Some reasons for poor concentration and suggestions:
External Factors: Television, Noises, Holidays
Those features of the environment that cause disruption in concentration.
To reduce outside distractions, FIND A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY
HOW: Make this place dedicated to reading that will inspire you. Do not use it for sleeping or resting.
WHY: When you enter this space you'll know you're there to read. The place will be a hint and let you create the habit of studying when you are there.
HOW: Make sure the space is clean, has good lighting, fresh air and ventilation, a comfortable chair and a desk or large table to lay out all the material you need. Make sure you have all the materials packed (dictionary, paper, paper clips, and whatever else you need.)
WHY: Good lighting, ventilation, and a comfortable chair will help you stay alert. The large desk/table helps you find what you need with ease, and the collected stationery will help prevent interruptions in finding them.
HOW: Make sure that the specific area does not have a television, a view of movement and tension or objects that cause distraction.
WHY: The phone call, visits to the fridge, a glance at the TV are all interruptions of concentration.
Internal Factors: Anxieties, daydreaming, personal difficulties, thoughts, etc.
Internal factors are more difficult to delineate than external ones. Trying to control them is not a matter of personal will and motivation but of planning and finding a way to free the mind for study.
HOW: Indecisiveness and Daydreaming: Can be reduced by deciding what to study and when by developing an interest in the subjects and setting limits for reading.
WHY: Indecisive about what to read is a waste of time. Daydreaming among others is an escape from what we don't want to do or a way of reacting to trying to read for a long time without a break.
HOW: Personal difficulties. If they preoccupy you while reading you must take positive steps to process them. Spend time on these difficulties—not during study time—either alone or with the help of an expert.
Concentration
Some reasons for poor concentration and suggestions:
External Factors: Television, Noises, Holidays
Those features of the environment that cause disruption in concentration.
To reduce outside distractions, FIND A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY
HOW: Make this place dedicated to reading that will inspire you. Do not use it for sleeping or resting.
WHY: When you enter this space you'll know you're there to read. The place will be a hint and let you create the habit of studying when you are there.
HOW: Make sure the space is clean, has good lighting, fresh air and ventilation, a comfortable chair and a desk or large table to lay out all the material you need. Make sure you have all the materials packed (dictionary, paper, paper clips, and whatever else you need.)
WHY: Good lighting, ventilation, and a comfortable chair will help you stay alert. The large desk/table helps you find what you need with ease, and the collected stationery will help prevent interruptions in finding them.
HOW: Make sure that the specific area does not have a television, a view of movement and tension or objects that cause distraction.
WHY: The phone call, visits to the fridge, a glance at the TV are all interruptions of concentration.
Internal Factors: Anxieties, daydreaming, personal difficulties, thoughts, etc.
Internal factors are more difficult to delineate than external ones. Trying to control them is not a matter of personal will and motivation but of planning and finding a way to free the mind for study.
HOW: Indecisiveness and Daydreaming: Can be reduced by deciding what to study and when by developing an interest in the subjects and setting limits for reading.
WHY: Indecisive about what to read is a waste of time. Daydreaming among others is an escape from what we don't want to do or a way of reacting to trying to read for a long time without a break.
HOW: Personal difficulties. If they preoccupy you while reading you must take positive steps to process them. Spend time on these difficulties—not during study time—either alone or with the help of an expert.
