Our
ability to focus has been reduced dramatically. We’ve never had more
distractions to deal with. And as disheartening as it sounds, many of the
distractions we face were engineered to be as distracting as possible.
Our brains
quickly become addicted to these distractions and our ability to focus on
important work suffers.
Learning
how to focus is a vital skill if you want to be productive and successful.
Overcome
the distractions in your life and get things done with these strategies:
1. Single-tasking beats multitasking. Avoid
fooling yourself. You’ll get more done and feel more relaxed if you focus on a
single task at a time. It’s not easy for your brain to switch back and forth
between different things. Set your priorities and complete them in order.
2. Do deep focus activities early in the
day. Your ability to focus deeply is greatest in the morning and decreases
throughout the day. A few people also do well late at night if their day isn’t
too demanding.
◦ Schedule your more demanding mental
tasks earlier in the day. Save the simpler items for later when your focus is
weaker.
3. Practice focusing. You can’t be good at
something you don’t practice. It’s harder to focus deeply than you think.
◦ Try setting a timer for 15 minutes
and keep your attention entirely on performing a task. Notice how stray
thoughts constantly interfere. Notice how strong the urge to check your email,
text messages, social media becomes.
◦ Over time, you’ll be able to focus
for longer periods of time before you need a break.
4. Remove distractions. Make life easier
for yourself by removing as many distractions as possible. Put your phone away.
Turn off the TV. Block any websites that you find compelling. Close any
computer tabs you don’t need. Remove any distracting sounds. Turn off the
radio.
5. Learn to be comfortable with being
bored. When you’re focused and working, it can also be boring. Most of us
choose to distract ourselves because we’re bored. The better you can handle
boredom, the easier it is to avoid engaging in those distractions.
◦ When you have the urge to distract
yourself, force yourself to wait 15 minutes longer. After a few days of this,
try 30 minutes. Keep building on this.
6. Plan time for your most common
distractions. You don’t have to avoid your favorites distractions 100% of the
time. Simply schedule time for those activities after your work has been
completed for the day. Put a reasonable limit on how long you’ll spend on them.
7. Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for
focus and energy. Your brain needs at least seven hours of sleep to be at its
best. Have consistent times for going to bed and waking up.
◦ Try sleeping for seven hours each
night for a week and rate your ability to focus. The following week try 7.5
hours. If you see an improvement, try eight hours. Keep going if necessary and
find the optimum amount of sleep for you.
8. Eat healthy foods. Your body and brain
function better when you eat in a healthy manner. Your focus improves with a
healthy diet. Start by eliminating everything you know isn’t good for you – one
at a time will work.
Life is a
never-ending series of distractions. The most successful people are able to
focus in spite of distractions. It takes practice to focus intently in the face
of other things vying for our attention. Incorporate these tips into your daily
schedule and you’ll see your ability to focus grow.
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
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