Self-discipline is about finding compelling reasons to do something then committing yourself to see that task or activity through to the very end.
"I can't concentrate." "My mind wanders when I try to study.” “I losing my focus”
Lack of concentration is one of the most frequent complaints heard on a college campus.
Lack of concentration is one of the most frequent complaints heard on a college campus.
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Concentration is a skill that can be adopted as any other skill through practice.
Begin by practicing techniques like:
- Be Here Now: This deceptively simple strategy is probably the most effective. When you notice your thoughts wandering astray, say to yourself: “Be Here Now”.
- The Spider Technique: strategy that sounds deceptively simple. But it is the basis for concentration because it helps you to maintain your concentration and not give in to distractions.
- Worry Time: Schedule your worry/thinking time. When your mind is side-tracked into worrying during the day, remind yourself that you have a special time for worrying. Then, let the thought go for the present, and return your focus to your immediate activity
https://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/career/concentr.html#spidertechnique
Factors that you can immediately control:
- Study at the same time each day. A regular schedule can help you frame this as “study time”
- Minimize distractions by creating gadget-free zones, in other words make sure your environment is conducive to studying — no TV, no telephone, as you will waste your time on media instead of focusing on learning.
- When you are working on the computer, close extra windows on the screen: Keep only the windows open you need for the task at hand.
- Set a timer for half an hour or an hour, do not allow yourself to stop studying until it goes off.
- Get break and oxygenate your brain! Get up and walk around the room for a couple of minutes. When we sit for long periods, blood tends to pool in our lower body and legs (because of gravity). Our calves serve as pumps for our blood when we walk, getting blood flowing more evenly throughout the body. As a result, more oxygen is carried to the brain and you are more alert. Sometimes wandering mind will need a bit longer break, but just before you take it, write down what time you will return to your work, and make a commitment to it.
- Create and follow your to-do lists.
- Mind your multitasking. Multitasking lowers your work quality and efficiency. Our brains are designed to focus on one thing at the time and bombarding them with information only slows them down
- Chart your energy levels. When is your energy level at its highest? When are your low energy times? Study your most difficult courses at your high energy times. Sharpest early in the evening? Study your most difficult course then. Later in the evening? Work on your easier courses or the ones you enjoy the most.
- Make studying an active process: take notes and make review sheets. Intersperse different kinds of study into one session, e.g. reading, writing, taking notes, memorizing, etc.
In summary:
The rewards for improving your concentration and focus can be priceless.
- You will gain the ability to recall information given in lectures.
- You will be able to accomplish more in the same period of time.
- Get ready to experience changes in your social life (undivided attention - appreciation - undivided attention).
- Rise of self confidence.