Focus vs. Multi-tasking

You know that feeling when your wheels are spinning?  You know what needs to get done, and it’s looming over your head, but for some reason you can’t seem to take it on.  You ask yourself, “Why do I again feel unproductive?”

Most of us go through this at one time or another and there are different reasons why this occurs.  However, if “undone To-Do Lists” is more of a pattern than a once in a while situation, you likely are having problems with prioritization and focus.

It can be stressful when you feel overwhelmed and unable to complete your day to day life’s priorities.  The key to tackling what needs to be done in the most efficient way is to learn how to focus on one task at a time.  It’s a common misconception that the more you multi-task, the quicker you will accomplish your goals.  The opposite is actually true.

When you break your list down, focusing on one thing at a time, you are more easily able to complete the entire list. This is because you don’t have everything competing in your mind and with your time.

Take writing this blog for example.   If I were trying to create this entry while cooking dinner, doing laundry, or talking on the phone it would take me four times as long.  Instead, I consciously focus all my energies into how I am thinking and how I want to convey it best.   Consequently, my writing flows more easily, more quickly, and I feel more satisfied.

The same is true for any action you have your mind set on.  Stop thinking you need to become a more efficient multi-tasker.  Instead, practice on being more purposeful in your actions, and as a result, more focused.

I Know Something About Your Qualities

I wanted to take the time to write a quick post about personal characteristics.

All too often I see people underestimate what they can accomplish in their day to day lives, as well as their ability to handle stress.  Working in the mental health field, I meet plenty of individuals who feel they need to be someone different in order to handle their obstacles.

In actuality, it is far more effective for long term stress management to accept who you are first, and then build upon those inherent attributes.   Use what you’ve got to your benefit.

We are unique individuals.  Stop running in circles comparing yourself to others and trying to be like someone else you know or what you think you should be.  Instead, take that time getting to know who you are, what makes you tick and what give you that fire to want to take on the world.

Facing What Scares You

One of the most common patterns I see with people dealing with stress and anxiety is their avoidance of the uncomfortable.  They feel if they don’t have to deal with the situation that is creating the stress then their problem will be solved, or at least they’ll feel better physically.  This approach sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?

The truth is that by trying to stay away from the things that bring about your anxious feelings, you are perpetuating those miserable stressful symptoms.  This is because by avoiding something versus facing it, you are in a way telling yourself that you really can’t handle it.  By doing this, you are weakening your resolve to face and conquer that which scares you.

No matter how long you have been practicing this avoidance mentality, you can begin training your mind to deal with circumstances differently.  Yes, it takes practice and persistence, but the beauty of it is once you handle those intimidating situations in a different way, your confidence and feelings of empowerment will soar.

Think of a way to meet head on, a situation that you otherwise would avoid.  Please send comments and let me know how you met this challenge!

Imagine Becoming the Most Enthusiastic Person You Know

The degree to which you approach your days with a positive attitude will directly affect the opportunities coming into your life.  I have seen this happen time and again.  The positive people have this momentum.  Good stuff keeps happening for them.  On the flip side, the negative people are stuck in a rut and are stagnant.

Once you affirm the idea that you can choose your mood, the closer you’ll be toward living more carefree days.  The little things won’t bother you as much.  You’ll find ways to put a positive spin on situations, and when unfortunate circumstances do occur, you’ll glide through these times a little bit easier with the confidence you can handle most things.

Another positive to being enthusiastic is that you will attract others like a magnet.  People want to be around upbeat, fun individuals.  It’s a morale-booster!

Try becoming the most upbeat person you know and see how life begins to flow more smoothly, becomes more fun, more spontaneous.