A Simple, Old-School Trick to Stay Focused and Get Clear About Your Work and Life
Life for many of us, especially as we get older and deal with work and personal changes, can feel like a constant rush. This can sometimes turn into a quiet worry – a feeling that what we do each day doesn't quite match the deeper purpose we're looking for.
When it's hard to focus, stress builds up, and tasks pile on, we need to recenter and use our time and skills keep our minds at ease.
For people who are having trouble focusing, feeling stressed, or getting distracted by the big decisions in your life or job, I often suggest a simple, old-school trick.
It helps you clear your mind and think better, not just work harder:
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Keep a plain notebook and a pen next to your computer when you need to focus. This could be during a work block, an important meeting, or when you're thinking deeply about a big life change.
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Use that notebook to quickly write down any random, distracting thoughts that pop into your head while you're trying to do focused work. Every "Oh! I need to call the vet!" or "Should I go for that job?" goes in the notebook. The idea is to get it out of your head so you can keep working.
After just a few days, you'll start to see more than just a list of things to do. You'll begin to notice important patterns:
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Small, One-Time Tasks: At first, it'll be those quick chores you only remember when you're busy (like "Make the vet appointment!"). Writing these down helps your brain learn not to interrupt your main task.
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Deeper Feelings and Habits: As you keep going, you'll start to see certain feelings or sensations that mess with your work.
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"Worried about my online presence, checked LinkedIn, wasted 15 minutes."
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"Opened YouTube for background music, lost 30 minutes, try a music-only app next time."
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"Totally overwhelmed by sound on Thursdays (loud landscapers outside): look for better earplugs?"
These notes are clues to both big and small needs, many of which can be directly addressed!
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Finding Solutions:
Over time, these notes will show you bigger patterns in your distractions and stress. Often, the answers will be simple!
Maybe your notes show you always get stressed before a certain kind of work, telling you something about what brings you joy - and what doesn't.
Or maybe they point to worries about a big life change, showing where you might need more support.
If simple answers don't show up, that's okay. It might be time to talk to someone you trust: a friend, a mentor, a coach, or even a therapist. Sometimes we need help from others to see things clearly.
Remember this: You can't fix what you don't know about. So, look at yourself with an open and kind mind, just like you would with a friend. Pay attention to your feelings and thoughts, not to judge them, but to understand. Then, take action and give yourself what you truly need.
I’m here to offer helpful tips for busy helping professionals every single week. and purpose in your work and life. I share these ideas in a free newsletter every week. If you're looking for more peace and purpose in your career, or just need some practical advice, click the SUBSCRIBE butto and join us at the Working Phase newsletter! Reply to your first email and introduce yourself! I can't wait to meet you and support you on your journey!
