The myth of multitasking
In our fast paced society it is often difficult to remain centered and focused. There have been many recent studies and posts that tell us that our new found habit of multi-tasking often tends to be counter productive. Multi-tasking, for most people means not completing any of the tasks to their desired level of excellence or competency. You must learn to center on correct things. You need to learn to provide your undivided attention to things that will lead you to your success. So rather than spending time on doing things that decrease your chances of success, like watching televion or spending excessive hours playing games or surfing the internet, you may want to consider centering on taking steps that will get you moving toward your desired destination.
You should always strive to be pro-active and make things happen for yourself. Being re-active means that you lose focus because you are busy responding to every event, circumstance, situation or condition that comes your way. Your goal is to not be distracted by every single thing.
This would be a good time to go back and read our post on Pareto’s principle and how it can help you accomplish more of what you want. This is the 80/20 rule which will help you better understand how to work more efficiently and effectively on the areas of your life leading you in the direction you wish to go. Remaining focused can be difficult. So, how do you remain centered on the results you want to achieve and your mind on target? I’m glad you asked…
Get Focused:
Exert your self control! It is one of the most difficult things in the world to remain centered, but you must corral your thoughts to stop straying and return to the work at hand.
Find a purpose to help drive you. We commonly lack motivation if we lack a purpose. Without a reason that’s big enough, without a “why” that is part of you, you will have a tough time moving forward consistently. If the purpose is big enough, then the how will almost always handle itself. Failure isn’t even a fleeting thought.
Clear up your goals. Perhaps your goal is a million dollars or a boat that you wish to purchase when you reach your goal. Work toward your stated reason in incremental steps.
Find and repeat a “focus mantra.” Find your focus. Is it a boat? If it’s the boat in our example, then you will want to read about it, daydream about it, look online or in papers, travel to boat shows and stores and slowly but surely you produce enough thought energy in that area to help materialize all of the things, individuals, chances and cash essential to bring the boat into your life. The notion of the boat becomes real to you in a very emotionally charged way.
Make sure your want for the purpose is strong enough. The most crucial question to ask before you attempt to accomplish any goal is, “Do I truly have a strong enough desire to make this happen?” You need a powerful enough purpose to propel you and give you that magical gleam in your eyes when you consider it. If not, the work will prove futile. Simply search deeper and keep seeking that which truly sparks you.
Don’t be afraid to dream a huge dream. To keep your brain centered you need large, bold goals. Visualize what you desire to help bring it into your real life. The greater your purpose the less trouble you will have accomplishing what you have in mind.
Remember that you need to take a break every now and then. This helps you keep centering and refreshing your mind. It’s advocated you take a 5 minute break each half an hour of active work.
Know where you wish to be and how long it will take you to get there. You should have an ideal short, middle and long term goal list written down as well as at the back of your mind. Short term goals may involve a matter of a few months or longer. Try to accomplish your goal and do your best to keep inside of your dated time frame. This will cut down on your complacency and likewise ward off procrastination.
Constantly remind yourself that procrastination is the thief of time. Avoid delaying any of your actions by leaving things to be done tomorrow, next week, next month and so forth. Instead have them done today and move on to the next project.
Thoughts?
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/6937521074/sizes/z/in/photostream/
[…] It takes practice learning to regain focus quickly. […]