Focus right here.
I recently received a question via Twitter:
“Any advice on how to keep focused during a 3 hour 100 question multiple choice exam? I tend to lose focus around question 28.”
Yes, I have some ideas.
I don’t think humans are meant to sit and do anything for 3 hours straight, much less stare at black squiggles on white paper while sitting still.
But, if you are able to focus for that long, then by all means, do it!
For those of you who are like me and whose attention can drift more easily, here is my suggestion: If you find yourself losing focus, then lose focus. What I mean is, turn your attention to something else for 2-5 minutes.
Both times I took the MBE, I would take breaks about every hour during the exam.
If I was thirsty, I would get up and get a quick drink. Sometimes I would take a bathroom break. Other times I would just stare up at the ceiling or at my fingernails. (Just be careful not to start accidently staring at someone else’s answer sheet!)
You can also try a mini-meditation.
Close your eyes. Breathe in and out slowly. Focus all of your attention on each breath. Do this 10 times. You should feel much more focused.
Losing focus is our mind’s way of telling us: “I’m freaking bored!”
So, change the subject of your attention for a brief period, and you should be refreshed and ready to go . . . at least for an hour or so when it will be time for another quick break.
I hope this helps.
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