How To Focus On What Matters!
Distractions are EVERYWHERE!
We are all distracted by our phones, email notifications, the buzzing noise in our office, our children, the phone, the list goes on!
It's hard enough to stay focus even on tasks that you like to do!
Imagine trying to stay on tasks, you don't like to do, especially when you have ADHD!
Your mind is wired to pay attention to what's interesting, the boring will get ignored and avoided at all costs.
I had a client tell me that looking at your files was like looking at a bright shiny light! A light so bright it hurt her eyes, she had no choice but to look away.
Needless to say she got behind on her work and a few months later, she called me.
Doing work you're not interested isn't easy and for someone who lives with ADHD, it can seem impossible!
But it doesn't have to be, here are a few tips on how to stay focused on what matters:
1) Set the Intention
It's easy to think you will get something done by the end of the week or over the weekend. The end of the week comes and there is still no movement.
We have to set a very deliberate intention to the tasks we are avoiding, otherwise you will just keep avoiding them.
Look at your calendar and set an appointment to work on the project.
You may not be able to finish it but you can start it.
Eliminate all known distractions and set your environment up for success.
Before you begin, have a goal in mind of what you want to get done in the amount of time you have allotted and be clear of what your action steps are to make this goal happen.
2) Use an Alarm
Assuming you are working on your project for at least an hour, set an alarm every half of an hour as a cue to remind you of what you are doing.
Not only can physical interruptions distract you but so can the internal ones.
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming?
I think you understand my point.. The alarm is to wake you up and make sure you stay focused.
3) Place a Sticky Note in Front of You
In addition to the alarm, another reminder of your set intention is to place a sticky note on your computer or near where you are working.
Just make sure it's somewhere that you can see it and have it say something like... "Are you working on the right thing, right now?"
Again, it reinforces your intention and reminds you to get back to work.
4) Be Accountable
You don't have to take on this challenge alone! Tell someone about it, anyone..
It could be your coach, a friend, your spouse, it doesn't matter.
Let them know what you are doing and ask them to check in on your progress.
Knowing that someone else cares may be just enough to get you started!
5) Take Breaks
Awhile back, Pete (Co-host of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast) and I were working on a project and in between recordings, he suggested we go outside and get a few breaths of fresh air and take a little walk..
This is a technique I have adopted in my everyday work.
There is something about fresh air and movement that frees up any tension and stress.
It only takes a few minutes and it can make all of the difference in the world.
The break I don't suggest is checking email or Facebook.
Get up, take a few deep breaths and move!
Thank you for your time and attention...
Take Care,
Nikki
