How to Find Focus in a Hyperkinetic World

Focus takes fight. Educators at the American Management Association (AMA) describe our hyperconnected world as a place where we're more networked than ever, but in which we connect with our most intimate friends and family through electronic media and superficial, quick conversations. But there's hope. And we have to fight for it. Those at the AMA assert that not only is focus attainable in a hyperkinetic world, but that it's the key to recapturing our ability to reconnect, reflect and relax.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a breath. When you feel overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks or thoughts, give yourself permission to take them one at a time. In the book "Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life," author David Allen notes one man who gave himself such permission after he made a list of everything he thought he would, could, should or might do. Make your own list.

• 2

  Make a schedule. After listing your priorities, determine how, or if, you will do them. Organize from macro to micro, from yearly to daily. Plan your day, and during the course of your day, take notes, if necessary. Jotting down quick notes to consider later at a less hectic time can help make heavy moments lighter.

• 3

  Cut back. The saying, "we should work to live, not live to work" weighs in as an important factor in finding focus. Pay attention to leisure activities. These can easily be, when crammed together with too many other activities (such as on the weekend) a source of disarray rather than rejuvenation.

• 4

  Don't just network: socialize. The "Harvard Business Review" reports that those who isolate themselves physically are more likely to suffer from a condition called attention deficit trait (ADT). This disorder, in contrast with attention deficit disorder, refers to those who consistently cannot concentrate because of their stress-inducing environments.

• 5

  Get spiritual. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say that spirituality can help with focus and stress reduction as much as exercising more, eating healthy foods and talking with friends. Spirituality gives a sense of purpose so as to focus less on unimportant things and more on what matters most.

• 6

  Get help if necessary. Some, whether a child or adult, may be suffering from a hyperkinetic disorder that hinders focus. The only short-term solution may be medication, behavioral therapy, or both. Check with your physician.