For the average person studying for an exam, working in an office or from home, it’s easy to get distracted. Being able to focus on a particular task and concentrate completely helps people get their work done much more effortlessly. It pays to learn a few simple tips on how to eliminate mindless chatter, avoid distraction and stay productive all day long.
Keep Your Goals/Visions in Mind
Thinking about why you need to stay focused can help you push through the most challenging and tedious part of accomplishing your goals. It’s when you know your goals that your ability to focus is tested and most needed. Whenever your mind starts wandering, thinking about your short and long-term goals can help you stay on track.
Focus On A Few Important Tasks at a Time
If you have an overwhelming number of tasks to complete in a day, it’s important to break it down to the essentials. It’s hard to complete say 25 tasks in a day with sophistication yet your mind is wandering. Try to break down the tasks to manageable levels. Most times, it’s better to do your work a bit slower. That’s better than giving up early because you took on more than you can handle.
Control Internal Distractions
Internal distractions can be hard to deal with, but all you need is some dedicated effort. Find simple ways to prevent your mind from straying and prepare for work. One of the best ways is to have a dedicated workstation. It also helps to set deadlines. Ultimately, it’s all about focusing on what’s happening internally, keep your mind on getting things done, and you’ll see that all your thoughts will be channeled towards the task at hand.
Avoid External Distractions
Take note of things that easily distract you and escape from them. For instance, if your Smartphone is a distraction, put it on silent. If you can’t focus while the television is on, turn it off or better yet work in a different room. More often than not, it’s pretty obvious what you should do to avoid external distractions, but most people overlook this piece of advice.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
A bowl of cereal may have more benefits than jumpstarting your metabolism. Numerous studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast can improve your concentration and ability to stay focused. A cup of tea or coffee may also boost your concentration and alertness. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, try other tricks to increase alertness, such as chewing gum.
Focus Practice
Several focus exercises can help to improve your overall discipline. Medication is one such activity that is considered an excellent method to relieve stress, build focus ability and give you greater control of your emotions. Carry out some research and learn a few meditation techniques that work for you.
Starting your work early and working continuously till late don’t necessarily mean you’re getting more work done. Short bursts of work followed by breaks have proven to be more efficient than working without breaks. The Pomodoro method is a very popular technique for improving your focus. It is based on the idea of breaking down your time to include periods of focus and concentration followed by solid breaks. Each break improves your ability to stay focused on whatever you’re doing.
Irina Dorko 