How to Concentrate

The ability to concentrate is a skill like any other. Though you may be frustrated in your attempts to focus on a single task, you cannot expect your concentration to improve without patience and practice. Start by thinking back to a time and a place when you were able to concentrate. Then set attainable goals to ensure success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose your workspace. Some people need the absolute quiet of a library to concentrate. If you work better with some background noise, make your way to a coffee shop or turn on the television.

2. Think about the time of day when you work best. Some people are sharpest in the morning, while others need a few hours to wake up. Scheduling tasks after exercise is a great way to take advantage of the positive energy you have after a workout.

3. Make a list of what you need to get done. If you have a large project to complete, break it down to a series of tasks to be completed one a time. If you have trouble getting started, this will keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

4. Clear your workspace of everything but the materials you need to complete your work. People think about what they are looking at, so clutter makes distractions. Clear away unnecessary papers or magazines. When working online, only open your browser to the pages you need to see.

5. Start by telling yourself you are going to complete one small task on your list. This will keep you keep you from being overwhelmed in the beginning. By the time you ease into work mode you might find you've knocked off several tasks, or even your entire list.

6. Reward yourself with a break between tasks. Use the time to get up and move around, call a friend, eat a snack or do anything that will get you energized for the next round.

Tips & Warnings

• Use headphones if you can't find a quiet spot. If you prefer silence to music, noise canceling headphones are now widely available.
• Turn off your cell phone if you have trouble refocusing after an interruption.
• Set attainable goals for yourself. When scheduling work time, take into account how you are feeling and how interested you are in the task at hand.
• Attempting to work when you are tired and/or hungry is frustrating and not very productive.

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