Why You May Have Difficulty Focusing or Living ‘Fully in the Moment’

September 2021

As we continue to acclimate and adjust to an unprecedented time in contemporary humankind, many more people I run into are stressed out and longing for more. The “Great Resignation” – so many departing from work altogether or work as they knew it before Covid, is one example of the quest for wanting more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.  And it’s not necessarily a negative unless the strategy becomes debilitating or is a detriment. So let me ask you…

Does this sound like you or someone you know? 

• You’re easily distracted and get too scattered
• Stay busy, juggling many different tasks and plans
• Seek excitement and variety instead of comfort or safety
• Bounce (escape) from unpleasant feelings very quickly
• Seek constant new stimulation 

Impatience, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO!), More More More, Better to Bury Pain and Worry to Avoid Overwhelm

While most of us experience some of these qualities from time to time, if any of these characteristics resonate with you frequently (or someone else in your life), chances are good that you/they have a strong “Restless” saboteur. Those who are Restless are constantly in search of greater excitement in the next activity or being in a constant state of staying busy. They are rarely at peace or content with the current activity. And not savoring, not living fully in the moment and appreciating the present time can lead to unhappiness, dissatisfaction and burnout.   

And sometimes, people might defer to this Restless strategy to escape from facing fears, anxiety or painful feelings. The ‘ostrich head in the sand’ can have crippling effects on relationships and well-being. Do you bury negative feelings or engage in self-destructive behavior to numb the pains in your life? Sooner or later the volcano will erupt and the outcomes can range from miserable relationships to life-threatening episodes. 

It’s not all bad though.  Restless when not in overdrive, is associated with many positive qualities.  Some of these strengths include:

• High energy and vitality
• Openness, curiosity and spontaneity
• Contagious enthusiasm and appreciation for life
• Capable of great productivity and creativity
• Energizing and engaging others in co-creation
• Capable of great breadth and activity and pursuits

The key, as with most things in a healthy, fulfilling life is all about moderation and finding your balance. As with all of our saboteurs, there are many thoughts and feelings we must address, so we don’t justify the lies and stunt our potential (and well-being). So it’s ok to want fun and excitement, but not if you’re coming from a place of anxiety to ‘do it all’ or because you’d rather not deal with something unpleasant. And if you’re struggling to focus or concentrate on issues and relationships that truly matter, it might be time to enlist some help. Or if you’re having a rough time building anything that is sustainable and others are having difficulty keeping up with your frenzy or chaos, this is a red flag that your Restless is in overdrive.

It might be time to leverage your Restless so it is serving you instead of holding you back and annoying others in your life!  

Curious about how to intercept your Restless Saboteur?  If you’d like to ask some questions and unwrap how Positive Intelligence may transform your life or your organization, click the green button below to schedule a complimentary strategy session.

Or if you’d like to see if you have a strong Restless saboteur, CLICK HERE to opt-in to receive a link to the free PQ assessment where you’ll learn about your saboteurs and where you’re being held back.