Rigorous Focus
The last two days has been very productive. It feels normal, although I know it’s not routine with days prior. However, I recognise this rigorous focus.
‘When you’re in the zone, you can’t see it nor appreciate it. But does it feel great.’
My short term focus and productivity is like a stock chart.
Up. Down.
Up. Down.
But long term it’s a constant.
I know what I want to do and figuring out how to get there takes the peaks and the troughs.
As of late, I’ve not been slacking but not been focused as much as I would’ve liked.
But the first two days of the week have seen some resurgence.
Just in time.
Yesterday, I sat for three hours.
Still.
Rarely do I voluntarily sit down in a public place and work.
Because I get fidgety.
But I sat and did my work.
Finishing my essay due today and releasing myself to leave to see some friends.
Today, I had a busy day.
I went to Bexley Grammar School to deliver a RGS visit on why year nine students should study Geography at GCSE, A Level, university etc.
I can see why people get into teaching.
It’s very rewarding.
And you do feel a sense of power.
But it’s almost like a power that can be messed with so much.
Because they’re knowledge is a result of your preferences and silences of what knowledge you have and want to share.
It’s like a filter.
Along the way some things will be lost.
And they could be the most important.
But no matter.
I think the trip was a success.
It was enjoyed by the teachers supervising me and they should have a gauge on what the kids would like.
Given I went to neighbouring school, Beths Grammar, it was an interesting contestation when I revealed my identity.
I remember Year 9 being a lot more vicious than what I experienced today.
Some kids in my class would’ve laughed people like me out the class.
Full time teachers had that treatment.
Some left because of it.
But that was a good way to get my mind off work but to give back to the community.
I’m sure I’ll return at some point.
Afterwards I went to university.
I have a GIS project due on Friday.
It’s looking at spatial analysis.
I have finished 1/2 of the maps and I wanted to do something extra for the second map.
Although I met a friend at the library, I was constantly working on my project and finding a solution to execute that ‘something extra’.
After four hours, I managed to solve the issue and move forward.
I left the library at that point but it gives me a place to start tomorrow.
I definitely achieved a lot in the last two days.
With minimal effort.
Think smart not hard.
That’s what they say, but it’s hard to act on when you can’t imagine it.
I think the last two days, I’ve thought smart.
I’ve been prioritising what I’ve needed to do.
To get the job done.
Now I’ve added my extra component, I am quite excited to run the analysis and write the commentary.
I think it takes some days off to feel like you’re in control.
The library used to be a place of distraction.
Now it’s a place of focus.
As I’ve been through university, I’ve realised and appreciated the value of the education.
Even if I don’t enjoy it all the time.
I’m happy to feel more on track now.
Rigorous focus