium can block progression and focus. That’s why I tell myself that my work is supposed to evolve, mature, and get better. It can’t just “come out the gates” perfect. As a matter of fact, perfect should never be the goal – productiveness should.
#3. Work on Escaping Indecisions
I don’t know about you, but indecisiveness hinders my focus. Fear and Indecision reside across the street from Promises. Dreams, [and Focus]. They’ve invited one another over occasionally in hopes they could coexist, but Fear overpowers Dreams and Promises [and Focus], leaving only Indecision. This leads to believing each step and every turn taken is wrong.
Let’s say you’re working on a huge assignment or your job has asked a big favor of you without any guidelines. To keep it at the center of your attention, you have to channel decisiveness and overlook the fear of being incorrect. Like I said earlier, you will make mistakes. We all do and we are (sometimes) told how to remedy it so it doesn’t happen again.
Now, if I go back and forth too often on a project (indecisiveness, man), I drift….Big time. So, you’ve got to find middle ground or the better option for now, complete it, and come back down the line if you feel changes are needed.
Always ask yourself what needs to be done and what is considered high priority within what you’re doing to get to point B, C, etc., and stick with it until the task is complete. Repeat that step until the bigger picture is finished. You may even find creating an outline or plan useful to avoid running in circles with yourself..
#4. Limit Distractions
Alright, admit this to yourself because there’s never any reason to lie to yourself. Your focus also is broken by social media, googling, and TV. You’re a texting addict with a social media problem who knows every current television show by heart. Put the phone, tablet, and TV aside. If you can complete your work offline, power down and buckle down. It’s really going to be that simple, and you’ll find clarity pretty quickly.
#5. Return
Take a deep breath, and go back to your work or study space. Watch out for any “multitasking” habits. You may find yourself slipping back into nothingness. You’ve got to realize focus takes…practice in our day and age. There’s so much noise drowning out our productivity and sense of peace that it becomes increasingly difficult to gain a single focal point. That’s something we’ve all got to overcome. But guess what.
We can, and we will.
Refocus.
Love Always,
Veronica ✌❤
