Distractions are one of the most troublesome obstacles to learning. They can also be the most difficult to manage. When a student is able to do so they find success in learning. One excellent example of this was a student I had named Kazu.

He was a office worker and was often tired in the evenings. He didn’t want to make studying strenuous. Kazu made a decision to spend 30 minutes a day studying English. During that time he would turn off all possible distractions. He allowed no television, no radio, and no internet. He allowed nothing but the task he wanted to focus on. He would make the study sessions short.

He would prepare for his 30 minute study session by closing his eyes and relaxing. He would do this for as long as he felt comfortable. When he started to feel uncomfortable in that meditation he would open his eyes then go for a very short walk. He told me this helped him feel ready to study.

After that he would sit down and study, usually with a grammar or vocabulary book. His improvement was impressive. His preparation for his studies and his removal of distractions were very wise.

What do you think? What can you do in your education to prepare for studying and removing of distractions.