Why It’s Important to Stay Focused
When you’re working on goals, it’s important to stay focused on what you’re doing, whether you’re working out, writing, practicing an instrument or doing something else. These days, there’s way too much emphasis on multi-tasking — we’re using cell phones while driving, and having to talk and look up stuff on our computers at the same time. Technology has made this easier to a certain extent, but still, too much multi-tasking makes it difficult for people to do their best at the tasks they need to do to accomplish their goals.
How to Have Better Focus
The first step is to figure out what is distracting you. Are you distracted by the TV, internet, your spouse or kids? Depending on what you’re doing, it may be difficult to cut out all your distractions, but you can at least reduce them. Let your spouse or kids know that you need to work for a certain amount of time, or until a certain time, and turn off the TV. You can block distracting websites with extensions like Self Control, Freedom, and StayFocusd, or software programs like Cold Turkey — you can also use Cold Turkey to block distracting programs on your PC, such as games.
Once you’ve blocked the websites and programs that are distracting you, and figured out how to deal with the non-computer distractions like phone calls, family members and unannounced visitors, it’s time to start figuring out how to stay focused for long periods of time. One way to do it is to use the Pomodoro Technique or another similar technique to time yourself for short periods, then take a short rest, then come back and work for another short stretch of time. If 25 minutes is too long for you to work, try working for shorter periods before you take a rest.
This simple process will help improve your focus so you can do your best and get as much done as possible. If you have any other suggestions for improving focus and concentration, I’d love to hear them — please feel free to comment below.
