Centering Yourself

Have you ever watched one of those shows in the middle of the day on CNBC where they have that streaming stock ticker across the bottom of the screen? Well, that's how my brain operates. I have so many things going through my head at any given time, sometimes I find it hard to focus. This is why I have found that it is very important to find something that allows you to center yourself. Essentially, whatever it is that centers you should be something that you naturally focus 100% of your attention on, and when you've completed that activity, you feel invigorated and able to better filter all of the noise in your head and tackle your task list.

Your centering activity can be anything. It can be reading a book, going for a walk, running, playing the piano, meditation, or making a jewelry box out of Popsicle sticks. It really doesn't matter. For me, my centering activity is weightlifting. If I go too long without lifting weights, I just don't feel right. So with finals coming up and two weeks of intense outlining and studying ahead of me, I made some time to hit the gym tonight. I really hit the weights hard, and boy do I feel great. I feel sharper and more focused; suddenly I can clearly see how I am going to attack all of the things that I need to accomplish in the next two weeks.

Personally, I think your brain and body sometimes need a refresher on how to "get in the zone" and really focus in on one task. When I am lifting weights I am 100% focused on my workout and rarely get distracted. I am focused on my form, the muscle group that I am working, and goals that I set at the before my workout. Then, after I have finished my workout, I apply the "lessons" that I learned in the weight room to other parts of my life, notably my school work.

So think about it. What is your centering activity? Do you make time to practice it? The next time you feel like you have a hard time focusing on a task, make some time to practice your centering activity, go through an intense session, and then come back to what you were doing. I bet you will be more productive and end up with better results.