
Focus our thoughts
How we effectively learn, work and manage life
These skills support us to manage day-to-day life and the variety and range of tasks we need to navigate. This includes tasks we engage in a lot of the time, such as weekly food shopping. This might involve focussing on what meals we want to cook so we can write a shopping list, deciding what to buy, choosing an alternative if what you want has sold out – and stopping yourself from buying only ice cream. It also includes much more complex tasks such as taking exams, managing a large work project, moving home, or coping with the practical aspects of a loved one’s death.
These skills are:
- Focus our attention
- Be aware of and direct our thoughts
- Weigh up information
- Make decisions that are right for ourselves and others
- Solve problems
- Pause before we act
- Be flexible
- Keep going
- Bounce back
Why do these skills matter for a happy and healthy life?
The ability to focus our thoughts and manage tasks effectively is essential for day-to-day functioning and achieving longer term goals. By focusing our attention we can prioritise tasks, stay organised and make informed decisions. For example, when grocery shopping, we can stick to a list, make adjustments when needed, and ensure that we stay on track. These skills also help us to navigate more complex social challenges, such as disagreements between friends and family.
These skills also help us solve problems and stay resilient in the face of obstacles. The ability to pause before acting allows us to consider options carefully, while being flexible helps us adapt when plans change. Persisting through difficulties, keeping our attention focused on our goals, and bouncing back from setbacks are key to maintaining a sense of control and direction. These skills help us to avoid stress and frustration, to make healthy choices, and to achieve the things that matter to us.