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Having a hard time finding focus?

November 14, 2016 by Jane Boyd

Finding focus

It can be hard to find focus sometimes.

A few months ago, I was talking with a colleague who was having a hard time finding focus in their work. They spoke of feeling pulled in multiple directions and of many obligations — both at work and with their family. As I listened, I could hear how frustrated they were feeling. It was obvious that a few things needed to shift for them. They needed to create a path that would get them moving forward in a more focused way. A path that was achievable and that would help to reduce the level of distractions they were experiencing. They needed to find a way to feel a true sense of control over their life.

Working together, we set out to make a list of ideas and strategies that, when practiced, had the potential to really assist them. Here’s a few key things we put on that list . . .

  • Reduce interruptions when focus is needed! This meant finding the least distracting spot to work, eliminating the constant notifications on their computer and smart phone and planning ahead to maximize productivity during the quietest moments of the day.
  • Stop working. Really! This was critical — often my colleague would keep working long into the night — when they were overtired and actually not productive at all. Instead of pushing themselves to keep on going we agreed that they would set a regular time to stop their work. This would support them to move on in their day and to be sure they were enjoying time with family and friends more frequently.
  • Look after self. These were simple self care ideas — but they mattered. Going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Finding moments in the day to breathe more deeply, calming busy thoughts in their mind and being more mindful throughout the day. It also included eating more real food and less junk food – and — actually remembering to eat. Oh – and getting their body moving. Going for walks or for a swim several times a week.

Today, things have improved. My colleague tells me they feel more focused and less distracted. These improvements show in the projects they are working on and in how they are generally feeling. They seem more at ease. They are also more aware of what works and doesn’t related to maintaining ongoing focus and eliminating distractions.

Finding your way to focus can be difficult. Sometimes the more we try to achieve focus the more distracted we become. It can be good to get out of your own head and discuss your thinking with another person. You’d be amazed just how many other people also struggle with distractions and maintaining focus. Other people can offer you solid ideas and suggestions that can make a real difference.

Do the things you need to do — so you can reduce the distractions in your life and improve your overall focus. Finding focus will make everything so much easier, faster and more rewarding.

Put Your Mind to It

The next time you find yourself having difficulty with focus or you feel distracted from your work — take note. Ask yourself what is happening that is causing you to feel that way? Consider what you can change up in your life. Talk about it with a close colleague or friend and get their input.

More from Successful-Blog on Focus

The Most Important Thing You Can Focus On Today

Distraction or Opportunity?


Jane Boyd is a Partner in GeniusShared. She is also the CEO of 45 Conversations Media & Education Ltd, a Canadian education and training company based just outside of Vancouver Canada. She works with educators, business, community and government in the areas of early learning, work-life, community development and employee engagement.

Filed Under: Productivity, Sharing Genius Tagged With: distraction, focus

Sometimes We Outgrow Our Stories

October 31, 2016 by Jane Boyd

Sometimes we outgrow our stories.
Sometimes we outgrow our stories.

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend. We were sharing stories from days gone by about each of our lives. We hopped from one story to the next — based on what each of us were sharing. It was really an incredible discussion as we were each learning from the other through the power of the stories we were telling.

Over the last few years I’ve been much more aware of the way I share my own personal stories with others. Of what it is that I’m putting out into the world. And of how the stories I tell impact others as well as myself. It’s become somewhat of an acquired skill — being truly aware of exactly what my stories are and how I share them. Of what they mean to me. I suppose you could say I have a new level of self awareness when it comes to the stories I tell myself and others.

Anyway, there my friend and I were sharing stories. Funny stories, sad stories and stories that make you think — that cause you to question your perspective on things. We reached a point in the discussion, where it seemed like the right moment for me to share a story that I often tell. One from my past that has always brought to mind a series of mixed thoughts and emotions. I told the story just as I always have. And the response was the same as it often is — one of interest and engagement. Yet, as I was telling the story I realized something. I wasn’t feeling the same way I usually did about this particular story. In fact, the further I got into the story the more I realized that I might just have outgrown the story. That perhaps it was actually no longer as relevant to my life or the person I am today. By the time I was finished the story, it was as though I knew the story wouldn’t be sitting on the same bookshelf of stories in my life any longer. It truly was a story from my past — and it no longer represented who I am today.

It’s important to remember that we decide the stories that decide our lives. And that sometimes we outgrow our stories — because we change, move on or let go of things that once held onto us. Learning to recognize when it’s time to retire a story so you can move on to write new stories in your life is essential. It’s the difference between building your future vs living in the past.

Put Your Mind to It

The next time you find yourself sharing stories about who you are, your life and you past — take a moment to reflect. Are they really the stories you want to tell about yourself? Do they align with the person you are today?

More from Successful-Blog . . .

What are the four elements of human freedom?

Five ways to attack the hard things in your business


Jane Boyd is a Partner in GeniusShared. She is also the CEO of 45 Conversations Media & Education Ltd, a Canadian education and training company based just outside of Vancouver Canada. She works with educators, business, community and government in the areas of early learning, work-life, community development and employee engagement.

