How to Stay Focused Through Summer

As the sun shines brighter and the air feels lighter, I feel the urge to run through a field of wildflowers (And immediately regret it when allergies overcome me). As I see all the perfect vacation photos on Instagram, I start to fantasize about leaving it all behind for a camper van. It’s hard to focus on a computer screen when you could be jumping in a swimming hole or cruising down an open road with the windows down. Alas, adulting must proceed no matter the season. I know it doesn’t work to tell myself what mood to be in, so I have to take intentional steps to interest my mind in the tasks at hand. There are simple ways I direct my focus, like writing a to-do list and visualizing my plans for the week. But when the FOMO hits, I need something more to keep me focused through summer.

Whether you work from home, in an office, or outdoors, you probably have times when you daydream that you’re somewhere else. Here are some ideas to help you stay motivated through the workweek and enjoy your job more:

Have theme parties with your coworkers. A fun one you can do is a “Friday vacation” day. If plausible, you can set a designated work area with treats, relaxing music, and a destination theme. Encourage each other by scheduling mini-vacation times throughout the day, and motivate your goals in between.

Rearrange your workspace. Sometimes a change in environment can make a world of difference. Besides organizing your equipment etc., you can decorate with pictures, stickers, potted plants, or whatever else you feel is appropriate. If you don’t work at a desk, is there something you can add to your routine or carry with you to mix things up?

Give yourself daily incentives. Instead of living for the weekend, create goals in your work schedule that excite you. This idea leaves a lot up to creativity because it depends on your work dynamics. A few generic ideas are: Reward yourself with coffee (or a second cup) or a snack after getting half your work done, set aside time to work on a new idea after completing your mundane/urgent responsibilities, or set up a meeting to collaborate with your workplace “bestie” and motivate each other to finish certain things by that time.

Get fresh air. If you work indoors, it’s easy to get sluggish. Plan one day per week that you work outside. If your workstation is non-mobile, make sure to have lunch outside or designate time to go for a walk every day. Fresh air and hydration can majorly impact your focus! Also, if you work from home, it definitely feels a lot less lonely if you open up the windows and let the sun in.

Create a work scrapbook. It might sound silly, but hear me out! You can design your scrapbook however you like and creatively document the day-to-day at your job. You can focus on amusing interactions with your coworkers or neatly showcase your productivity. When you feel like work is the same day on a loop, you can look at your scrapbook and see all the unique moments.

Plan hourly agendas. You can make this fun by using a bullet journal or infographics. Write down a few things you can realistically finish in an hour and then set a time. Eliminate distractions and immerse yourself in one task at a time. You’ll likely finish your list with time to spare, and if not, you’ll be in the zone to get stuff done!

Invest in what you care about. Ultimately, your focus will go where your heart is. What motivations matter to you? How are you pursuing God’s purpose for your life? Everything you do has meaning, whether you realize it or not, and you can point to Jesus at your job. Your character toward people and your work will shine through. If there’s an area you’re passionate about, brainstorm ways you can contribute more in that realm. Are there things you can do at a current job to build skills in the direction that God is leading you? Is there a way you can serve others on a simple, daily basis? When you look to Jesus in all that you do, you’ll discover that your calling doesn’t change if you’re at work or on vacation; it’s about living in God’s presence and for His mission.

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Written By

Attie Murphy

Published on May 9, 2022

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