Has this ever happened to you?

–You’re sitting in a meeting at work, the boss is talking, you know what he/she is saying affects your job– but… a thought comes in your head about what you need to do later, which leads to a problem to solve, then ways to solve it… and before you know it, you’ve missed a big chunk of the boss’s discourse—until he/she calls your name and asks your opinion on the matter!  Your mind says “Uh oh!”

–You’re sitting in a church service, the pastor is preaching—great message—but… something he says reminds you of something else, which reminds you of something else… until all those something else’s are interrupted by a “Let’s stand for our closing song”!  Your mind says “Wonder what I missed?”

–You’re sitting in class, the professor/teacher is lecturing on something that’s going to be on the final exam—you know you need this—but… you can’t help thinking about all the drama happening in your dorm/at home, and trying to figure out what to do about it… until the bell rings and class is out.  Your mind says “Hope I can get the notes from someone!”

–You’re in a conversation with your husband/wife—they’re saying something you need to listen and respond to—but… your thoughts have traveled to the current sports-league finals, or this week’s meal-planning, or stuff your friends are going through, or that project you need to finish, or that annoying colleague, or wherever your thoughts generally default to.. until your spouse says, “Honey, are you listening?!”  Your mind says “Busted!”

–You start a project or creating something and a random thought comes in.  Or the doorbell rings. Or your phone “ping”s.  Or your computer “dings”.  Or your neighbor “sings” (less likely, but you never know—could just be loud music!)

It happens.  Our minds are “prone to wander”—like a rabbit hopping around in an open field, nibbling at whatever looks good to eat.

What makes our minds wander?

• External distractions: Noises, something funny happening, someone interrupting to talk to us, something interesting appearing in our line of vision, a commotion, etc.
• Internal distractions:

–Worry and anxiety—related to potential or current issues

–Fear—over real and/or perceived threats

–Selfish ambition—pondering how to get that promotion, get known,

get popular, get rich, etc.

–Good intentions—considering who and how to help, good plans, etc.

–Relationships– both positive and negative thoughts about them

–Physical pain—it’s hard to concentrate with a headache or any ache.

–Miscellaneous (that catch-all category of distracting thoughts)

With all of these and more calling our minds from every direction like barkers at a carnival, how can we keep our mind on: What someone is saying?  On an important task?  On something we’re trying to create?  On planning? On anything?

Here’s a list of things that work—I will unpack them in part two:

• Quiet our hearts
• Quiet our environment
• Deal with what we have to
• Delegate
• Prioritize
• Discipline our minds

For now, know that there’s hope and something we can do to improve focus and attention. Stay tuned for part two! 🙂