THE #1 CUE THAT HELPS ME GET INTO A FOCUSED, PRODUCTIVE STATE
Sep 11, 2024
I caught myself doing it.
There I was, sitting at my desk, ready to focus and get s*!t done. But my brain? Not quite. Craving a quick dopamine hit, it wandered everywhere except where it needed to be.
“I could catch-up on instagram DM’s (tbh, mostly hilarious reels)...”
“I could delete all those junk emails and clean up my inbox…”
“If I reorganize this desk maybe it will inspire me more…”
“I should make that ortho appointment for Carson while I’m thinking about it…”
I was doing what I do when I’m avoiding the thing I need to do most. Can you relate?
You’re not alone, my friend. Even when you have your list and know where your energy should be focused, getting started and locking into flow is often the hardest part!
Today, I’m sharing the #1 cue that helps me get into a focused, productive state: self-regulation. This practice involves managing your thoughts, emotions, and actions to stay in control and maintain focus on the task at hand. It’s a game changer for productivity and typically takes just 3-7 minutes, depending on how restless your mind is.
We access self-regulation through embodiment, which simply means being fully present in your body and grounded in the moment.
So, the next time you reach for your coffee and favorite pen to prepare for a focused work sesh, pause first. Notice how your body feels in the moment, without judgment. Spend a few minutes practicing self-regulation to align your body and your mind.
Try techniques like one of my faves, the 4-7-8 breathing exercise: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds, repeating this cycle four times. Or, try a full-body scan, starting from your head and working down to your toes, pausing at each point of contact between your body and the chair or floor. Another option is to practice orienting, slowly scan the room, finding 5 blue (or any color) items, really focusing on and naming each one.
These practices help you stay connected to your body, manage your thoughts and emotions, and bring your full attention to the present moment. Remember, each small step towards self-regulation gets you closer to mastering your focus. So, the next time you find yourself drifting off, pause, and ground yourself—your productivity will thank you! As always, stay open, brave, and on-purpose.
PS- Consider this blog post your sign to pause right now and self-regulate before moving into your next thing!
