Staying alert and immune to distractions can be challenging if you have to work for multiple hours. But, if you’re studying for an exam, or preparing a very detailed work presentation, then you’re probably aware of the importance of persistence and hard work. But, if you’re someone who’s easily prone to distractions, or you suffer from a short attention span, then here are some helpful tips that will help you sharpen your focus and limit the surrounding distractions during work.
Set a goal and stick to it
When you have a goal, then it’s easier to stick to it. But, your goal should be something tangible and achievable, and not a distant idea in your mind. If you want to succeed, then it’s important to visualize your goal, and possibly even create a vision board that will keep you motivated to continue, especially when things get a little tedious and boring.
Be organized and set your priorities straight
You can be a true hard worker, but if you don’t know how to prioritize, you’ll always feel distracted. Knowing which things should be dealt with first is a helpful trait, as it also shows that you know how to differentiate between what’s urgent and what’s important will help you a lot in the future. Also, being organized with your time can help you get started, or even feel motivated.
Start with the smallest parts of your work/task
This is fairly easy, and it’s all about starting slowly until you become more comfortable taking on bigger challenges. Setting a goal for a grand accomplishment can make you feel inadequate at times. Also, the sheer amount of things that need to be done can be scary or demotivating, especially in the beginning. So if you’re writing an essay, for example, then it’s best to divide the work into smaller chunks as that will make it more manageable and easier to accomplish.
Get some extra help
If you’re someone who works best in a company, then feel free to ask a co-worker or a classmate for some help. Sometimes, studying or working together can yield pretty amazing results. Also, if you tend to lose your focus often, then consider taking a bit of smart nootropic drink that will keep you alert and focused while still providing your body with enough vitamins and nutrients. Energy drinks (and coffee) can be of great help if you’re struggling with energy levels, but make sure to choose those that contain less sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
Skip things that seem difficult
It’s normal to hit a snag from time to time, especially if you’re doing something that requires a lot of intellectual engagement. And hitting a snag is frequently a sign to take a break or ask someone else for help. Many people believe that they should work mindlessly until they get everything done, but that is the farthest thing from the truth. So next time you hit a snag at work or during studying, feel free to skip that, and come back to it when you feel more rested and focused.
Remove external distractions
Social media, together with smartphones are one of the biggest external distractions of the modern age. So if you’re constantly reaching for your phone instead of focusing on work, it’s time to store it away while being busy. Also, make sure to put it on silent mode, or do-not-disturb mode, so you won’t be interrupted by constant notifications. The same goes for any other device. If you’re working on your computer, muting notifications and other distractions is a must.
Stay away from multitasking, at least in the beginning
Multitasking is often the killer of productivity, despite what you might believe. This is due to the fact that we can’t do anything properly if we’re also doing something else at the same time. Jumping from one (unfinished) task to another, or switching between the tasks might seem like a good idea, but it surely won’t help you finish any work.
Sharpening your focus might be challenging if you’re used to constant distractions, so these tips will surely help you get started. So remember that being focused and motivated requires removing distractions, being organized, and getting the right help whenever you need it. Also, be sure to avoid constant multitasking, and focus on achieving smaller tasks first, so you’ll be able to tackle bigger ones later on.
Comments are closed.