A lot of people have trouble in focusing on their work. Some write to-do lists, set reminders on their phone, add sticky notes in their home or office so that they can stay motivated and improve productivity, but alas, all these efforts go in vain because they keep on procrastinating.
There are many ways to stay steadfast and focused to move towards one’s goals. Being lethargic and delaying the process can sometimes lead to redundancy and most of the times people just give up on their goals. One has to try methods of regaining control over the mind effectively to stay focused and succeed.
Staying focused can help in accomplishing just about any aim in life. It helps in improving one’s professional life and boost their careers. Avoiding distractions every 5 to 10 minutes helps in concentrating on the task at hand and completing it on time.
People always have the best intentions, while setting their goals, however, due to distractions they fail to get the job done. Losing momentum often leads to failures in the plan along with the loss of motivation and confidence. It is not acceptable to blame external factors such the family, work, and technology as distractions because success lies in one’s hands.
Those who want to attain their aim, manage to do it no matter what, irrespective of all the external factors clawing on their focus.
According to a study, 78% people fail to live up to a meaningful goal they set up as their new year’s resolution. Being distracted and multitasking all the time will divert attention away from the goal. It has been observed that an average office worker is disturbed every 3 minutes because of external factors like colleagues, boss, mobile phone notifications, etc.
Plus, it has a been proven that it can take up to 25 minutes to regain focus after the distraction. The bottom line is that losing focus is simple; the hard part is getting it back. Only the greats have the ability to give their best every time while overlooking on all the distractions. Having said that, there are ways to train the brain to be attentive.
The following are four quick ways to help you stay focused.
#1 Getting organised and narrowing your list
A clean and organised space motivates people to work. Irrespective of the job at hand, be it studying, office work or home chores it helps if the place is well organised because it helps with concentration.
Removing all distracting items from the desk, and relaxing the space by removing unwanted items and having maximum space makes it easier to stay focused. Spending just 10 minutes on cleaning the workspace aids in keeping things organised and stops clutter from accumulating. Clutter can be distracting, so it is best to tidy up space every day, to stay engrossed in the task at hand.
The second important part is to narrow down the list. Making a realistic goal for starters can push to stay attentive. Having goals is a great practice, but, having too many of them can burden a person. Having 1-3 major goals on a daily basis helps in achieving them without losing motivation.
Checking off daily goals gives a very satisfying feeling. Both short or long term goals must not be a lot in number because a person can crumble under pressure and give up on everything all together.
Spreading oneself too thin is the wrong thing to do. One must identify the most important goals and start off with that. With time and effort, people will be able to tick off most of their goals if they focus well.
#2 Practising mindfulness
It is important to understand that stress is a focus killer. However, anxiety and stress are two inevitable parts of a person’s life. Being mindful helps in battling stress.
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a state of total awareness. Another word for it could be attention or vigilance. It helps in sharpening the focus and being fully engrossed. Training the brain being mindful can assist in concentrating and focusing. Meditation helps in improving mindfulness. It aids in not getting swayed by distractions.
#3 Having an accountability partner
Unless the goals concerned are a way too personal, having an accountability partner helps in staying focused. Telling close ones about goals and informing them about life changes can assist them to keep a check on the progress made and follow up now and then.
They will encourage in moving towards the goal, especially when obstacles and hurdles get in the way. Their constant support will help in staying focused and concentrate on the goals. Talking to your confidante helps in solving problems, relieving stress which therefore rejuvenates the focus and attention required to attain the aim.
#4 Taking a break
It many sounds counters intuitive, but, breaks can help in staying focused. Breaks help in relaxing the mind and resting the eyes. Focus and energy are directly proportional when one goes down the other go down as well. Instead of fuelling up with coffee when feeling low, it is important to take a real break.
A “break” means just to switch off and relax for a few minutes. Breaks help in renewing the focus and recharging to work again. It is important to shake it off, while at a break, rather than checking your mobile phone or diverting attention to another task. Breaks help in elevating the mood, improving willpower and increase creativity while wiping out exhaustion.
Sitting at the desk all day is a mundane practice, so it’s good to walk a little during breaks, or walk out to grab some fresh air, it is an invigorating practice. Setting a timer to work and stopping to take a break when it goes off can also help.
Hard work, consistency and perseverance can assist in achieving major goals. Needless to mention that failures are part and parcel of life, which will demotivate you and set you aside from your goals.
However, one needs the right kind of focus to rise from the failures and start back again.
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