Put Down that Cellphone!
Using Routine and Prioritization
to Develop Focus: Part lI
My last post focused on eliminating distractions. Frequent distractions interfere with one's ability to concentrate on completing necessary tasks to accomplish goals. In order to concentrate, you need to have the ability to focus your attention on a specific thought, activity or object. What you give your attention to can determine the direction of a project, a task, and even the direction of your life.
Do you want to feel less stressed and more productive? Give your attention to developing good daily habits that will make it easier for you to concentrate. Today, we are going to focus on prioritization and building a routine to help develop your ability to focus.
Here are three more ways to help you take back control of your mind and your time:
- Build a Healthy Routine to Develop Focus
Every day, once you wake up, there are many decisions that need to be made about what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Usually, this is no big deal until unexpected problems arise and you've got a whole lot more to handle. Some people procrastinate when they feel overwhelmed, and both general and important tasks may not get done. Having structure in your day can help manage stress levels even when surprises swing your way. A healthy daily routine helps you stay focused.
An established daily routine can help you stay positive and reduce procrastination. When you are easily distracted, establishing a routine can almost seem like an impossibility. Not everyone needs to have a consistent daily routine to get things done, but those who complain the most about creating a routine for themselves may be the ones who need to do it the most.
Think about what you'd like your days to look like. How can you arrange your schedule to closely match the kind of days you'd like to have? When you set your routine and get used to it, you don't have to waste time thinking about what comes next.
- Speaking of Routine - Sweet, Sweet Sleep
Not getting enough sleep? If yes, then it can be difficult to concentrate on tasks. The brain cannot function properly without an adequate amount of sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, poor sleep impairs thinking and reaction time. How can you focus when all you want to do is sleep? Exhaustion and fatigue are only more forms of distraction.
To get better sleep, stay hydrated throughout the day. Turn off all electronics, such as laptops and cellphones, when preparing for bed. Establish a bedtime routine that may include journaling or deep breathing exercises to quiet the mind.
- Prioritize to Develop Focus
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? . . . But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:31 & 33 KJV)
Do you know what Jesus is saying to you when you read this verse? PRIORITIZE!
Sometimes your to do list can get so long you feel overwhelmed. Even when you scratch off a task or two it can feel like you're not getting enough done. If you find yourself in this situation, take another look at your to do list. Did you complete priority tasks? If not, next time, ask yourself, What does my day look like? How much can I reasonably get done? What are the top three tasks on my to do list? Rank your tasks in order of priority. Focus on the most important task for that day and make sure it gets done.
Knowing what is important can help put any remaining tasks into their perspective, and you will gain a greater sense of accomplishment when you know the most important tasks are getting done. Plus completing important tasks is a great way to minimize distraction and reduce a sense of overwhelm.
Click this link if you'd like help to gain greater clarity and focus.
You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. ~John Maxwell
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