Concentration Problems??

Concentration is a great topic for us to talk about. With so many important things worth living for, sometimes what we need most is to focus on the task at hand. To reassure you of it's importance - I tried writing this article with my family watching one of my favorite comedy movies, at a high volume, right in front of me. I couldn't think of a single good word. And I simply waited till it was over (of course I watched it all over again), and I am writing now, when I am less distracted.

Note: This topic isn't for kids with ADHD and other attention related disorders. Please visit a psychologist if you have to.

What do we need to be able to concentrate (or focus) on something?

To keep things simple, the answer is just three things, less distractions, enough passion, and more patience. We'll talk about each of these in detail.

Less distractions:

And I mean it. And I don't mean zero distractions by that. I only mean less enough.

The key here, is to understand the two kinds of distractions: those outside the head, and those inside it. Distractions like music, or people talking or working at a distance, but causing little noise. These actually help us focus. And trust me, its easier to fight the outside world than to fight with "yourself".

That's what you have when you are completely left alone, in a completely quite place, with zero distractions - now you have your mind to deal with. All you can think of is your wants, and don't wants. And in a matter of seconds, you are lost in the train of thoughts.

I bet this has happened to you, perhaps while walking the road alone, or when you had no one to talk to, without any music in your ears and novels or videos in front of our eyes. Thoughts do overpower us, because they are us. And they are more than what we think we are, if they are coming from our subconscious. It's not easy fighting a part of us that is bigger than us. We just gotta calm down, relax, accept those thoughts, and get out of there. Some place where we won't have to fight ourselves.

Be passionate (or more than just passionate):

Some people do give advice on internet about being interested, and doing what you want to do most, and it feels great when you begin doing it. But later, your interest fades. Because it's a peaceful mind that has the ability to concentrate, not an excited one. So whether you are excited or distracted, you are disturbed.

You are more focused early morning after you wake up than any other time of day, when your brain has had good rest throughout the night. It's not excited or distracted, it's at peace.

Better means of motivation are having respect for your work, willingness to keep working (irrespective of whether it is fun or not), and having a sense of responsibility towards it.

Think about it, I'm sure you have some examples in your life. Something you were so excited about that it gave you sleepless nights. Remember the joy when you first achieved it. And a few days later, it became an every day normal life. A few days later, you were bored, and after that, you just wanted to showcase it, if other's valued it and/or only so you could see it some day and remember the joy it had brought you. That's what kids do with their favorite toys. That's what people usually do with the paintings they buy, or the awards they earn.

Allow your brain to be at peace.

Patience :

This is something you need most if you just started learning something new. The brain will have to work much harder to rewire itself and adjust to the new environment.

So don't be surprised if you can't memorise twenty words at once if you started learning a new language. Don't be surprised if you are an artist feeling sleepy in a chemistry class.

If you want to learn something new, always start slowly. Hurrying up doesn't give you the time that brain needs to make stronger connections. For example, for a new language, practice five/ ten words a day for a 45 mins/ two hour class. And you'll be able to speed up real quick. If you hurry, don't be surprised if you forget things and have to look back every now and then.

And of course, having a healthy brain is important too. I have one more article about learning effectively here, with some more important tips.

https://steemit.com/health/@pratik27/learning-effectively

Take care.