Focus...I just can't seem to get focus.

[simplystephen]

I find myself easily distracted recently and know the things I need to do, I'm just trying to figure out how. While I plug away at stuff, I notice I get distracted very easily. Even though I am sticking with my guns on some consistent actions, I do find myself surfing, stumbling and avoiding some of the things I need to get done (really important things).

It's not desire, I am fatiqued. I suffer depression and finances are rock bottom but still I pick myself up and keep going. I am addressing that separately but I know that if I focus on my couple small services that the work will be fruitful and give me time to build my Simple Green Living Network websites.

So....does anyone have suggestions to learn focus and discipline.

Go easy. Thanks.

[nivaskapil]

check out these Postings.they may help you a lot.

http://lifeofexcellence.com/focus-and-action

http://lifeofexcellence.com/increase-your-productivity

[simplystephen]

Nice articles. The funny thing is I am very much focused on the big picture and I pretty watch only a few hours of TV a week (non cable) - the odd movie, show and Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday.

But...the fear base is perhaps something. I find I get distracted reading information that interests me. This takes from my work. Sometimes the details of stuff get me stuck on them with no action....nothing to do but improve.

I guess the point is to Keep my eyes on the horizon and always drive for it.

Thanks

[cardano]

For focusing in front of the computer, I recommend this free software: Welcome to AbstractSpoon Software - Where everything is
*It is a simple to-do list program. I find the timer tracker functionality effective at helping me get things done.

For having the right present mentality, this book works well:
Amazon.com: The Present : The Gift That Makes You Happier And More Successful At Work And In Life, Today!: Books: Spencer Johnson
*It's also a pretty short read, 1-2 hours.

[simplystephen]

I will take a look at them. To do lists use to really make me productive but for some reason I haven't used them recently...there was some "simplifying" reason and perhaps I need to review why?

I think taking up the challenge and setting some attainable goals may help.

Thanks for the inspiration...more ideas/support welcome and needed.

[Adrian]

Focus and discipline can really only be built up from where you currently stand. If you have little discipline now, it's not likely you'll be able to plan out your entire day and get everything accomplished you set out to do.

If I were you, I'd set up four 15 minute tasks to do for one day. (For example, one task could be "Post comments on three separate blogs.") When you start on one of those four tasks, only do that task. When the 15 minutes are up and you're done with the task, take a break. Move on to the next one after a little while, do the same, until you completed all of your four tasks for the day.

Do that for a few days, then boost it up to 20 minutes tasks, then 25 minutes, and so on. The idea is to keep boosting your self-discipline levels to new heights - if you can sit around and do 15 minute tasks, how hard would it be to do 20 minute tasks? Throw up the level slightly every couple days, and pretty soon you'll be able to focus pretty well on what you're doing and not be distracted.

[simplystephen]

Just cleared my cache....oops, I'll start again.

I have been using that method succesfully for the past few weeks - on a daily basis I am promoting myself a certain way with a minumum number to be achieved. I am also making sure I visit forums on a daily basis and post at least 3 times a day for all the forums. This should keep me active on a 1/2 dozen forums. I also have weekly traffic goals to meet so I'm making sure I do weekly link building. So far so good.

Now I want to apply this for the technical stuff, which though competent, sometimes overwhelms me because I yearn for simplicity and most people make instructions and software far to complex.

thanks again...keep the ideas/support coming.

[Adrian]

How do you learn for simplicity; to you, what does simplistic mean?

I don't mean to derail the thread, I'm just curious to see how that could fit in with your focus / self-discipline problem.

[simplystephen]

Adrian. A good question indeed. I've decided to address that by writing an article on the definition of "Simplicity" coming soon to my (newly revamped & still in tweak mode - I've just transfered from Blogger to Wordpress) blog The Green Ravine in the next week so I'll keep you posted.

Your point is taken. I may in fact avoid the complex because of a desire for simplicity. I should embrace it to discover a more simple approach, which is what I usually do when I'm in tip top shape. I'm tired now so my approach is making it difficult. Changing my approach may relieve my fatigue. Thanks.

[LawofAttractionHandbook]

Originally Posted by simplystephen

So....does anyone have suggestions to learn focus and discipline.

Learning focus and discipline is quite easy. On a intellectual level, placing your attention on a single task until it is complete is a very simple concept.

The problem lies is our habitual way of thinking/acting. There's habits you need to change in order to stay focused. I've been there, so I know whats its like to veer off course.

Try this: Affirm to yourself with deep conviction and energy,that you will focus on one thing until its finished. Then, do it.

Habits will try to win you over. You must get angry at them, and force yourself to do what you know you should be doing. It times time & deliberate conscious practice to master the skills of focus and self discipline.

I wrote an article on focus, using focus as an acronym:

F = Follow
O = One
C = Course
U = Until
S = Successful

I hope that helps. You can do it. Keep practicing.