CONCENTRATION

By: Ryan Lukman

Definitions of Concentration The ability to direct one’s thinking in whatever direction

one would intend. A person’s ability to focus his thoughts in a particular

direction for a considerable time without getting distracted by other things.

Focusing all your attention on a single subject.

Levels of Concentration

Light Moderate Deep

Light Concentration The state when you first sit down The stage of concentration within the first five

minutes of studying, listening or reading Light concentration signs include wiggling

around the chair, twisting hair, and pulling out study supplies

The distractions in the stage of light concentration include noticing other students walking in the room, be annoyed by any noises, or thinking about other things

When you are in light concentration, you are easily distracted

Moderate Concentration During the next five minutes or so, you move

into moderate concentration At this point you begin to pay attention to the

material you are reading, hearing, or studying Begin to get interested in the lecture or text

material At moderate concentration stage you may not

be easily distracted Concentration may be broken if someone talks

directly to you

Deep Concentration In deep concentration, you aren’t thinking

about anything except what you are hearing or studying

At this stage you are totally engrossed in the material

At this point, your focused and in tuned with studying, listening, applying, reading, and relating the subject or material

The stage in the concentration cycle that you are working most effectively

Not easily distracted by anything else

Are you now in deep concentration?

If not….your getting distracted!!

Common Distractions Talking while the teacher or instructor is

teaching Cell phones Conversations irrelevant to the material Noises around your environment Daydreaming

Internal and External Factors Which Interrupts Concentration

Internal Factors Anxiety caused by a certain course Worry over personal problems Thinking about what you have to do outside of

class Inactive participation Attitude toward the class or the material Daydreaming Lack of sleep or bad nutrition

External Factors Other students Noises in the classroom Where you choose to sit Disorganized lectures Information that is repeated over and

over

Factors that cause distractions during reading

A distraction is anything that breaks your concentration.

Internal Distractions

Day Dreams Worries Depression Boredom Sickness Hunger Other emotions

External Distractions

Noises People Television Music Weather Inadequate lighting

Dealing with Distractions

Red Bow Technique Take-Charge Technique Say No Technique No-Need Technique Checkmark Technique

Message of the day

Improve Concentration Identify your distractions Concentrate with interest Keep a positive attitude Set study goals Make eye contact with the teacher Use proper lighting Eat and exercise well Take breaks in between periods of study Get enough sleep

Strategies of Improving ConcentrationSelect An Ideal Study Area• Low noise level• Comfortable table and chair• Uncluttered work surface• Adequate lighting• Space used for exclusive study purposes

Prepare Mentally• Relax body & mind• Create a positive attitude• Positive self-talk• Visualize yourself concentrating• Set Goals for the session• Do warm-ups

Concentration Tips

Eat a good breakfast Exercise daily Vitamin B12 Green Tea Focus Factor Coffee (no more than 3 cups a day) Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruits

Other Sources to Improve Your Concentration

www.lumosity.com – Concentration Games www.getimusic.com – Concentration music www.waynelee.com – Self Hypnosis CD for

Concentration

www.studyskills.com – Tips on improving study skills

www.focusfactor.com – Focus factor supplement to improve concentration

www.successconsciousness.com – Study skills site

Quotes on Concentration“Controlled attention is the act of coordinating all the faculties of the mind and directing their combined power to a given end. It is an act, which can be achieved only by the strictest sort of self-discipline.” -Napoleon

“Learn to fix your attention on a given subject, at will, for whatever length of time you choose. You will have learned the secret to power and plenty! This is concentration.”-Napoleon

“Where attention goes, energy flows and results show.”-T. Harv Eker