Concentration Strategies: Minimizing Distractions and Maintaining Focus

1. Chapter 3 Staying Focused

2. Concentration: Weknow it when we see it • The intense expression of a bowler as she prepares to roll • A quarterback who directs a pass to an open receiver despite onrushing linebackers • A student who is reading an assignment so intently that she talks back to the author • A note-taker so absorbed that two full hours seem to tick by in just a few minutes.

3. But what is concentration? • Concentration is focused thinking • Concentration is undivided attention • But concentration is elusive • If you realize you’re concentrating, you’ve stopped concentrating

4. How do you create the conditions for concentration? • By eliminating distractions • By minimizing multitasking • By adopting concentration strategies

5. Two kinds of distractions • External: Anything that stimulates the senses and disrupts concentration • Internal: Distractions that come from within

6. External distractions • Loud or annoying noises • Bad smells, good smells • Attention-getting sights in your field of view • Itches, uncomfortable clothing • What else?

7. Internal distractions • Worries • Daydreams • Anxiety • Indecision • What else?

8. External distractions can be reduced by • Selecting the proper environment • Having the right equipment handy

9. What is the right environment? • A place dedicated to study • A place free of visual distractions • A place with no noise or distracting music • A place where the computer is not in the way

10. What makes upthe right equipment? • Sufficient lighting • A comfortable chair • A pencil to catalyze concentration • A bookstand • Other supplies standing by

11. Internal distractionscan be discouraged by using • A concentration score sheet • A worry pad • The Stop! Technique

12. What is multitasking? • Working on several tasks simultaneously or • Shifting rapidly back and forth between them

13. Multitasking makesyou less productive • It causes forgetfulness • It interferes with concentration

14. Multitasking increases stress • It facilitates procrastination • It creates a loss of control • It can lead to insomnia • It can lead to Attention Deficit Trait

15. Ways to minimize multitasking • Slow down and plan out your day • Finishing one task before starting another • Keep a notepad handy to deal with distractions

16. Concentratingdoesn’t have to be negative • Yes, you need to stop distractions • But you can also promote concentration

17. Ways to promote concentration • Make lists. Keep your mind uncluttered by writing things down • Take breaks: Don’t discourage consolidation or create fatigue. Give yourself regular rests • Maintain a balance: Create equilibrium between an assignment’s challenge and your skill level

18. When challenge andskill level get out of whack • High challenge + Low skill level = Anxiety • Low challenge + High skill level = Boredom • Low challenge + Low skill level = Apathy

19. Ways to maintain a challenge/skill level balance • Find a tutor • Join a study group • Pick out an alternate text • Use programmed materials and workbooks • Set realistic goals