Refocus Your Wandering Mind
Have you ever found yourself feeling confused or frazzled when you sit down to work, unable to complete a task no matter how hard you try to focus and clear your mental space? It feels like the wheels of your mind keep spinning, but you’re not getting anywhere… And since life has a funny way of teaching us lessons when we need them most, this always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. I know I can’t be the only one who has felt this way! I’ve struggled with this experience many times, and have traced this back to one root, over and over again: a wandering mind.
Wandering minds can be easily compared to flies, jumping from one idea or thought to the next without any clear intention. Constantly trying to find the most efficient solution to a problem, or getting pulled away from aligned goals to resolve the challenge immediately at hand. Does this sound familiar? Positive intentions and dedication alone simply aren’t enough here- the only way to bring ourselves back to a focused center is to take control of our own awareness and shift our mindset. How do we do this? I’m glad you asked!
One easy approach is to use a focus totem: keep a physical item you can see and touch near you to bring you back into aligned concentration when you feel distracted. This is a physical reminder to your brain and body about what you are doing and why, so a personal item is best. Another simple and effective method, create an incentive system for your energetic investments and accomplishments with rewards. Finally, work towards a flow state. This is a practical meditation, so focus on the positive aspects of the task at hand, and give your mind time to “warm up” to the work you are doing- don’t rush yourself. Once you’re in flow, stay until you have completed your work or reached a designated milestone to feel a sense of completion. Studies show this will motivate you to focus next time, and will sink in through repetition.
You are a powerful being, come back to the nature of your mind and remember that you are constantly manifesting. Grounded in curiosity and growth, I invite you to lovingly observe yourself next time you sit down to work. If your mind seems to be following its own path, use the many tools available to you to refocus. Increased productivity, satisfaction, ease and momentum are on the horizon for you!
