Cliff's
Blog Radio Interview
![[Cliff's Pic]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/28.gif?a=1103613982917)
Cliff will be interviewed by Elizabeth Ann
Bakke on the BlogTalkRadio
Podcast.
AIR DATE: Friday,
August 20, 2010
2:00 PM
EST
1:00 PM CST
TOPIC:
Concentration and Focus
Cliff will address questions such as, "Does your mind wander?" "Do you have a problem concentrating?" "Do you go from project to project without completing any of them?"
CALL-IN
NUMBER:
(347) 857-4311
WHERE:You can listen to the interview live
or
on demand at the blogtalkradio web
site. |
Special Offer!
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"One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular. Most fail simply because they major in minor things.
~
Anthony Robbins, motivational author & speaker
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HSP Gathering Retreat
Celebrating the 20th HSP Gathering Retreat since 2001.
WHEN: September 2-6, 2010
WHERE:
Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma CA
Presenters and speakers include Elaine Aron, Dr. Ted Zeff, Jenna Avery, Kristine Carey, Barrie Jaeger, and Jacquelyn Strickland.
Non-workshop activities will include Creativity Night, Music & Dance Night, and Art Night, as well as plenty of time to socialize with fellow HSPs.
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Become a fan of
The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company
on Facebook. |
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Dear ,
 I love August! Whenever I think of August, I think of warm weather, being outdoors, going to the beach, and backyard barbecues. Words that come to mind are carefree, relaxed, and vacation.
The summer recharges my emotional and physical batteries. I seem to think more clearly at this time of year, and I do my best to fully enjoy the season. Focusing on the good things in life enhances my attitude and overall well-being.
August Special Offer:
Buy any 4 music CDs from my web site, and I will email you the electronic version of my book, Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity (value $10.95), for free. Offer ends 8/31/10.
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Cliff's Wellness Update
I'm doing better! While I'm still not 100%, I'm grateful to be making significant progress. I feel optimistic about the future.
My regular exercise regimen has been helping my physical well-being. I'm taking advantage of some counseling sessions, and my mental outlook is improving (more on this in future newsletters.)
Though I still have my challenges, I feel as though I'm effectively handling the stress in my life. Even better, I'm channeling my energy and focusing on what I truly want. I feel a new sense of excitement about my business, and I'm working on some new HSP programs. Stay tuned! |
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Feeling Frazzled?
 Do you think about too many things at one time? Does your ability to concentrate and focus seem compromised? Are you easily overwhelmed?
Many of us (myself included) would answer "yes" to these questions. Since highly sensitive people process and absorb more emotional and physical information than average, these feelings are very common. Left unchecked, they can become road blocks to a peaceful and productive life.
Getting caught up in everyday activities distracts us from what's really important in our lives. We clutter our brains with trivial things that interfere with our concentration and drain our energy.
True concentration, on the other hand, is devoting your full attention to a specific task. I know from personal experience that this is easier said than done. As a deep-thinking highly sensitive person, my mind is always going in many different directions. This causes even more stress on my already overactive nervous system.
Below are some tips to break the pattern of frazzled thinking.
- Formulate a specific plan for what you'd like to accomplish. Lack of a definite plan creates unfocused action and muddled thinking, which opens the floodgates to unwanted and unproductive thoughts. The more you know what you want and have the desire to do it, the better your focus becomes.
- Work with your biological clock. What is the best time of day for you to concentrate? When do you have the most energy? Whenever possible, use this "optimal" time to work on tasks that are important or require deep concentration. Save the mundane activities for the time of day when your energy level is lower.
- Be aware of what distracts you. Make a list. In order to fix a problem, you must first be aware of it. Once you know your distractions, reduce or eliminate them whenever possible.
- Know what relaxes you. Pay attention to the things that soothe you. One thing that works really well for me is listening to Essential Sound CDs (these are designed specifically for people with overactive nervous systems and are available on my site). When I wrote Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity, I found the Calm CD to be a godsend. I never would have stayed on track without it.
- If you find that you are truly stuck and unable to concentrate, take a short break. While many of us will instinctively try to force our way through a dry spell, this can do more harm than good. Lack of concentration is usually a sign that your mind needs a breather. Sometimes just a 15-minute break can do wonders for a frazzled mind.
- Schedule time for leisure and enjoyment.
Allowing yourself to relax and recharge can pay huge dividends in the long run.
This should be obvious, but how many of us actually do this?
- Take care of your mind and body. Proper rest, diet, and exercise are the foundation for being able to think and feel your best. When you don't feel right, you won't think right.
 There will always be distractions in your life. It's crucial to implement strategies that can cut through the clutter and help you focus on what's truly important. The benefits, which come in the form of less stress, better self-esteem, and a greater sense of accomplishment, are well worth the effort.
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The Road of Life
 The road is empty and without traffic lights. All I can see before me are reflective road stripes. While driving, it suddenly occurs to me to compare my current ride to my journey through life.
I imagine myself as an automobile forging my way through the night. The road behind me is filled with my experiences, both good and bad. That part of the journey is known because I have already traveled it.
The road before me - my future - is dark and hazy, except for the small part that lies in view, but even that is uncertain. I can only imagine what is just around the corner, and this fear of the unknown feels very distressing.
My mind starts to wander. How do I keep from getting lost? Perhaps I need to formulate a plan. Maybe I should set a goal somewhere in the darkness of uncertainty. Otherwise, I'll drive around aimlessly and never find my true destination. I pull over, consult my map, and jot down a route.
As I continue on, I see the tail light of a slow moving vehicle in front of me. Can I overtake and pass this obstacle? I cautiously approach, and in a sudden burst of perseverance, I pass the car and leave it far behind.
 It doesn't take long for me to realize that there are lots of "crazy drivers" on the road. These people drive too fast, cut me off, and obnoxiously tailgate me. I know they are dangerous. I do my best to keep my distance from them.
Roadblocks and detours are up ahead. These are the setbacks and disappointments that take me off course. I stay calm and focused, and I am able to successfully maneuver around them. I know that these are just temporary distractions. They will make me a better driver in the long run.
As the needle on my fuel gauge drops, I pull into a service station. It feels good to take a break as I refill my tank. I do the best I can to enjoy these few minutes of rest and relaxation. Before long, I hit the road again.
Oh, no! I hear the sound of a police car. I have gone through a traffic light. That's what happens when I don't pay attention and lose focus. The consequences are getting into trouble and making mistakes that could have been avoided.
Up ahead is a toll booth. The toll booth symbolizes the price I pay, in terms of time, effort, and commitment, to get to my destination.
 Finally, there's a glow in the distance. Closer and closer I come, and suddenly I see my destination. In that moment of pure enjoyment, I revel in my success.
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Please check my website for helpful resources. I have archived my previous newsletters and audio programs. Our online store features products that have been hand selected for their specific benefits to highly sensitive people.
If you have enjoyed this newsletter, my book, Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity, my ebook, Real World Advice Specifically For Highly Sensitive People, the teleconferences, or my products, please spread the word.
Warmest Regards,
Cliff Harwin
The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company |
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