Module nine keeping yourself focused. staying focused is easier said than done. Even with smart goals and schedules, there is always something trying to distract us. We can become overwhelmed by everything that we do. Looking at the big picture can be discouraging and cause us to lose heart. Fortunately, there are useful methods that help people stay focused.
The one minute rule. Everyone hates doing the little things. They seem unimportant, but when left to pile up, they can destroy focus and waste time. Did you ever let the sink pile up with dishes? How long did it take to do the pile of dishes, but one minute really eliminates this type of situation. It reduces stress and creates focus.
The one minute rule advises people to complete any task that only takes a minute. Examples include filing a paper, putting office supplies away or washing a dish. A minute does not really cut into your schedule and it saves gives you time in the long run. Filing a single paper every day takes a minute. Filing a month of papers will require much more time. The five minute rule schedules help people focus and manage their time better when they are done correctly.
A common mistake that people make with schedules is making them too strict. It is not possible to plan the day down to the minute. When creating a schedule follow the five minute rule. The five minute rule is simple. allow at least five minutes between tasks. A slight buffer will provide time to complete one task before transitioning to another.
What to do when you feel overwhelmed, everyone becomes overwhelmed. It is important however not to let your feelings control your actions. There are steps to take whenever you feel overwhelmed that will make it easier to regain focus. Steps stop. Slow down before you panic and try to keep perspective. Take a moment To relax and think when you were overwhelmed, take breaks.
Plan to take a five minute break for every hour of work. Use the time to try relaxation techniques. Break down tasks, break tasks into smaller steps. Sleep, get enough rest to ensure you can think critically