Having Trouble Focusing? Look at What You’re Consuming

We’re heading into the new year! This is a time when we become inspired to create new habits and go after new (or old) goals. It’s a fresh start, a blank slate.

Although the newfound inspiration that comes with the new year is great, it will eventually wane. Most people stop working towards new year goals within the first 21 days of setting them. Setting goals and having dreams is important. They are what keep us evolving and prevent us from feeling stuck. However, we can’t simply wish our dreams into existence. We have to identify what we want and then follow through and do the work to reach them. To continue on when inspiration is fleeting, dedication and focus must take over.

To commit to your goals; you have to consistently work on them. If you find yourself having a hard time staying on track and focused then take an audit of the things you’re consuming.

Whenever I find myself in a lull, or like I’m “stuck”, I take inventory of the things I’m consuming. I can usually pinpoint where my energy is being used where I’d prefer it to go towards other things.

Energy and focus are finite resources. At some point during the day, they’re going to run out. When we want to evolve, it’s important we use our energy and our ability to focus to create things we want to and not let it dwindle away.

If you have goals but find yourself struggling to execute, sit down and take an honest look at what you’re consuming. This includes social media, television, people, text messages, family members, gossip, the news. All of it. Where are you putting your energy? Are these things inspiring you? Do you leave interactions with people feeling energized or are you left feeling drained and exhausted? Do you go on tik tok for a 5 minute work break and then 45 minutes later find yourself crying over a video of a dog that passed away? (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience.) When you scroll on social media are you inundated by the next catastrophe or do you find tips on how to be more productive? Are you watching House Wives of New Jersey or are you meditating? I’m not saying one is better than the other. What I am saying is what you consume either fuels your energy or sucks it from you. Be discerning. Take note of what leaves you feeling good and like you can conquer what you have set out for yourself. Do more of those things. Don’t go on social media until your work for the day is done. Replace the news playing in the background with uplifting music. The hundreds of different pulls for our attention through the day takes energy and focus from us. It adds up. Be intentional about what you consume and make sure it isn’t preventing you from getting where you want to be. Curate your environment to set you up for success, it makes a huge difference.