How your thoughts affect your focus and concentration in the workplace

Many people describe themselves as ‘procrastinators’, ‘perfectionists’ or ‘overwhelmed’ and the end result of these things is often the same. The things you need to do, had planned to do or want to do, don’t get done when they should. This then creates a cycle of feeling unfocussed, being unable to concentrate or get on with a task and worrying, feeling stressed or disappointed with yourself.

The antidote to feeling this way really is to learn how to focus and concentrate and make that a new behaviour. But how do you learn how to do that?

Some practical ways that can help are:

• ·       Organise your work environment, clear the physical and electronic clutter
• ·       Improve your time management
• ·       Delegate or outsource

But for many people, the problem is mind-set. Your mind really can achieve what it can conceive. If you believe yourself to be a procrastinator, then that will feel true and all the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with procrastination will appear. But what if you were to think of yourself as something different? It may feel strange at first, maybe like a lottery winner might feel like the first time they check their bank balance!  But I am sure they get used to that feeling (!) and so can you; when you believe yourself to be something.

Here’s an exercise you might like to try.

Think of the last time you wanted to achieve or deliver something in your business. Then answer these questions.

• ·       Was it clear what you wanted to achieve?
• ·       What affected your delivery?
• ·       What did you learn from that?
• ·       How did it make you feel?

Now think about something you want to deliver/achieve in the future:

• ·       Is it clear what you want to achieve?
• ·       What obstacles might stand in your way?
• ·       What have you learnt in the past which may be useful?   
• ·       How do you want this to make you feel?

You see, we are emotional creatures and by attaching a feeling, it will make a difference.

The last piece of this exercise comes back to the messages you give yourself. Sometimes known as mind monkeys, inner critic or inner voice. It will be very helpful for you to come up with something positive you can tell yourself (often!). Here are some suggestions but you may prefer to use one of your own.

Sometimes known as ‘affirmations’ this will be what you tell yourself on a regular basis. You start with ‘I am’ and then add your choice:  

• ·       Focused
• ·       In the zone
• ·       Productive
• ·       Fearless
• ·       Confident
• ·       Talented
• ·       Experienced
• ·       Knowledgeable
• ·       Inspiring
• ·       Trustworthy
• ·       Clear headed
• ·       Energetic
• ·       Excited
• ·       Enthusiastic
• ·       Visionary
• ·       In control
• ·       Productive

Thinking differently can bring very different results and bring new and exciting opportunities your way. Give it a try. Right now 

Article by Honey Lansdowne