Are you someone who is easily distracted? If so, this one is for you.
Being easily distracted can lead to frustration, feeling overwhelmed, anxiousness, or stress.
If you even catch yourself being distracted in the first place, you might think:
“What is wrong with me? Why can’t I stay focused?”
“I can’t ever get anything done.”
“Why can’t I focus on just one thing like everyone else?”
Or
“It takes me forever & I’ll never catch up when I can’t get things completed.”
You know staying focused will help you be more productive, save time, and achieve your goals, but how can you do that?
Well, a few ways.
First, mindset:
“I can learn how to do this.”
“I am in control of my attention.”
“I can try a few different things until I find something that works.”
Or
“I am improving my productivity.”
The strategy:
- Notice what you’re doing that has you distracted. I.E., is your phone in your hand when you’re supposed to be getting ready for work? Or you’re talking to your family when you should have been out the door already? See if you can determine your thoughts just before you picked up your phone.
- Repeat in your head what you are doing, what task you are completing. I.E., I’m getting dressed. Or I’m gathering my lunch. Or, I’m writing an article. One part of your brain can focus on the task & the other part is reminding your brain of what you’re focusing on.
- You can set a timer. A metronome may help, too– the ticking sound can be a constant reminder to stay on task until the task is complete.
It’s helpful to realize that being easily distracted is not a problem; it’s something you can figure out how to work with so you can stay better focused & achieve your goals.