Verified by 
Key points
- Organizational strategies can help in many ways, but sometimes concentration struggles indicate other needs.
- Self-reflection can help us identify if our attention is required somewhere else.
Ten years ago it seemed like the only people talking about executive functioning were mental health professionals and educators. Today, it is practically a household word. With such challenges being so prevalent, awareness is encouraging.
Still, there is a fine line between a focus on executive functioning and an overfocus on productivity. With all the organizational strategies available to us, we can rig our lives to stay on track to meet several goals. Yet, is there such a thing as being too focused?
Concentration issues are sometimes a symptom of an underlying experience such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety. Other times, however, these issues have a deeper message. Sometimes we can't concentrate on one thing because something else really needs our attention. In the quest to stay driven toward a particular destination, it is possible to miss out on meaningful off-road experiences.
If you are having trouble focusing, before jumping straight to new organizational strategies, it makes sense to take a step back and ask: Where is your mind wandering to, and why?
Here are a few meaningful questions:
1. Is there a need to be met? Sometimes concentration difficulties let us know that we are hungry, tired, or in need of interaction with other humans.
2. Is there another place you need to be? Are you neglecting an important relationship as you overfocus on objectives? Do you have a family member you need to check in with or an old hobby you are longing to re-engage with?
3. Does this still matter to you? Why? Sometimes there is a reason why we've lost passion for a particular project. Other times, we are simply fatigued. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to check in on this now and then.
4. Would a diversion reinvigorate you? Sometimes, we get caught up in our routine and lose our sense of creativity. Creativity drives that "flow" experience that can be intensely motivating. At times, time away from the plan is just what we need.
5. How long have you been struggling to focus? If your concentration difficulty is relatively new, maybe there is something on your mind. Do you know what is distracting you? Why it is so distracting right now?
Conclusion
Of course, there is a place for organizational strategies and executive-functioning strategies. Still, transient focus issues also sometimes call for some reflection, both for neurodivergent and neurotypical people.
