In the Photo: Jacqueline at work.

Intended Distraction

Deliberately Distract Yourself To Reinforce Better Focus

“A good and purposeful distraction may help when you simply want to boost energy levels. Especially when that distraction makes you feel good about yourself!”

This title sounds counterintuitive as most of us, if I may, perhaps have the same idea that distraction and focus are the opposite sides of a coin.

“We should avoid distraction and be Laser-focused on our task.”

— I didn’t say this, but I guess we have all heard this before. It’s like a conditioning lesson that taught us that we shouldn’t be distracted if we want to be successful.

Before you agree with this statement, think about what scientists find: human brains spend half of the time wandering.

I am not trying to tell you whether Mind-Wandering is good or bad; I want to share how deliberately and intentionally distracting yourself can become reinforcement for better focusing power.

Being focused consumes high energy and, if I may, willpower, too. However, neither energy nor willpower is unlimited in supplies. Researchers find that when this energy and power are being consumed for a set amount of time, we need to regenerate before we can use it again; that said, we need to give ourselves a pause or a short period of relaxation; otherwise, we lose focus unwittingly.

Put these facts together; you will see that distraction may not be as bad as most of us named it. Think about this: The next time you feel you’re losing focus, think about deliberately distracting yourself. Consider doing these:

1. Go for a walk, even if it’s only 5 minutes — It allows your mind a little wandering time and helps to relax and regenerate your energy and willpower.
2. If a walk outside is impossible, think about a short walk to refill your water or coffee — Even though the duration is shorter, it still allows the same wandering and effects for you.
3. Do something that makes you feel good about yourself — You may be limited to the circumstance that not many other choices you can have. Think about something; as simple as taking a selfie or looking at your face in a mirror; if that makes you feel good and encourage you, it can be as good as a walk.

Before you end this pause session or this break, wander around about how you feel when you finish the task; this purposeful Mind-wandering will help you foresee the future on good terms; it will remind you to put extra effort back to focus mode.

Of course, we also know what you think and you become; if your mind only wanders in negativities, such as worrying or anxious about the outcome, then you possibly will be way off track in accomplishing the task, let alone focus.

Learn not to be too harsh on yourself, sometimes a little distraction; if we do it for good purposes, we can turn a distraction into reinforcement for the better. Distraction is not necessarily the opposite side of focus; when you find a way to take advantage of the natural activities, they can benefit your success and wellbeing.

“Do something to cheer yourself up even though it seems like a distraction! Sometimes it helps to reinforce your attention.”

Thank you for reading! I hope it may help you.