I am an avid reader from shelves of that intoxicating ‘self help and psychology’ section of the bookshop!  Alongside this I listen to wonderfully motivating podcasts.  I am constantly inspired with fantastic ‘ah ha’ moments.  It is quick for me to be ‘rebooted and remotivated’.  BUT, once the book is closed or the talk has ended …I really do completely forget what I was so excited about just a few moments previously!  I wonder if you are the same?     

It is a question of real and intentional focus.  I was running alongside a young friend the other day.  It was he who woke me up to the ‘laziness’ of this habit of moving on from one thing to the next without really taking much in.  I was telling him how I like to read the self development books that are very easy – nothing too theoretical and complex.  I listen to podcasts that just flow.  I like the ease and comfort of it.  And it is this which is the problem.  “Caroline, it is the grappling of material and the debating it that makes if really come alive.  Immerse yourself in what you are reading.  Even if it is just one paragraph at a time, one sentence that you need to cogitate on –  let this be enough.  Trust that you will be enriched and satisfied and infinitely better educated!”.

In letting go of the urge to flit and flutter from one book or podcast to another, I am now learning to focus more purposefully.  And it is making such a satisfying difference.  I am learning to pay proper attention to the the task at hand and this practice is becoming easier.  I am letting go of the ‘wish list’ and finding that less really is so much more!  Frustrating but so true. When I feel my mind wandering and taking me ‘off piste’ I am learning to talk to myself in a way that just recalibrates me and reminds me that what I am doing is important in the long term. I want to remember and retain information. I want to use it because of the value in it. I am learning to accept that less really does mean a bit more!

I am telling you this as I hope that this will help you with YOUR work and your studies. Wrestle with what is in front of you … bit by tiny bit … and you will be amazed as to how much you will end up really understanding and knowing.