I’m so frustrated right now. It seems I’ve almost completely lost my ability to focus – something I heavily rely on to work. I wish I could figure out what the hec the deal is so I could fix it! I can’t figure out if it’s from not being able to sleep, ever, from stress and worry about kids (although the major stress on that is abating), or from something else.
When I sit down to work my mind just won’t settle down, that’s when it decides to remind me of two dozen things I need to check, half a dozen things I need to write and 3 dozen things my wife wants me to take care of. I’m used to having a singular focus when I sit down to work, usually nothing is able to distract me and THAT becomes a problem. Now it’s completely flipped on its head.
I’m desperately trying to figure out something that will bring it back – checking off a few things that need doing, blasting heavy music at my neural paths, sleep deprivation – NOTHING is working!
I’m going off the rails on a crazy train.
Has this ever happened to you? Any ideas on how to fix it?!?!
12 comments
Skip to comment form ↓
Fokke
November 19, 2008 at 3:57 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Have been there myself every now and then. I always need to sit down somewhere else and just write down everything that is floating around in my mind. In al list or a mindmap. Usually when everything is in front of me focus returns.
You shouldn’t be surprised this is happening right now with everything that is going on in your life. Wish you and your family all the best.
Jesse Stay
November 19, 2008 at 4:13 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My suggestion – get all your thoughts on paper. Write it all down. Then prioritize and organize what you just wrote down. Once it’s out of your head and organized, you no longer have to think about it – just rely on the paper. That’s how I handle the times it’s hard to focus and when I have too much to do.
John
November 19, 2008 at 7:00 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I agree with Jesse. Write everything down.
To take it to the next level, and if you have some free time, read “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. It is all about the exact problem you are having.
Randall
November 19, 2008 at 7:26 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Dude, this is what I have to deal with on a constant basis. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s called ADHD.
http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/adhd/index.html
If you have ADHD, there are a ton of resources for dealing with it. Knowing is half the battle.
Phil801
November 19, 2008 at 8:01 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
@fokke you and jesse have the right idea with getting it out of my head. thanks for the pointers and the well wishes!
Thanks @jesse, writing things down sounds like such an obvious answer, but it’s one that I hadn’t thought of! I’ve got a pad of paper with me today to follow your advice with.
@john – I haven’t read GTD for several years, thanks for the tip, i’ll start reading it again
@randall you’re right about it being ADD, my break down is that my usual techniques for managing it aren’t working anymore! That’s why things are making me so crazy.
Phil801
November 19, 2008 at 8:09 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
@randall – here’s my results to the test:
Adult ADD/ADHD Screening Quiz Answers
Total score of: 87 (70 or Above, High Probability of ADHD)
Corrie
November 19, 2008 at 8:42 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Maybe you’ve got some anxiety? I know when there are a number of factors out of my control (ie, medical crises), my ability to focus completely flies out the window.
I also think not sleeping is a huge part of the problem. Somehow, you’ve got to address that as well. It really affects your cortisol levels (and that’s what helps you deal with stress) negatively if you’re not sleeping from 10-2.(I know, who goes to bed at 10, right?) I take melatonin about 30 minutes before I’ve decided to go to bed and then no electronics after that, just reading or listening to music.
It sounds like you’re in “putting out fires” mode – maybe it’s time to create a firebreak?
Jordy
November 19, 2008 at 9:21 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I also find that working somewhere else helps A LOT.
As far as “writing it down”, try Hiveminder. I really like it because you can access it from anywhere, prioritize, leave notes, and mostly because you don’t need to bring a paper around with you. So whenever I remember something that I need or want to do, I put it there immediately so I can forget about it.
Amanda
November 23, 2008 at 4:21 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Caffeine. And ADHD meds. Seriously. Without it a certain man in my life can’t function. Caffeine is my drug of choice.
And for crying out loud – figure out a way to get some sleep. You & Adria should take turns sleeping somewhere that you won’t be disturbed. Either a hotel or a neighbors house.
Yoga. Meditation. But I can’t quite picture you doing either of those
Good luck.
assignment
November 29, 2008 at 4:32 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My suggestion – get all your thoughts on paper. Write it all down. Then prioritize and organize what you just wrote down.
Darryl
December 1, 2008 at 1:30 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Dude:
you need to go running or something physical activity.
Helps be stay focused…
Los Angeles
December 6, 2008 at 1:39 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
try writing down everything you need to do on a piece of paper – then do them one by one