3 Ways To Become More Focused During The Middle Aged Stage Of Life

Being focused is one of the key principles that is taught by many as a way of becoming successful. Every successful person will tell you that this is one of the most important thing that you will need to do if  you are going to have any form of success. This becomes so much more important and urgent when going through the middle aged years of life.

The volume on the focus dial seems to be so much higher during this season of life because we are told to focus on our  jobs, family, health, environment, the less fortunate and the the list goes on and on. The recommendation is very much a good one, but as the middle aged person, it can sometimes be overwhelming.

It’s overwhelming because we know that we ought to be more focused now than we have ever been because of the reasons given … we have passed the halfway point in our lives. Here are 3 ways that I have summarized based on some of the voices I have heard on how to become more focused:

1. Find your focus zone – that place where you can have the least amount of distraction as possible. This can be more challenging than it’s made to sound especially if your time has to be divided as spouse, parent, grandparent, boss, etc. As difficult as this may sound, it is crucial.
2. Tell someone of your plans – being held accountable is one of the sure-fire way of finishing what you start. This accountability factor can make a huge world of difference. Knowing that someone will be checking in on you randomly or regularly, keeps you focused. You don’t want to disappoint them or yourself.
3. Take time to celebrate your accomplishment – having points of celebration along the way is as important as #1. Once you make some progress, don’t be so consumed on what haven’t been done yet that you overlook what have been done. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishment. It is psychologically important.

Having said that, I have found that it is not as easy as it is sounds. It requires energy and discipline. The energy part I have most of the times, but I must confess that I lack the discipline, majority of the time. At times I wonder if I have a case of ADHD.
One of my struggles is to remain focused on a project that takes more time than I want to give. I like when I can get something done really quickly and feel the reward of completion. I love those times.

When I am faced with a longer term project, I can be easily distracted. I fight this a lot. As a matter of fact, I have to be in this constant battle so that I can accomplish some of the projects that I dream of. I am a creator and so I’m always in that mode. I can easily start something and then a creative idea comes to my mind and I am off running with that new idea.

In spite of my lack of focus at times, I do find that when I am in my zone – fully focused – I’m less vulnerable to some temptations. Even when they may come to my mind, I am more able to ignore them and keep on target. As a matter of fact, I use self talk around what it is I’m focused on, to get me through those moments. It doesn’t always work, but it does more times than not.

The completion rate for me when I am in my focused zone is a lot higher. It also adds to my satisfaction container. I like how the apostle Paul captures this thought: Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. (Galatians 6:4 NLT)

I believe this is one of the major keys to a life of success and satisfaction and I am making the necessary adjustments to make it happen. This is the time of life – middle age – that each day, week, month and year, have to count.

How about you? What’s your thoughts on this? I would love to hear your thoughts so take a moment and leave a comment below. I am sure your fellow middle aged crowd, would love to hear as well. Let’s continue this dialogue.