9 June 2008 12 Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

Photo Courtesy of Paul Goyette

It sometimes seems to me that I don’t own my mind, it has choices of its own. I want it to focus, generate ideas, be constructive … (In short do as I say!); And it is busy with it’s own task list. It wanders off into past, future, movies, books, conversations … anything and everything except where I want it to be. Times like these have been really frustrating and a cause of lot of unhappiness. Especially, when a deadline is nearby and I need to focus and be productive.

This was true till I found solution to work with my mind, get it to focus and help it to help me. Here are 6 ways to get mind to focus when it does not seem your own:

1. Deal with it as you would deal with a kid
First and foremost, stop getting agitated about not being in control. The more we resist, the more the problem persists. It’s as if mind is like a child. The more we ask it to not to do something, the more it does the same.

So, if we don’t resist it, what do we do? We allow it to be where it is. And hear it out. What are its concerns. What is so important that it is ignoring our immediate need. Sometimes, sitting in silence for 5-10 minutes is all it takes to get everything out and clearing the mind. Once mind is clear, you are all set to use it the way you want.

2. Let the mind vent out
Sometimes, listening is not enough. Sometimes the need is to to talk, share with someone and offload things within. There could be some sadness, some worry, some pestering thought, if mind could just share with someone or write down, it would be enough to settle down.

3. Give mind clear and specific requirements
Be clear what is it that needs to be done. And what are the steps for doing it. Confused, unclear instructions will not yield satisfactory output. Calm yourself and state in simple and clear language list of things that need to be done and need your immediate attention.

4. Do not overload
Pick up one item at a time and deal with it. Don’t think about others. Be as fast as you can with whatever item you have picked up. Not worrying or trying to focus on other items will help finishing off tasks faster.

5. Take a break – get refreshed.
Sometimes all that’s needed is a little bit of refreshment. And there are so many ways to do this in small amount of time. Here’s my list:

a. Have some food (if you are ignoring your tummy needs).
b. Drink some tea/coffee.
c. Splash your face with cold water.
d. Go for a walk in nature
e. Take a bath
f. Medidate
g. Hear some music
h. Work out
i. Sing a song

6. Be Creative
Last but not the least, this list is not exhaustive. Be creative and find more ways to work with your mind and help it stay focussed.

Books On How To (Increase) Focus And Concentration

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