Focus/productivity Tips?

[reez]

Hello guys!

Just registered, so this is my first post  and since this thread is quite broad in my opinion, I am sorry if I put the topic in wrong sub-forum. 

I am 16 years old and I live in Sweden. I have since last summer gotten more and more into self-improvement, and I am getting really interested in the subject(s). I dropped out of school due to no motivation and some more personal things. I didn't just drop-out because "school ain't no fun and waste of time" I do have interest in most of the school subjects but due to the environment I was in this fall I eventually dropped out in January. Which obviously gives me a LOT of spare-time to do pretty much anything. I have plans to start working but I also have no idea on what industry I wanna work within... The problem for me is that I for example just read a lot of different subjects, and even run on some courses for example on how to make a good resume/job interview. But instead of just applying these things and creating a resume and send in an application so I can get a job I just play games/fap/read or pretty much anything that makes me waste time...

I have removed some games which I used to play, but I always find something else I find to "waste" time on. Even if it is a good thing. For example on how I found this forum/Leo, which I can't say is something bad, but it keeps me away from writing a resume or anything that can make a practical difference for me.

It kind-off just goes like this; I say I will read a book about X and after that I will start focusing on "more important things". But when I get to the end of the book, it gives some more books that is good to read on the same subject or a subject that co-operates with the first book. Which makes me say; Okay, I just read that one as well and after that I can start doing the more important things. And then it just repeats itself in an evil spiral

I also have problems on prioritizing. I have quite a few books on self-improvement. But then I think of what can make the biggest difference for me. I have gone through a speed-reading course, which also focuses on how to improve memory. Should I focus to read faster and memorize more and more, so I can remember what I read and go through more books in shorter time? Or should I read the books on how to get better self-esteem/habits/social-skills? Or should I learn programming? And it continues like this in every possible subject I am even a little interested in.

It just feels like I am stalling myself from actually doing something. Do you guys have any tips that I can try? Whether it's within finding a habit that makes myself more productive or helps me find what I wanna do in my life.

I would love if you have any app that helps you track time/keep focus. I have Pomodoro and some more "productivity/habit" apps downloaded on my phone but I fail to utilize them to the full extent. Thanks for taking time to read this text from a teenager who feels a bit lost and wants help to get "things right"

 

Thanks in advance for everything!

[Galyna]

Dear Reez, 

That is a great thing to ask all these questions when you are sixteen, at least you are on the right track and aware of the situation. You live in a wonderful country and I am sure you have all the chances to succeed in life. I was in Sweden in Helsingborg and Stockholm and found it very peaceful place to live. 

I would recommend to buy Leo's Life Ultimate Purpose course. http://actualized.org/life-purpose-course 

Time is precious and as my mama always told to me when I was a teen: " You will be x y.o.in the blink of an eye, so you do not have that many years to fool around." I am 29 and pursuing my second degree here in USA. One of my biggest fear is not to be able to complete everything I am dreaming about.

Leo has so many videos about motivation, education, life purpose. Go ahead and knock them down first, buy a course, do some work. 

I would recommend to read more motivational books and seek inspiration from successful people. Also re-arrange your social background, look closely who you communicate with. Your environment impacts you. 

If you can afford, go talk to a coach. Being sixteen is cool, the whole life is in front if you. You are the creator now. Remember you have only one life and will not be sixteen again.

Good luck

 

Edited March 6, 2016 by Galyna

[reez]

@Galyna

Well, to improve I suppose you need to be aware of what you do/are. I live in Stockholm right now, however since I grew up in the north. In my opinion Stockholm is quite a big city, but still is a lovely place to live with the nature. I suppose it's all about perspective

Even though I want to buy Leo's course, I don't have the resources to do so, at least not until I get a job/money. Depending on what you mean by a coach, that is something that I should be able to get in some-way with the state paying

Do you have any tips on some good motivational books? I'll make sure to check out Leo's videos to make sure I don't miss any!

Thanks for you help

[Galyna]

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey . I remember Leo gave a good comment about this book as well

Also you can buy book list from Leo for 25$, ask your parents to help you with payment. 

Here is the link  http://actualized.org/books

Actually there are tons of books you can find on the internet. I only have Russian websites I use for downloading, and my online library from my college here in USA. I do not know any websites to give you with free downloading  

" In my opinion Stockholm is quite a big city, but still is a lovely place to live with the nature. I suppose it's all about perspective"

Compared to other capitals I visited ( +50 different countries including your neighbors Finland and Norway) I found it peaceful. 

[Jawor]

@reez 

On 3/6/2016 at 1:48 AM, reez said:

I also have problems on prioritizing. I have quite a few books on self-improvement. But then I think of what can make the biggest difference for me. I have gone through a speed-reading course, which also focuses on how to improve memory. Should I focus to read faster and memorize more and more, so I can remember what I read and go through more books in shorter time? Or should I read the books on how to get better self-esteem/habits/social-skills? Or should I learn programming? And it continues like this in every possible subject I am even a little interested in.

It seems obvious to me that you don't know what you want to do in your life and what you are really passionate about. All you do is just general self-improvement, which is also totally fine.

Perhaps you should set a goal to find something that you would be truly interested in and go in this direction. It may take a lot of time but eventually you will find this one thing that you want to devote yourself to.

My best advice would be: look for this one thing. Sooner of later you'll find it.

It doesn't have to be a specific field like programming, online marketing, languages etc. A compelling vision for your life might be also sufficient.

[reez]

@Galyna I already have that one , among with 140 others book that I haven't read yet hahha. I've got some sites for downloading free, but not sure I can link it on the forum so hehe...

 

@Jawor You are absolutely right, I have no clue on what I want to do/achieve. And since I am that guy who always want to "save time" I also want to figure out what I want to do, as fast as possible. And until I have found that "one thing" I am still uncertain on what to do... 

[Chaz Evansdale]

I'm going to agree with Jawor. You have to find out what you're passionate about. 

A few ways to find your passion:
First - What activity or thing that when you do it, time flies? Whatever that is, your passion isn't far from it. 

Second - Try out a ton of stuff. You're young, this is the perfect time to experiment. Instead of focusing on being productive, find out what you want to be productive doing. That could be playing an instrument, being a tour guide, travel, nature, doctor, artist, building, cooking, etc. Find out what you're both naturally good at and also enjoy doing. That's what you should be focusing on, and it'll come easier because you enjoy it; however, it'll still be work. My best example of that is a teacher, a teacher loves teaching, but doesn't like grading papers, so they put up with grading so they can do what they love, teaching.

Third - Google search videos about finding your passion. There are tons of them out there. I personally love designing and building tiny houses. It forces me to be creative with small spaces. In the end I get a physical item that I can say, "I made that." I also love living simply and this not only helps me live simply but helps others live simply. Helping others, or giving, along with building relationships are two of the more important things to do to live a happy life. 

I think the best thing you can do is find out what you love, and then pursue it. Don't do it because it'll make you money, do it because you enjoy it. Worry about the money later. A good thing to do is reward yourself. Starting small makes things easier to, so maybe you spend 1 day a week trying new things, then reward yourself afterward, like playing video games and not feeling guilty about it, because you were successful that week as trying something new. 

Good luck!

TL:DR Find out what you're passionate about, and then pursue it.