Finding focus within our environment

Posted on 04. Dec, 2009 by in Life Coaching

Funnily enough while starting my work with three young children today, I’m inspired to write about focus. Life sure does have a wicked sense of humour sometimes. One of my children is far too young to stay entertained by videos and television (yes I admit that’s the babysitter for now). He leisurely walks from one activity to the next, but remains totally engrossed in the activity until he stops. As adults, don’t we essentially do the same thing, but for longer periods of time?

There might be days when you move about your environment picking up one activity and then moving on to the next. There’s something less intentional about how you work through your daily tasks. You might feel a little restless, seeking out something new to muster up some excitement and focus. So, you set your attention on one task, and then, uproot yourself when the intrigue is over.

Alternatively, there are days you find yourself completely focused on one particular activity and stay with it for hours. The activity requires your attention and there’s an experience of flow. You emerge feeling productive, only to discover you didn’t get to your “to do” list! So in the end, you might have been more focused, but forgot about other priorities.

So, it might be possible to move about our environment (like my toddler fully engrossed in activities for shorter stints) as long as we are focused and aware of our priorities. There will always be distractions in our space, it’s a matter of where you choose to put your focus and how you manage the realities of everyday life. This morning I was acutely aware that it’s “blog day” and considered: how will I possibly do that with three children at home? Well, I’m getting it done because it’s my priority. Even when I’m interrupted for brief moments of play or hugs, I can swiftly get back to my task and pick up the flow.  I’m not necessarily fully attentive to the needs of others at this time, but I’ve declared my intent and something shifts. The people, in this case, my children, get it. I’ve sent out a subtle message and my environment no longer acts to diffuse my efforts but rather supports them.

So just a few quick tips to stay on focus and still experience the environment around you:

  • Outline your priorities.
  • Communicate with those around you and let them know what it is you are doing.
  • Do not be concerned about how much time you devote to a particular task, just stay with it, get engrossed in it.
  • Be aware of your restlessness, and take it for a walk or ask: What is it that I need to focus on for now? Be present.
  • Start your day with intention: What do I want to accomplish today?
  • Do a little planning to clear away major distractions in your environment and build your ability to adapt when changes come up.
  • Establish boundaries for yourself and others will follow.

Being focused is a delightful engagement of our minds and willingness to discover or learn. We begin by being direct, and mindful about our priorities, thus moving about our environment with ease and calm.

Stay in flow,

Susan

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