The Brain Boost Routine
Episode #10 of the course How to stay focused: Ten top hacks for motivation by K.C. Finn
Throughout the duration of this course, we have focused a great deal on the formation of small habits, with the idea that eventually all of the small, positive habits that you develop will produce an overall improvement in work patterns, behavior, and ways of thinking. This all leads to a more motivated and focused working life. In the final lesson of the course, we look at how those habits can be translated into a daily regime for success, one which I like to call the Brain Boost Routine.
Pre-Work Habits
Set your Attitude For Success (Lesson One) with daily affirmations before the working day starts. Acknowledge your concerns and worries, but put them aside so that they don’t distract you from the tasks you need to complete.
Don’t let large projects daunt you. Make sure you know how to break them down into manageable moments (Lesson Two), even if those chunks are very tiny indeed. Every step builds towards the greater journey, and celebrate each one as you head towards success.
Produce your daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists in a format that keeps things clear, bright, and positive (Lesson Three). Track your progress with percentages or numerical goals, and acknowledge the wide variety of different tasks that you’re able to accomplish on any given day. You can learn a lot about your working habits and adjust for the future by assessing your lists again at the end of each day.
During-Work Habits
Set regular breaks for yourself and avoid watching that clock (Lesson Four). Time-management comes from making time work for you and getting lost in it whilst you work, so enjoy that free-flowing feeling without the tick-tock of pressure on your back.
When a task is hard and requires deep concentration, hit it with a Pomodoro or two (Lesson Five). Committed moments of sustained concentration for 25 minutes are proven to help your brain engage more deeply with trying tasks.
If you find your concentration wearing off and boredom seeping in, examine the nature of the problem you’re facing and find the right solution. If you’re having a physical slow down, make changes to your scenery and surroundings as well as your physical position (Lesson Six) in order to boost your stimulus. Note down any changes that produce good results, and keep going with them in the future.
If your concentration is waning because the method you’re using is getting frustrating or hard to focus on, give yourself a break to see if you can develop an alternative that better suits your learning style (Lesson Seven). Make a note of any alternative methods that really work for you and make sure you’re set up with the right equipment to turn to them as and when you need to.
Outside Of Work Habits
Take care of yourself in any way that’s possible (Lesson Eight). Whether it’s remembering to stay hydrated, taking proper rest breaks, or giving yourself a break when you’re having a tough time, it’s important to remember that you’re a person first and a worker second. We all want to be motivated, productive people, but a single achievement on a hard day is to be celebrated just as much as ten achievements on a good day. Keep up with your self-assessment and be kind to yourself as you undergo this journey.
Take on the challenge day by day, and have faith that good habits will build and become easier as time passes (Lesson Nine). Regular focus and motivation in your work is a long-term goal that has no quick fix, so it’s important to celebrate each step that you implement and reward yourself for using the new tools in your toolkit when you hit those inevitable stumbling blocks. Always remember that you’ve got this, and you can overcome anything that stands in your way with the tools you have at hand.
It’s time to say goodbye for now! I sincerely hope that this course has provided you with a wealth of information, tips, and tricks on staying focused and achieving your goals. If you’re looking for more on productivity and creative education, don’t forget to take a look at my other Highbrow courses, which teach creative mindfulness activities and practical techniques for writing, editing, and setting up a freelance business from home.
I wish you the very best in all your endeavors and would like to thank you for taking this course. Until we meet again!
K.C. Finn
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