Focus for Success

Ever been in a noisy, crowded room trying to complete a task? It's hard to do, isn't it? Now try the same task when you are in a quiet room, free of distractions, where you can really concentrate. The tasks is much easier, doesn't it?

This ability to concentrate, focus, on what is in front of you is a key component of success. The ability to focus becomes even more important when you realize that life is noisy and crowded. So if you can train your mind to shut out the distractions, you'll be ahead of the game.

But if you have siblings, friends, co-workers or other sources of noise in your life, how do you learn to focus? There are a few tips that you can pass on to your children – and even use yourself – to succeed.

Find your space. Where does your child, or you, do your best work? Maybe you're most productive in the kitchen. Maybe it's your bedroom, or an alcove under the stairs. Maybe your favorite workspace is a library, or a home office.

Wherever that space is, take the time to clean it and make it your own. Set up the desk the way you want it, and make sure all needed supplies (like pens, pencils, and paper) are there. Get rid of any clutter. Old newspapers or magazines on the floor? Send them to the trash, or the recycling bin. File folders everywhere? Invest in a filing cabinet and put away anything not associated with the task at hand. Word on one thing at a time – resist the urge to multi-task (which, ironically, makes you less productive because your focus is scattered, instead of being on the task in front of you). You'll be amazed at how much more productive you are.

Set the mood. Along with physical space, it is important to establish a mental space. We've all heard of mood lighting, right? Take it a step further – mood lighting, mood sound, etc. If you, or your child, find music distracting, banish the iPod or the radio. If music is soothing, but only if you aren't taken off task by following lyrics, try classical, jazz, or New Age instrumentals. Keep the volume low!

Make sure you have enough light. If the overhead light isn't sufficient, invest in a desk lamp or one that can be clipped to the table edge or to a book. At the same time, don't overdo the light. Being blinded is just as bad as not being able to see. If there is a window in your space that lets in blinding afternoon sunlight, put up some shades, or blinds, or buy some light-blocking curtains.

Get time on your side. It's true that some people thrive under pressure –they do their best work under deadline. And deadlines are fine, when used in moderation. But if you don't have to rush, why do it? Instead of letting your child wait until the last minute, help her set a schedule. Estimate how much time is needed to complete the task. Set aside at least that much time every day for a week. Even if she is only productive for half of it, she will finish in plenty of time and not feel rushed. We're all familiar with the saying "haste makes waste." Haste is sometimes necessary, but you are much better off when you plan for plenty of time to complete a task at a leisurely, unstressful pace.

Enjoy the success. A lot of people wait until the task is achieved to celebrate. That's all well and good, but don't forget to complement and celebrate along the way. An "atta-boy" compliment can make the difference between flagging in the middle of a task, or pushing through to completion. If you've been working diligently for a couple of hours, take a break and treat yourself to a coffee or a snack. If you see your child making a real effort to stay focused and trying hard, give him a compliment – a simple "You're doing a great job focusing on that homework" is sufficient. When kids get praise from adults for their hard work, they tend to want to continue that hard work because they know you value their efforts and take notice of their success.

So, in the words of Mr. Han from "The New Karate Kid," if you find that "your focus needs more focus," try one of the tips above. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how much success your child – or you – starts to enjoy.

Oakmont Martial Arts is a member of the American Taekwondo Association, the premier North American organization dedicated to the martial arts discipline of taekwondo. They offer training for young children (Tiny Tigers, 3-5), youth (6-13), teens and adults, as well as adult fitness classes. Visit www.oakmontmartialarts.com or their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ataOakmont) for more information, or call 412-826-8004 to schedule an intro.