Summary

The author describes overcoming distraction and finding focus by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, starting with the simplest tasks to regain momentum.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's personal struggle with distraction and lack of focus during a particularly unproductive afternoon. Despite knowing what needed to be done and how to do it, the author found themselves unable to concentrate on writing, unresponsive during virtual meetings, and even unaffected by the stimulation of coffee. The turning point came when the author evaluated their to-do list and decided to tackle the smallest and simplest task first, which led to a gradual regaining of focus and productivity. This approach involved replying to comments on LinkedIn, which snowballed into writing a new post and eventually drafting an entire article. The author emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity for growth and suggests that without growth, other achievements may lack significance. The article concludes with an invitation for readers to engage by commenting and reaching out on LinkedIn.

Opinions

The author believes that breaking down tasks into smaller, more achievable goals is key to overcoming distraction and regaining focus.
They express that the weight of numerous tasks can be mentally overwhelming, leading to procrastination and a sense of heaviness.
The author suggests that starting with simple tasks can build momentum and improve motivation, leading to increased productivity.
There is an emphasis on the neurological aspect of task completion, indicating that the brain responds positively to small wins and can gain momentum from them.
The author values clarity and simplicity, viewing them as essential for personal and professional growth.
They imply that growth is a fundamental aspect of life, insinuating that without it, our actions may not hold much meaning.
The article conveys a personal journey of self-discovery and productivity, offering insights into the author's own strategies for overcoming distraction.

How I Found My Focus in A FEW WORDS.

The trick is to take small steps.

I was extremely distracted this afternoon.

I couldn’t concentrate on my writing, incoming emails and was seemingly lethargic during virtual coffee sessions.

Not even an actual cup of coffee perked me up.

It got me thinking.

I know what has to be done.

I know exactly how to do it too.

I am in control of my projects and time.

Why am I still distracted?

Thursday Musings on ILLUMINATION — Why Are We Always So Distracted?

I have been accused of “not-being-around” by my parents.

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It made no sense ….

Until I started evaluating the list of items in my Post-It notes.

Then I found my answer.

Especially after running through the extent of work required.

The moment I realised the number of line items to tick off in order to complete a task — I started feeling the rocks on my shoulders.

Or, if I can gauge that it takes a full hour of committed effort to complete a task — The same sensation of mental heaviness piles on.

It dampens my spirit.

I loitered for a couple of hours.

Kicking pebbles.

When I finally pulled myself back to the working desk, I told myself this.

“Finish the smallest and simplest task first”

So, I started by pulling out my Linkedin account which I have left to hibernation.

I went to my historical posts and started replying comments on my posts.

One by one.

Slow at the beginning, I gained momentum as I went along.

Shorter replies became longer, longer replies became faster.

15 minutes in and I found a semblance of motion in Gear 2.

So I thought that it was not that bad, compared to the same old me 15 minutes ago.

I wrote a simple Linkedin post on work motivation (how ironic!) within 10 minutes without edits.

Not too bad, I managed to get one item off my To-Dos.

Then through my post on motivation, my mind started to ask questions over the content I have just published.

I know the neurological machine has kicked into gear.

I continued my approach of finding quick wins, and I moved to scribble the skeleton of an article that I want to publish.

Content body topic sentences, followed by concise summary in point form, followed by simple introduction, followed by title of article.

Then I paused and went to search for high resolution image for the article.

Before I knew it, my fingers were typing the actual article into the laptop.

I know I am back.

One step at a time.

Related Stories from the Author.

Letting Go of Our Past in A FEW WORDS.

The toughest lesson in Life is letting go of our past.

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Gratitude in A FEW WORDS — Do We Appreciate What We Have?

Sometimes, we think too much.

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The Meaning of Life in A FEW WORDS: It is about Fulfillment.

Many of us ponder over “The Meaning of Life”.

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About the Author:

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

And if we are not growing, then what’s the point of anything else?

What do you think about the article? Comment Below!

This is more about me as a Content Contributor on Medium.

An Author’s Bio on ILLUMINATION — I Read and Write. Now, I Type.

I am Aldric and I am a reader.

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Do reach out and say hi on Linkedin!