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Trouble Staying Focused on That Unpleasant Task?
Nearly everyone can focus.
Just watch anyone absorbed in a good movie, a good book,
or a video game as they try to reach the next level.
What we need be concerned with is the ability to focus
at will.
Concentration is a learned skill and
the ability to focus at will requires practice. It's
interesting to note that out of an estimated 60,000
thoughts you might think in a day, 95% of them will
be random thoughts you have had many times before.
The power then, lies not in the thoughts
you have but in your ability to focus. Since attention
is the seat of your power, the question that needs asking
is which thoughts are you giving your power to?
Actively learning to focus your attention
on those things, thoughts and feelings you want, while
letting go of the ones you don't want, could be the
best thing you ever do to enhance your health, well
being, and happiness.
Being enthusiastic about a project naturally
enables you to focus. But what can be done about jobs
you are less excited about? Boredom, anxiety and day-dreaming
are usually the main culprits interfering with the ability
to concentrate. While it is preferable to practice your
ability to focus on those tasks you are enthusiastic
about, there are ways to increase your focus level for
those chores that simply must be done whether you enjoy
them or not.
The first thing to do when faced with
an unpleasant task is change your point of view. Everything
has a positive aspect to it, so spend a few moments
and look for that silver lining. To make an unpleasant
job a little more palatable, build in a few treats along
the way. When you find your thoughts starting to drift,
remind yourself of the final reward at the end of a
job well done.
Distractions are inevitable; the goal
is to develop your ability to cope with a distraction
and get back on track. This naturally involves a certain
amount of self-discipline. When you notice you thoughts
start to drift or you are interrupted, order your mind
to STOP; then gently bring your mind back to where it
should be. The key word here is gently, trying to force
yourself to concentrate only increases resistance.
Allow specific times for your mind to
wander or worry. With time set aside to worry or day-dream,
stray thoughts are less likely to force themselves into
your focus time. Making a note of worrisome thoughts
will sometimes help. It is easier to put aside thoughts
you know will not be forgotten.
To maintain focus do not overdo it.
Work for a reasonable amount of time and give yourself
a break. This goes a long way toward keeping yourself
fresh and on task. If forced to quit before you are
finished, decide where you are and when you are going
to pick your project back up again.
Keep in mind that all times of day are
not created equal. By keeping track of the high and
low points of your average day you are better equipped
to decide when to schedule your productive time and
when to allow your mind to wander. Knowing this keeps
your mind focused on being here Now and coping with
the current assignment.
When trying to focus on an unpleasant
task, forget about the past, don't fret about the future.
Your ability to focus at will is determined by your
ability to master living in the present.
1howto.com
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