How do you truly stay focused on something?

Hi Mattew,

Difficult question...

I guess it has to do with motivation and determination, but I always found that what really helps me is a structured timetable.

Set yourself some time when you know you do something, and don't let anything distract you. Promise yourself a treat after every two or three hours session like this (the treat can be anything fun, it doesn't have to be candy). This way you stay focused for 2 hours, and then you have some time off to rest, and then you can start your next 2 hours session :-) 

Yoga or meditation can help.  Or just taking a long walk and clearing your mind can do wonders for your concentration.  A full night's sleep is also good for this.

Getting Things Done did it for me.

The confidence that what I'm doing right now is the most important thing I should work on. 

Matthew--

     To truly focus requires strong mental effort of will - to become utterly clear on what it is you want and the steps required to obtain it - and then the consistency of thought, emotion, impulse, and action on an hour by hour, day by day, week by week, even month by month basis so that the way you think, feel, are compelled, and act always move you forward on the path to achieving your desire, your goal, your dream.

     Unfortunately, if you are like most people, the cognitive functions involved in truly strong mental focus - the kind you want that removes all inner conflict and temptation that causes you to veer right and left of center - are weaker than you would like; and, as a result of your long-term mental habits, your brain cell structure will not allow you to merely 'get your act together' in the blink of an eye.  The key to turning things around for you so that you can do, be, and have what you really want is to develop your mental muscles - the strength, endurance, and flexibility of mind necessary to the tasks you've set for yourself!

     You need to TRAIN yourself in the literal, physical act of mental concentration and, thereafter, mental focus, because they are not the same.  Mental focus deals with long term application of mental concentration; thus, mental concentration must be mastered, first.  Do that, and you can set your course and move right to the objective with a smile on your face.

     I suggest you watch my videos at www.youtube.com/dynamicmentalfitness or search 'mental concentration' at 5min.com and you'll see plenty of material that is helpful.  Also, my weekly radio show (The Mental Power Hour) is broadcast online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/brain_training_fitness - there you'll find an entire archive of mental concentration training discussions.  Finally, sign up for my free 7-day mental concentration training course at www.dynamicmentalfitness.com .  With all those resources, you should be well on your way.  If you have any questions about your training, email me at trainer@neuro-sculpting.com and I'll give you any helpful hints I can.

T. Lavon Lawrence, NCMFT
Brain Training Expert & Author
The NEURO-SCULPTING!© Mental Fitness Training Studio
www.neuro-sculpting.com
trainer@neuro-sculpting.com