Struggling to Stay Focused? You’re Not Alone!
By MPK Advisors
Do you find it challenging to follow through on a goal? Trust me, you are not alone. As a lifelong learner and self-proclaimed collector of ‘useless knowledge,’ I have often felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what truly deserves my attention. Currently, I am on a mission to conquer the CPA exams, and this journey has been a perfect opportunity to dig deep, identify my main struggles and hone in on practical ways to stay focused on the big picture.
Here’s what has been helpful for me thus far:
1. The Pomodoro Technique
Remember that little kitchen timer your grandma had? Well, it’s time to bring it back!
Break down your study sessions into intervals of 25 minutes using the Pomodoro
Technique (Italian for tomato). When that timer goes off, take a 5-minute break! Stretch,
get up, have a sip of water – do anything that isn’t studying. Pushing yourself past your
limit won’t do your mind any favors. In other words: step away from the books!
You may return to your seat after your break.
2. Take a Breath
Did you remember to take your breaks? That is great! Whenever I am ready to hit the
books again, I make a point to focus on my breathing before (and while) diving back in.
Changing the ratio of your breaths is a great starting point to releasing stress and
tension: start by breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of eight for a few
minutes. A variation of that breathing technique is Box Breathing, which can also help
reduce stress and increase focus and attention.
3. If Possible, Have a Dedicated Study Space
Ideally, having a room dedicated to studying for the exams is great! That might feel like
a huge luxury and slightly out of reach. Even if a dedicated room isn’t available, a quiet
corner is more than enough if you can dedicate that space to studying and only
studying. That means keeping your phone and any other distracting devices away from
the area!
4. Dropping the Ball is Part of the Process
Life happens and sometimes we fall away from our aspirations. What would you say to
a child who fell off their bicycle or made a mistake when trying something new? You’d
likely encourage the little one to get up, wipe the dust off their clothes and try again.
Just as you would encourage a child to keep going, I am here to remind YOU that the
same applies for adults setting and attempting to reach their goals! If you took a week
break, a month break or even a decade-long break from studying (or really any goal you
have), you can always come back to your dedicated space. You can try again.
It is there and waiting for you when you’re ready to pick yourself back up.
You would be amazed at what you can accomplish if you pace yourself and remember
to take a breath.
Are you a student or recent graduate eager to get out there and make a difference in
the world? MPK Advisors & CPAs are always on the lookout for talented and bright
minds and would love to hear from you! Please see our ‘Careers’ page for more
information and feel free to email us at Careers@MPKAdvisors.com.
