The most common tip I’ve come across in my years of organizing is staying focused. Staying focused is difficult for approximately 50 to 60 percent of our population to manage. If you have trouble staying focused at home or the office, take a tip from horse owners.
Horse owners sometimes use blinders (sometimes called blinkers) to keep a horse focused. They do this because where a horse looks is where he focuses. In order to keep a horse from looking all around (like we do), and getting off track, blinders are used to block sideline distractions.
The same theory can be used for humans. Using a timer and training can keep your mind on what you are doing. Focus is a growing problem because of electronic devices and social media (as well as other less noticeable things). Therefore, thousands (if not millions) of articles and tips have been written to help those who have trouble staying focused.
Staying focused:
- Look around your home or office.
- Make two lists. (The first is what NEEDS to be done. The second is what you WANT to be done.)
- Tackle the items on the NEEDS list first.
- Decide what task you think you can finish or almost finish in 5 minutes.
- Place anything that does not pertain to the project out of sight.
- Place everything you need in front of you.
- Set your timer and begin.
When the timer goes off, finish the last bit or stop completely and take a break. If you feel good and would like to continue, go for it! Set the timer for another five minutes. See if you can at least accomplish one or two tasks in the two five-minute periods. Usually, those who try do more than they expected.
Now sit back, relax for a minute or two and feel good about what you’ve accomplished!
If you did this every day for a week, just think about how much you could and would tackle!!!
What do you think? Do you have tips to help keep you focused? Let us know in the comments below!
Copyright © 1999, 2015 Susie Glennan
Interesting Reading
http://greatist.com/happiness/how-stay-focused-work
http://parklaneequestrian.com/why-do-horses-wear-blinders/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blinkers_%28horse_tack%29
Speak Your Mind