Freedom…It’s in the Mind!

Sparklers, fireworks, family and friend gatherings, picnics, barbeques, parades, and outdoor games are just a few things that seem to go along with the 4th of July. Independence Day was a celebration of freedom for the thirteen colonies that gained separation from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This event eventually led to the formation of the United States of America. It’s a fabulous memory-celebrating and memory-making holiday.

Speaking of memory – how is yours?

It seems the older we get the more frequently we walk into a room and forget why we went there in the first place. I hear this frustration from clients often. So, the question is…Is age the culprit?

Our mind is just like anything else, if we don’t use it…we lose it. The issue in this day and age isn’t if we are using our minds. Instead, it’s about how many directions at once it is being used. We have become masters at multitasking, or so that’s what we believe. The truth is that we are 40 percent less effective when we multitask. I’m often just as guilty as many of you in this regard. If I were a betting woman, I would bet that you have multiple web browsers open. You’re likely responding to text messages, eating lunch, and listening to music right this very minute while reading this blog. Or maybe even a scenario close to that description.

If we are 40 percent less effective then why do we multitask? The same reason is true for all of us because it feels good! It feels good to check many things off our “to-do” list and that feeling of accomplishment boosts our self-esteem. But here’s the kicker…that “self-esteem high” that you feel is duping you into believing a lie.

The truth is that it’s taking you longer to finish your “to-dos” and you would have greater success if you had a disciplined focus! Our brains literally become blocked from the stress of switching back and forth from one activity to the next so repeatedly; hence the reason one might forget why they walked into a room – it’s been blocked!

Our mind is indeed a powerful tool, but it’s time you gain freedom from multitasking for your best success. So, let’s start with gaining that freedom by practicing laser beam focus on single tasks at hand. What a better day to gain freedom from multitasking than on a day in which we celebrate freedom for our country? Ok, it’s a stretch but at least you’ll remember the date in which you took back control of your activities and goals.

Have a fun and safe 4th of July celebration!