Filed Under: P2020, Sharing Genius Tagged With: Jane Boyd, stories, stories we tell ourselves, the stories we tell ourselves

What is GeniusShared?

October 17, 2016 by Jane Boyd

In this week’s episode of Keeping Curious, Jane and Gigi have a conversation that is everything GeniusShared. In the Put Your Mind To It section of the podcast, Jane offers ways you can reach out and support the people around you.

Episode Highlights

1:50 – How GeniusShared came to be.

6:30 – Gigi asks about the connection that exists between Jane and Liz as business partners.

11:00 – What Jane would say to people who might feel intimidated to join the GeniusShared community.

14:00 – Jane gives a shout out to Molly Cantrell-Kraig, Founder of the Women With Drive Foundation.

15:35 – Gigi describes what it’s like to be a part of the GeniusShared community.

17:29 – Jane talks about how a high trust environment is created during a GeniusShared environment and the good that can come from it.

25:00 – Gigi asks Jane about her quest to find her voice and how it has changed things for her.

31:45 – Gigi asks Jane what she would like to see next for GeniusShared.

36:44 – Jane and Gigi discuss Rosemary O’Neill and the role that she has played in relation to Successful-Blog.

39:27 – What you can Put Your Mind To this week.

About this Podcast

Keeping Curious, the GeniusShared Podcast where each week Liz Strauss or Jane Boyd meets with Gigi Peterkin to discuss business, life & all things GeniusShared.

Does fear hold you back?

October 12, 2016 by Jane Boyd

In this week’s episode of Keeping Curious, Liz and Gigi have a conversation that covers a number of areas — fear seems to be a common theme throughout the discussion. Plus, Gigi asks Liz about holding people to a higher standard. In the Put Your Mind To It section of the podcast, Liz offers advice on how to get past fear when you walk in a room.

Keeping Curious Highlights

1:08 – Gigi asks Liz about the structure of Anything You Put Your Mind To.

7:26 – Liz and Gigi begin discussing “The Problem with Parties”; a chapter from Liz’s book.

10:05 – Gigi asks Liz about her experience of being an introvert and Liz’s thoughts on how to figure out if you are an introvert or an extrovert.

15:30 – Gigi and Liz discuss the being preparing for an event, the scheduling of time and transitions from one activity to another.

27:53 – Gigi asks Liz about her earliest fears in life and the way fear impacts our lives.

34:15 – Does Liz hold people to a higher standard? How people can change the stories they tell themselves.

42:00 – What you should put your mind to this week: Liz advises on how to reduce your fear when you walk into a room.

About this Podcast

Keeping Curious, the GeniusShared Podcast where each week Liz Strauss or Jane Boyd meets with Gigi Peterkin to discuss business, life & all things GeniusShared.

Book Structure, The 65th Crayon & More – Ep. 04

October 3, 2016 by Jane Boyd

Jane and Gigi have a great conversation that covers a range of topics —  more on Liz Strauss’ new book, 45 live video conversations that Jane held, the stories we tell ourselves, The 65th Crayon, GeniusShared and more.

Highlights of Episode 4

1:35  – Gigi and Jane discuss the way Liz Strauss’ new book Anything You Put Your Mind To is structured.

7:20 – Gigi asks Jane about the following quote, which can be found on page 118 of Anything You Put Your Mind To — “The easiest way to tell if someone likes you is by how much you like that someone. If you very much enjoy someone’s company it’s very unlikely they don’t enjoy yours. We tend to like people who like us. We think that they have really good taste. We think they’re smart too.”

9:44 – Jane talks about the 45 conversations she held via live video with 45 people around the world.

14:49 – Gigi asks Jane what people are saying about Anything You Put Your Mind To.

18:21 – Gigi and Jane discuss the chapter The 65th Crayon. Gigi asks Jane if she has ever felt like a 65th crayon.

21:50 – Jane tells a story about the first time she met AJ & Melissa Leon — and a story she was telling herself when she spoke with AJ during that meeting.

24:38 – Gigi asks Jane what’s next.

29:55 – What to put your mind to this week.

About this Podcast

Keeping Curious, the GeniusShared Podcast where each week Liz Strauss or Jane Boyd meets with Gigi Peterkin to discuss business, life & all things GeniusShared.

 

The Balance Rule & More – Ep. 3

October 1, 2016 by Jane Boyd

Liz and Gigi discuss many of the key messages that are in Liz’s new book — Anything You Put Your Mind To, which was recently published by GeniusShared Press. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Highlights from Keeping Curious – Ep. 3

  • 0:35 – How Liz’s came up with the title of the book.
  • 7: 14 – Liz’s talks about the book cover illustration and artwork by Jackie Shelley
  • 10:17 – Gigi asks Liz about The Balance Rule in Anything You Put Your Mind To
  • 20:00 – Liz discusses which character in the book she most identifies with.
  • 29:00 – Liz talks about her approach to writing the book and her writing style.
  • 32:00 – What’s next for Liz – personally and in business.

About this Podcast

Keeping Curious, the GeniusShared Podcast where each week Liz Strauss or Jane Boyd meets with Gigi Peterkin to discuss business, life & all things GeniusShared.

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