Have you ever noticed how some people seem to accomplish a lot with minimal effort while others work hard, but have little to show for themselves? Chances are those individuals suffer from what I call Scattered Thinking Syndrome.
What is STS? Here are some defining characteristics:
·People with STS are typically idea junkies who speak passionately about their grand plans for success, perhaps jumping from one get-rich-quick scheme to another. In conversation they are rarely good listeners, and seem oblivious to the fact that someone else might have something interesting to say.
·People with STS never seem to bring their ideas to fruition. It is hard for them to make a decision and even harder to follow up with action. That’s because their thoughts are so unorganized and overwhelming that they become paralyzed, unable to make a move.
·People with STS are easily distracted and lack the ability to focus.
Does any of this sound like you? If so, the good news is, now you’ve realized it and can take action. Here are some tips to redirect your thinking for overcoming Scattered Thinking Syndrome:
Identify what you want to do. This requires you to organize your thoughts. You will never know the true value and potential of your ideas, talents or training unless you organize your thoughts. Learn how to organize your thoughts effectively so that they serve you in a positive and fulfilling way.
Make sure the task is worth doing. Is it in line with your overall goals? Make sure you say “yes” to the things that really matter in your life and “no” to the things that don’t. There’s no point in expending energy on something that doesn’t matter. Think of the value the achievement of each goal will bring to your life, and keep that feeling on the forefront of your mind. The ability to recognize the value of achieving certain goals in your life is key to your success.
Give the task your undivided attention. Let’s say you need to send out an important email. While you’re writing, do you check to see what your friends are doing on Facebook? Are you simultaneously following a story on TV? Do you remember you need to make a call and so you pick up your phone? If so, you are not giving the task your undivided attention, energy and focus.
We are conditioned to believe that multitasking is a valued skill, but when you spread out your energy, you water it down. You can’t be a master of all things and expect great results. Focused thought will keep you on the fast track for achieving your goals, both big and small.
Identify distractions and eliminate them. As you execute any plan of action, identify what is pulling your attention away from the task at hand and then eliminate it. You may need to turn off the TV, put your cell phone in another room, or log in only to your email account and not Facebook. Even better, don’t get on the Internet at all. Create the message in a Word doc, and then paste it into your email account when you’re finished.
Eliminating distractions will initially take some discipline until it becomes a habit. Just keep in mind that distracted thoughts will not only cost you money, but your most valuable commodity: TIME!
Grand Slam and U.S. Open tennis champion Venus Williams once said, “Fifty percent of tennis is learning the strokes and being fit enough and fifty percent is how well you can control your mind in a match.” The ability to focus on a goal without being distracted is what differentiates players from champions.
Monitor your progress regularly. This will ensure you are indeed on the right track, and will allow you to make corrections while you keep moving forward. If you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over again, or are remaining stagnant, it’s time to change strategies or do something different. And if something isn’t working at all, stop doing it!
Most people don’t even realize they suffer from Scattered Thinking Syndrome. Now that you’re aware of how this can sabotage you reaching your full potential, you can develop good habits to overcome STS. The trend of one’s life can be changed in a short amount of time just by organizing their thoughts, so think wisely!
Be sure to check out my new best seller, Discovering Your Personal Power: 27 Articles of Inspiration, based on the columns I write here for Mesquite Local News. Available in both softcover and download through Amazon at: http://amzn.to/KApKsmor Barnes & Noble at http://bit.ly/Izv6Zd
Nikk Zorbas is a performance coach, author, recording artist, and creator of "The Reveal, Dream Big, Never Quit" program. He splits his time between Las Vegas and Mesquite. His monthly column appears the first Monday of every month onwww.MesquiteLocalNews.com. For more information, visit his website atwww.DiscoveringThePowerOfYou.com