Motivation only occurs when we start action. After a couple of minutes into a task, then our brain works conscientiously – and we get into the flow of what we want to achieve. Now we feel motivated, charging ahead, full steam…

But the child within can get easily distracted.

If we don’t manage ourselves properly, then we find ourselves, multi-tasking: – popping some washing in/ scrolling our phone/ answering an email.  Then, we look at the time we’ve wasted, and we feel cross and deflated. We have lost impetus by our own self sabotage.

We must appeal to number one, coax ourselves into continuing the task, and this is when useful props can be beneficial.

Firstly, we must remember, that we are not machines. It is unrealistic to expect our wandering mind to sit still at a task, or screen, for more than an hour – without taking a five-minute break. Pop a timer on, and when it bleeps: get up and stretch your body.

To keep you on track, firstly prepare your workstation. If you’re at a desk, ensure you have everything to hand, and before you embark on the task. This avoids bopping up for water etc. If you’re cooking, cleaning or any other task, get your ingredients, equipment, tools to hand. Preparation is incredibly supportive in sustaining the flow.

Assuming you’re ready to go- before you start, also gather a few props, to help keep you in situ, and to avoid the pitfalls of distraction.

I like a squishy rubber ball, on my desk: good for my weak hand, and a ration of five wine gums, or preferably cherries. I also keep a notebook close by – for scribbles and ideas. I keep my phone away from my desk – treating self to peek, in my one hourly mini break.

Utilizing little props keeps you flowing through a task and bypasses the quicksand of getting distracted. I cannot reiterate how helpful setting a timer is either. It emulates a classroom-like scenario, and it’s a great prop to keep to adhering to the flow of the task you want to achieve.

I hope you find this helpful.

SUNNY wishes,

Emma x