Hundred fifty two

Concentration is a scary word for me. I can't concentrate. I can concentrate only when I am reading fiction. People say we need to practice that. I think we are evolved to pay attention to surroundings and keep scouting for a predator. Question is, how do I practice concentration? I have to do meditation? or sit in a remote place devoid of distractions. Or stay in a most distracting place and achieve concentration?

Hundred and fifty

At last, I reached some landmark. I wrote crap, but I wrote. I need to write more. I know that purposeful practice would take to the next level. That means I should read more about writing before writing. My attempt to improve my English grammar has reached to some level. So I need to read more about grammar. Any way I look at this nothing to replace reading. Even to improve reading I have to read. I also observe that now I lack concentration and can't concentrate as I was young. That may be a myth as smartphone and internet may have taken away my concentration. I need to work on my concentration. 

Hundred thirty two

I should admit that I lack the concentration to read serious stuff. I bought so many books and most are not read. Sill I am worried about the books borrowed by friends. Even though they return on time, I doubt I will read them. I tried all things to put back my reading habit on track. Like, I bought a new reading lamp, got a wall stand next to my PC or plan like read one page per day and many more. The last book I read end to end was Atomic habits. The book was good and had a long lasting impression on my routine. I should re-read that book. 

Hundred four

Listening to a podcast better than reading? What I observed is that when I am listening to audiobooks or podcasts, my mind wanders around and come back. However, when reading the book, if your focus shifts the reading halts. But podcasts are great to listen when you are doing mundane works like washing dishes or cleaning the bike, etc. Maybe success is all about concentrating your effort in one endeavour. I will do only one thing all my life and one day I regret that I haven’t read about or did something about. Let me not achieve anything great in one field but isn’t it fun to know many areas. Fine to die as unknown but during my time I saw and understood many things and doing so I enjoyed my life. 

Hundred one

Today finally a small victory over the internet, I could read for an hour in the morning. I was reading a book  "why zebras don't get ulcers". Being from a zoology background it was an easy read. I read the first chapter. Still, I struggled with concentration and mind wandered often. I can read fiction for a long period. Today, Sunday, a lot of things to do. Just like me, my daughter also hooked to the internet. Now summer holidays, being a single kid she has nothing else to do. I need to find out some kind of summer camps or activities for her. It is near impossible to keep kids away from the internet. Some other day I will write about this struggle.