Hi, everyone. I wanted to investigate graduate school so I am taking two courses in preparation for it. My problem is self-discipline and concentration. Of course, like everyone else I do have other things besides school that I need to worry about. But sometimes when I sit down to study my mind just wonders or wants to check out news sites, etc. It may have to do with the fact that I haven't taken courses for a while. What disturbs me is that I'm taking courses in a subject that I'm supposed to be interested in. I feel disengaged (yes, lack of concentration begets disengagement). Other factors could be media addiction and the fact that I feel that the courses at this institution are not as difficult as those from my undergrad institution. Since I can't move now
I realize that I need to reclaim my focus and self-discipline (which are crucial since I feel that I need to do some extracurricular reading in my field of interest). The thing is that I've never been really good at setting my own goals and achieve them - I've relied on external pressure and deadline (I'm starting to slip on my raw vegan diet again). I've simplified my life so that I can focus the bulk of my free time on my studies. Even so sometimes I do feel overwhelmed by what I need to study despite the free time on my hands. As a result, I procrastinate.
Anyway, I'm hoping to read Steve's articles on self-discipline and goal setting and kick off some sort of a discipline program today.
I'm very disappointed at myself (I obviously have no self-control).
How do you all keep yourself from being distracted? My mind seems to dwell on irrelevant things.