How to Turn Off the Noise
A guide on how to shut off the noise, and increase your productivity to perform at your highest standards.
The noise we hear in our heads, influenced by our surroundings, can greatly impact our progress. From social media and comparisons to replaying the past and imagining the future, our progress can be limited as we try to overcome the barriers we create ourselves.
Sometimes (or most of the time), the distractions around us can derail us from achieving our goals and demotivate us from progressing towards our passions.
Recently graduating, unlike many other of my colleagues, I didn’t get a full-time job within my field of study. In typical human fashion, this led to a chain of thoughts which forced me into thinking — I might not be enough.
Decreasing my own self-esteem, comparing myself with others, and being stuck in a constant state of “now what?”, my internal voice almost took in control, until a mentor of mine helped me reshape my vision to best fit the position I was in.
To those who were or are in the same shoes I was in, this is what I’d like to share with you –
You are exactly where you need to be.
You are not alone.
And lastly,
In the inspiring words of Dory,
just keep swimming.
Here are 5 ways I improved on building my confidence, staying focused and on track, simultaneously progressing towards my passions!
#1
Divide larger tasks into smaller tasks.
Sometimes when working towards larger goals, losing motivation can be easier when no immediate results are seen. Yet, achieving the smaller tasks (which lead to the larger task) can keep you inspired, wired, and motivated.
#2
Choose your prime moments.
Recognize the moments in a day when you work the best — with high energy and concentration. Determine the routine which works with your productivity. For me, it’s early mornings between 6am-11am!
#3
Keep yourself busy and involved.
When you keep yourself busy, you tend to prioritize on things which really matter. Being busy (or prioritizing your time) forces you to use the time that you have, in return allowing you to build on your soft and hard skills. Here are some ways and spaces you can get involved:
- Within your community: Care for your community? Join forces with your local community resource centers, you can volunteer, and build a network!
- Within your school: Join and be a part of clubs, departmental organizations, research opportunities or even find an on-campus/off-campus job (best decision I made in university)!
- Get involved in extracurricular(s): Do you enjoy sports? Take out 1–2 hours from your 12-hour day in partaking in open-gyms and/or join dance, Zumba or yoga classes (simultaneously improving your mental and physical health)!
#4
Become clutter-free.
Let go of things (materialistic possessions) that don’t hold value in your life. The space that you’re in can impact your behavior. Create a space which is clean, organized, and filled with things which can help you stay motivated (like cute puppy photos).
- If there’s human distraction keeping you from partaking in activities you are passionate about doing, let them know. If they’re still in your way, it’s time to let-go. The greatest tip I was given:
“Be with those who bring out the best of you, not the stress in you.”
#5
Be present and mindful.
Acknowledge the NOW. Take time out of your day to understand your position within the space that you’re in.
Tip: As long as you are aware that you’re breathing, you’re not thinking — take advantage of that.
It can get difficult to find your space in a society where ideas and innovations are moving faster than we ever expected.
But it can get easy if you focus on the things that mean the most to you.
