Can't focus? Meditation must not be for you, then.

December 26, 2018

Ever tried meditating? If so, do you still meditate regularly? Why (not)?

Here's a phrase I've heard often in the past few weeks:

I've tried meditating but I'm not very good at it. I just can't focus.

Another favorite seems to be, "I've tried meditating, but I can't get rid of my thoughts".

Look, mindfulness meditation is and does many things. One thing it will certainly do is improve your ability to focus. Just like lifting weights in the gym will improve your ability to lift heavy things.

But if you go to the gym five times, ten times, or even twenty times, do you expect to be able to lift much more than you can lift right now?

Here are some statements that are equivalent to "I've tried meditating but I just can't focus":

  • I've gone to the gym five times, but I still can't deadlift 150 kg
  • I've done a few speeches, but I don't sound like Barack Obama
  • I've gone on some dates, but I haven't found the man of my dreams

If you'd like to improve your focus, meditating regularly will help. But it's a process and it requires commitment. Not for a few days or a few weeks, but for months and years.

If you need help with staying committed, here are two options:

  1. Join the 30-Day Creator Challenge. (I'll let you in on a secret: it's nominally about creating content, but it actually is about discipline, building a habit, and consistency.)
  2. Work one-on-one with me, so I can guide you and keep you accountable.

What do you want to commit to?

Yours,

— Peter

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