"I just can’t focus on work right now."
If I had a pound for every time I’ve seen this on Twitter over the past couple weeks I’d have enough money to be isolating in a mansion. Or a house on the beach doing my writing with a view. But I get it. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic and a complete lockdown, doing work is the last thing we want to do.
It’s a scary time to be locked up in our homes with no where to go and no one to see and it’s challenging on the mind more than anything else. We have never more desperately needed to find ways to keep ourselves sane. But that’s another post, see https://alicjashannon.wixsite.com/website/post/self-isolation-what-can-i-do
In a way this time reminds me of times in my life where I’ve had to ignore the reality of the moment for the future I wanted. Whether that’s been because the present sucked and I needed to focus so that I could eventually escape or out of determination to build something for myself. It reminds me of when I planned my days out down to the hour for my A-levels. 8 hours of studying a day. Non-negotiable. I was determined do well.
It all comes down to discipline. It’s like the sweet experiment, right? The one where they put sweets in front of children and tell them they can have one now or two later. Delay what you want to do now. Staring at the wall, getting sucked into a Netflix black hole, watching cats on YouTube or sleeping all day. Delayed gratification leads to sweeter success. You can still watch Brooklyn nine-nine. Just get things done.
It feels good to tick off that to-do list.
If you really think about it, the next few months of discipline and self-discovery could set you on a brighter path for your future. You can discover your passions and elevate your career goals.
“But I don’t know where to start”
Start anywhere. Something is always better than nothing. Even if its notes, even if it's reading around the subject or aiming for 200 words on a page. The job is one step closer to done.
Begin with planning your days out. Be specific with what you want to achieve. Include things you like to do.
1. Tidy my room
2. Read my book
3. Go for a run
4. 2 hours on my assignment
5. Watch the notebook
6. Watch a YouTube video on a subject you’re studying
7. Bubble bath
That way ticking things off feels more fun. Next. Prioritise. Start with what's most important and throw in something fun after to motivate you.
How good does it feel to know you’re on top of things? Maybe that’s just me… I feel at peace knowing I’m on top of things and life isn’t slipping through my hands. Don’t be a passenger in your own life and let opportunities pass you by. In the middle of all this chaos there is one glimmering opportunity. A chance to get organised, refreshed and passionate.
You have a chance to slow down and figure out your next move.
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I believe this isn’t just comfort food there’s again an element of discipline. Each day has trouble of it’s own, but it takes discipline to not let your own thoughts run riot and focus in on the moment and the tasks in front of you.
There’s a balance of ease and discipline. Maybe true happiness come when you have your mind under control. Now back to Brooklyn nine-nine and guilt free too. You deserve it.
In case you need it:
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Papyrus
Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
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