Using Emotional Pain For Intense Focus

Emotional pain can sometimes grip your body relentlessly and refuse to let go. This happened to me yesterday as the sun descended toward the horizon and well into the night. Fear and worry reverberated through my body, and negative thoughts crept in whenever I let my awareness slip. I notice this tends to happen as the weather cools: an intense, primal feeling of abandonment and danger washes over me, urging the body to seek comfort. All logic may insist that nothing is wrong, yet the body simply refuses to cooperate.

The best thing you can do when this pain arises is to focus intensely on your work. Some comforting music and even an occasional smile also go a long way. There are a few reasons for this.

First, work demands total awareness. When your attention is fully engaged, negative thoughts have little opportunity to intrude. At times you may flinch, look away, or attempt to distract yourself in a jolt of panic. Let that physical motion serve as a reminder to return your attention to the task at hand. This not only allows you to accomplish much more in less time, but also spares you from wasting energy and prolonging the pain.

Why the music and the smile? Both are simple yet powerful remedies for emotional pain. They have a real and measurable effect on the brain: they ease the distress and create positive associations with work. Over time, this teaches your body that while you are working, you are safe and in a good place. It makes you tougher, happier by default, and more optimistic about the future.