🧠 When people lack the skill of true concentration, it may appear that they either lack focus or overthink, and perhaps they swing back and forth between the two. In fact, both symptoms indicate they are likely relying on habitual concentration—in which case they need a better understanding of how to discipline the mind with awareness of ease.

Someone who has trouble focusing may tend to procrastinate and appear to be lazy or unproductive; in fact, this lack of clear, forward direction may simply be an intuitive attempt at protecting themselves from overconcentrating in a way that they can sense is unhealthy.

✨ Once a person like this learns the skill of true concentration—which is actually much easier on the entire mind-body system than habitual concentration—the result is likely to be sudden renewed energy and motivation, as well as enthusiasm to engage with work they may have been avoiding.

Since it’s not always obvious when you’re stuck in a habitual mode of concentration, here are some warning signs so you can catch yourself and shift into an easier, healthier mode of true concentration faster. 🚩 Consider it a red flag if you…

• tend to be very “intense” when you engage in activities you care about

• feel mentally drained or physically fatigued after a period of focused activity

• ignore discomfort or pain while you’re working, or don’t notice it at all until after you’ve stopped

• believe concentration is “hard” and force yourself to concentrate

• procrastinate, avoid “mental” work, or consider yourself lazy

• are bored, burned out, lack motivation or enthusiasm about things that used to excite you

• lack curiosity, imagination, or a desire to learn

• experience fuzzy thinking; scattered, disorganized thoughts; mind-wandering; a lack of mental clarity

• have a hard time being inactive, meditating, relaxing, doing nothing 🧘

• are often unaware of what you’re doing while doing it

• tend to be hard on yourself and others

• suffer from out-of-control negative thoughts and emotions

• are overly reactive in relationships

• suddenly realize that you’ve been holding your breath while working—for example, it’s not uncommon for musicians to hold their breath while playing their instruments 🎻

• have erratic rhythm: poor timing, a tendency to rush or get behind in your music

• believe that you have “poor posture” that needs to be fixed; OR…

• believe you have “good posture,” yet you suffer from back, neck, jaw, or shoulder pain 🌿

I'd love to hear your perspective if you'd like to share your thoughts.

With Love & Light,
Jennifer ❤️

📘 The above is an excerpt from my award-winning book, ‘Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life'.

Need a great gift? You can find the book on amazon in paperback, hardcover, and kindle versions. Or – if you're in the USA – you can now order copies directly from me.

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