5 secrets to Finding your Focus for 2024!

We live in a world where multi-tasking is the new normal. We are on the treadmill of "continuous checking" - social media, emails, texts, snapchat. Infinite scroll has increased our phone use by 50%. Approximately 25% of adults in NZ have sleep issues. Most people are unable to work for six minutes before checking their emails. Leisure reading is at an all time low. A friend recently explained to me that her 16 year old daughter now watches all TV and movies with subtitles as she can't comprehend voice alone.

Our attention spans are short - and getting shorter! This has huge implications for wellbeing, productivity, life enjoyment and safety.

We can intentionally make choices to enhance our attention and cultivate an environment that allows us to think more clearly.

Tip #1 - Know Your Values

Take some time to think about what really matters to You! The more important something is to us, the more likely we are to engage and focus on it. I love this from Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/

Consider what aspects of your life align with your values and what could be better.

Tip #2 -Hack your environment

Plan your working day and week in advance to maximise your attentional capacity.

• Use a 'do not disturb sign', headphones or similar for short periods to reduce distractions

• Choose a time of day when others are not in the office to complete demanding work

• Reduce distractions generally - close down tabs on your computer, leave your cell phone in the truck and check periodically not every minute, turn off notifications.

• Set realistic boundaries regarding your availability. Will the world end if you don't respond to that email today?

Tip #3 - Know your thinking zones

I work best in the mornings. I aim to complete all deep thinking work before lunch when I feel more fresh and keep mundane tasks for after lunch.

Tip #4 - Fuel properly

Micronutrients are key! One litre of blood passes around our brains every minute. What we eat has a direct impact on our brain function. Ultra processed junk - lollies, chips, sugary drinks, biscuits add no value at all to our brain power. Think real food. Vegetables, fruit, food your grandparents eat.

Tip #5 - Take your attention to the next level with Workitwell "Find Your Focus" Workshops and one to one coaching. Click on this link to find out more:

https://www.workitwell.co.nz/services