Sometimes I feel like I’m a dog chasing my tail (a very cute dog)
Here’s how it begins…Buzz, buzz, buzz my brain is all lit up with a combination of caffeine, b vitamins and a million things to do. First, I start a load of laundry then I run the water for dishes. I dash upstairs to get the forgotten shirt that needs to be in the current wash load because I need it for later today, on my way I look at my phone and there’s a text. I’m not sure how to answer this one because I have to check the weather. And what do I do? I check the weather,and then my email and at some point I answer the text only to find that I have killed an hour and nothing is finished. Now, I have to leave everything where it’s at because I have to get ready for an appointment I can’t miss. I can’t wear the outfit I’ve chosen because the shirt never made it to the wash. I have to choose something else. More time wasted. I barely make it to the meeting on time and it goes okay, but because of the mornings detoured, sidetracked mess I’m not my best. I’ve let myself down and I’ve let my client down. As for the rest of the day, it’s a struggle.
What is Focus and how can I get some?
Very simply put focus is staying on task. Webster defines focus as : a point of concentration. Whatever job you’re doing at this present time is started and you need to remain there until it is completed. Easier said than done, right? Were you the kid in class that couldn’t sit still? Ya know, always in trouble for interrupting and visiting with your neighbor? Yup! I hear ya. Easily distracted by shiny things? Oh it’s so unfair.
Here’s what helps…
Make a list. List the tasks that need to be done and don’t overwhelm yourself with an impossible amount of things to do. That’s just setting yourself up for failure (and I don’t care how trendy failure is today, I don’t like it) Make your list fun, try drawing some flowers on it or a smiley face. Maybe you have a favorite mantra or affirmation you could add.How about a fun color of paper so it doesn’t blend in with everything else. Anything to keep it positive. Decide when to make the list. Will the list be made in the morning or the night before? A great thing about the list is so many people come to you throughout the day wanting to take up your time but you can look at your list and say no I can’t help you today or decide according to your list you can only spend 10 minutes listening to the neighbor once again explain how it’s just so hot she can’t get anything done. If she would make a list she could schedule her tasks around that and be focused and productive just like you!!
Time…
How much time do you have? Be realistic.Things I like to do get more time because I want to put more of myself into it. For instance, a painting I might be working on is something I love to do and naturally that project will get more time. Think about how much time you want to spend on each task. I know I do not want to spend any time on mundane chores like housework. So, I give myself really short amounts of time for them. I play a little game with myself. It goes like this. There’s a lot of dishes. It’s one of my least favorite chores. I give myself 15 minutes to complete them on my list(yes, on your list write down how much time you want to spend on that task and stick with it) Then, I race to the finish line. I know this sounds silly but that’s what makes it fun and fun is what keeps me focused.
Visualization. Yup, that’s what I’m talking about! I know that visualization is something most commonly used when we are trying to reach a targeted point in the future or creating our dream vacation, etc. but it can be a power tool for the everyday stuff too. Just before I start to clean the dishes I look at the clock and then close my eyes. I see myself as a super dishwasher, cleaning and scouring, rinsing and drying and finishing with time left on the clock. I’m the winner. Best dishwasher ever!!(I actually imagine a cloud of confetti falling down around me and the crowd going wild with applause cheering me on) In life it’s the little wins that build us up for the big wins.
These are just a few tips on how I keep a handle on the stress in my life. Don’t sweat the small stuff.Enjoy your life. Make the list, assign the deadlines and visualize yourself as the super hero you really are :) Have fun and laugh a little more. My mom always told me that the jobs I have will never run away, they will all be here waiting for me, so don’t get too serious and keep it light.
S.K.Dail