Feeling distracted? Lost? At a stand still? Do you find yourself chasing squirrels in your head? I’m right there with you. Finding your focus can be a really tough thing to do. Especially these days when your attention is pulled in so many different directions, physically and emotioally.
Well, I’m going to try to help you out with that. Now, trust me I am no expert. As a matter of fact, I am right here with you, learning and trying some new things myself. Remember, “Nothing changes if nothing changes“? Well, it may be time to try some new organizational tips if your old ways aren’t working for you.
Why You Can’t Focus
That’s easy. There’s a lot going on. In our heads, in our homes, in our communities, in our hearts. Wrangling all of that can be tricky and don’t forget, impossible. Yes, I said impossible. You gotta let that shit go Idina.
Once you finally admit that you can’t do it all, you can finally give yourself a little grace. Then you won’t end up defeated in a heap on the couch with a glass of wine, a giant bowl of chips and Bling Empire on Netflix. Wait! What? You haven’t watched Bling Empire? Ooooohhh guuuuuuurl, you need to get on that or we cannot be friends!
For reference, that was me chasing a squirrel. Bling Empire has nothing to do with finding your focus. It’s just plain old juicy entertainment. See, I told you I was in this with you.
Multitasking Is A Big Fat Lie and Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Differently!
Lately I found that THIS, right there, is my biggest problem. It was brought to my attention by my bestie the other day when she called me out on it as I seemingly repeated the beginning of a sentence several times without ever really finishing. I wasn’t having a stroke or a “senior moment”. I was simply trying to text someone, read an email and have a conversation with my girl simultaneously. Been there, right?
Dammit, I hate it when she calls me out on my shit! But hey, what are friends for? Not to mention she was absolutely right. Not only was I not being a good friend but I realized I was giving away too much of myself at once but still not giving my best to anyone or anything at any given moment.
“Multitasking” is just a better way of saying you’re “doing a whole bunch of shit all at once, all half-assed”. We all need to start “whole-assing” things better. Amiright?
Frankly put, I wouldn’t want my surgeon watching his kid’s soccer game and trying to read a text from his wife about not forgetting to stop at the store on the way home while in the OR. Would you? Not that you texting your boss and listening to what a miserable existence your teenage daughter has would have as catastrophic an outcome, but you get the picture.
5 Tips For Finding Your Focus
Make A List
I live by the list! It helps get your To-Do's out of your head and into black and white and in your face. I like to write mine on paper. I have a notebook on my desk that I start my day writing down what needs to get done. Nothing feels better than crossing shit off my To-Do List!
Prefer technology? There are a zillion apps out there to keep you on track. Just head to the apps store and you're on your way!
Apps
Speaking of apps. There is something out there for everyone. While I don't use a "To-Do" app, I do use organizational apps. Simply because as much as I love pen and paper, I need something with an alert. Google Calendar is my best buddy! Put in an appointment and set an alert for whenever you need your reminder. Simplicity at its finest!
I also use Trello. It is a great tool to help organize your projects. From household chores and routine maintenance to planning a party or a big presentation for work. Think of it like a big wall filled with sticky notes. It's free (although like every app, there is a premium package) but it's really helpful.
Just Say No
This is what is called "Giving fewer fucks". Even though there are fewer social events taking up our time. We still have things that we either volunteer for or are coerced into. Just say "NO". Such a small word, but so hard to do. Check out one of my favorite books by Sarah Knight, "The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving A Fuck". It's life changing. And funny AF.
Remove The Clutter
Our brains do not like clutter. Clearing away clutter has been found to improve focus and increase memory, productivity and makes it easier for our brains to process information. Don't believe me? Check it out here. Now if that isn't a good reason to get organized, I don't know what is!
Don't Go It Alone!
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. And asking household family members for help is good for everyone! Getting your kids to do their own laundry, keep their rooms clean, help with household chores are life lessons that they need to learn. Recruiting the family to help make dinner is a great opportunity to learn cooking skills and you will be doing yourself and them (and future spouses) a big favor at the same time.
Now go and get a notebook or find an app you love or spend an evening on Trello and get your shit together. Then you are allowed to grab that wine and curl up on the couch with Bling Empire after a victorious day!
And hey, let me know how it’s going, okay?
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