HELP! What Do You Do When You Lose Focus?

ssbarn · Apr 19, 2011

I usually have to find a classical music station for background noise and have a photo of the end prize, like a pic of the kids, or a car or house you are working towards. Sounds crazy, I know, but sometimes I have to see my family because they motivate me more than pretty much anything. A prayer helps, too. Good luck.

karamarie91 · Apr 19, 2011

Just keep your mind on the goal and how urgent all of this is to you. That works for me! Just till yourself, "I CANT afford to procrastinate, or look at this situation negative right now."

Best wishes!

Aaron-Ball · Apr 19, 2011

Think of all the reasons why you are pursuing a career in nursing in the first place. Maybe considering this can help you get back to a place of focus on the tasks at hand.

Saysfaa · Apr 20, 2011

Two different situations and different strategies

First one is: Life by the yard is hard, life by the inch is a cinch. Sometimes the next test is the inch but other times it is the yard. Then I need to find a smaller chunk to go by. If understanding the whole ekg is too much, then maybe just working on the order the heart rhythm letters without looking at what they relate to or anything else.

Second one is: a functioning brain is worth much more than a couple of extra hours of unproductive studying. Sometimes a good nights sleep (or a nap) and/or a good brisk walk will make all the difference and I'll get more done in the following fifteen minuets than I did staring at the material for hours on end.

NCRNMDM, ASN, RN · Apr 20, 2011

While I was getting through my prerequisites I did several things to keep myself interested, and to ensure that I was learning the material. First, I put on some background music that I enjoyed to fill the silence, next I set goals, and finally, I reminded myself that I HAD to have the classes to get into nursing school, and I thought about why I want to be a nurse, and how badly I want it. As far as setting goals, I would tell myself things like, "study for one hour, and you can take a 15 minute break to have a snack, get on Facebook, sit in silence and collect your thoughts, whatever." That way I wasn't going into marathon study mode, something I am guilty of, and I wasn't mindlessly staring at the material with no direction or goal in mind. I also recopy all the notes I take in class. One, because they are neater that way, and easier to read and study, and two, because writing things multiple times helps me remember information, and keeps my mind focused. I will even copy things out of the book into my notes that I don't necessarily need, but think might be on the test. I also make flashcards for myself, and try to turn the material in the book into something more visually appealing and less boring. If you find that studying for an hour at a time is too much, try studying for thirty minutes, followed by a ten minute break. Also, try not to stay in the same place for too long. I often found that sometimes just getting up, walking outside, and standing for one or two minutes helped me a lot. In addition, if you are having a hard time understanding the anatomy and physiology together, try cementing one in your mind first, and then focusing on the other. Don't let yourself get too frustrated because that never leads to productivity. Just try to set up a system that works for you, make sure you allot enough time to studying, and remember to take breaks and give yourself time to process and digest the material you are covering. Good luck!

zbb13 · Apr 21, 2011

I have felt the same way many times (like right before difficult exams that required intense study time). I try to tell myself how THIS is IT...if I let the moment pass, I will never have it again. I try to remember that if I put in the effort, I will succeed. By next week, it will be over, etc.... I have to constantly do this to motivate myself...my life is so hectic already.

Soon2benurse25 · Apr 21, 2011

Well...I guess it's too late to post a suggestion, but good luck on your test today! I'm sure you'll do great.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

Thanks everyone for your great advice... I knew I could count on y'all to kick me into gear. I took the test today and I can honestly say I have NO IDEA where I stand with it. I knew a lot of answers outright.. but there was a bunch I felt like I got wrong. I'm sure no A on this one.. probably not even a B. I'll let y'all know when I know. Thanks again.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

This is one of those times where I am happy to be wrong! I got a 93 and though it's not the most convincing A I'm thrilled since I was expecting in the 70s range! Thanks again y'all for whipping me into shape. :)