Is it not the most annoying thing to try to complete a task, quiet the mind, attempt to read, or do homework, meanwhile your mind is bouncing back and forth like a darn ping pong ball?
Furthermore, what’s even more frustrating is when you bring your attention/focus back to what you were originally doing, but moments later the same thing happens.
If you ain’t have nothing to do all day this wouldn’t be a problem (yes I said ain’t . . . now focus).
But the fact that…
- You can’t even be as productive as you want to…
- Things that should take just a short bit of time take longer, and…
- You lose peace and confidence when you can’t even control your own mind and thoughts…
Eventually, it gets to you.
Just out of curiosity, how would you feel if you could stay focused and deeply present in every moment having your mind be in submission to you instead of the other way around?
There are two types of people in the world . . .
First, you have those who when faced with the challenge to properly assess their habitual thinking patterns and tendencies (that have been wreaking havoc in their life) give up, and they throw in the towel.
They would rather not do the work to cultivate a better mindscape.
Subsequently, you have those who have a deeper understanding of the mind and the flesh, and consistently implement the strategies that are in this post to quiet the mind and stay focused.
They understand, as you soon will also, that in order to step into your place of power and lavishly reject the erratic and insane thoughts of the mind that rule over your life, you must diligently keep these concepts.
In order to truly regulate yourself and live a genuinely engaging life, certain skills such as these are absolutely necessary.
Also, take note of the 3 Life-Changing Strategies You Need to Have a Phenomenal Year for more of the vital skills that are needed now more than ever.
But for now…
Discover these 4 simple ways to quiet the mind instantly and focus on the task at hand.
1. Distinguish Between Your Mind & You
Have you ever heard someone say . . .
“Do you hear yourself?”
The way the question is expressed gives a clear distinction between you i.e. your Being & yourself i.e. the thoughts, emotions, and words that may be produced from the mind.
Is it possible that you (your Being), can hear what yourself is saying?
It is possible.
Once I learned this, it was a major game-changer for me.
Undoubtedly, our minds, you would think are the most conscious parts of us as humans because the thing is always going, it’s always on, and you always have a thought in your head.
But this is not true.
Our minds are habitual creatures that for the most part run on autopilot.
There is a pattern to your thought process.
Moreover, the mind has trigger points where images and thoughts are released on cue, and it happens continuously.
The first step in learning to quiet the mind and stay focused is to separate you (spirit) from yourself(mind).
- You are not your mind.
- You’re not your thoughts.
- You are not your emotions.
- Nor are you defined by how you’ve reacted to your life situations.
Create a distinction between The Conscious Being (spirit) and the unconscious mind (flesh).
2. Keep Watch Over Your Thinking
Now that you know your mind is a total and separate entity from who you truly are, it’s now time to learn more about how this mind field works.
You do this by paying close attention to those thought patterns I spoke about earlier.
Alternatively, I’m not talking about deliberate thoughts like trying to decide what to cook for dinner.
I’m talking about those thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere.
The ones that catch you by the blindside.
That will have you playing a whole movie in your head before the director even calls Action.
Those thoughts.
Be the observer for your compulsive and unpredictable thoughts.
The Word of God talks about capturing our thoughts and taking our imaginations captive.
Be aware and observe when you have thoughts that are not true, not honest, not just, not of love, and not of good rapport.
Additionally, acknowledge that you are not your mind, no matter what it’s thinking.
You are above your thoughts.
The air is different up there.
3. Be Present
One thing the mind loves to do, as you’ll learn by observing it, is take you out of the present moment.
Because of its love for what is familiar, it will try to force you to stay in the past.
In addition, it will try to solve new problems and navigate through new environments by relying on past experiences.
Sometimes this is necessary, such as…
- Remembering where you parked your car
- Being able to recall how to drive
- Knowing how to get home
The problem is when your past keeps you in fear and bondage.
For example, when you were teased in middle school for the way you dressed, and to this day you’re still insecure about your wardrobe and attire any time you go out.
On the flip side, the mind will try to time warp into the future because there are rainbows, butterflies, and candy there.
Or if you’re a foodie like me, there are sweet potatoes, fried chicken, and waffles.
It’s so pleasant to think about the day you will get married, finally starting that business you want, moving into your dream house, driving that dream car, finally losing the weight…
And there is no problem with dreaming, planning, or creating goals…
But don’t let the mind fool you. When you start compulsively thinking about these things, and catch yourself doing it without your approval, the mind is trying to take you out of the present again.
Are you always looking forward to the next best part of your life? You say . . .
- When you finish school, then you’ll be happy.
- Once you lose weight, then you’ll be straight.
- After you move into the right house, then you’ll have peace.
It’s a lie.
In contrast, physical appearance, having a nice, car and getting your dream home will never award you true peace, joy, and happiness.
As the thoughts start rolling in, take a role call. Make sure the observer is present. The Holy Spirit can help you do this. Make sure you mentally distinguish between your thoughts and You.
If you find this difficult to do, implement the next step to help quiet the mind and focus.
Also, read How to Change Your Mindset & Stop Overthinking for Good to gain an even deeper understanding of this.
4. Focus on the Word of God
Concentrate on the truth that you always have a Helper by your side ready to assist you in those moments of weakness.
When your thoughts start to make you feel like you’re overwhelmed, simply ask the Creator for help, focus on His Word, not your problems, and watch Him intervene on your behalf.
Whatsoever manifests in your external world, or internally for that matter, remember to anchor yourself in the Word.
Focus on His Spirit.
Focus on that God-given promise that you’re of sound mind and personal discipline, and you’re not crazy but have self-control.
Fill your mind with His wisdom and His promises.
Part of your ability to quiet the mind and Be Still also deals with managing your emotions. If you need help in this area check out my post 4 Easy Steps In Managing Your Emotions for Good.
Wrapping Up
There are two types of people in this world. Those that live in their heads, allowing their unconscious minds to rule over them, and those who take these steps to master the mind and live fully and vibrantly in the present.
I believe the latter is you.
You’re here. You’re seeking information to make you better. To ultimately live a better life.
You have what it takes to conquer your mind. It won’t be easy, you have decades of habitual unconscious thinking to fight through.
But take control now.
Take back your power.
Put your mind in a position of submission.
Start with small steps.
Over the next two days see how many times you can catch yourself in involuntary thought.
Let me know how you do.
“Your doubts are not the product of accurate thinking, but habitual thinking”
-Price Pritchett
The best health care is self-care. Take back your power.
Until Next Time With Love,
