How to Improve Concentration and Increase Your Focus
In today's hurry-scurry world, it always seems like we have a million different things competing for our attention. How do you stay focused on doing the essential tasks you need to do to stay on top? This article provides some practical tips on how to increase your focus and improve concentration.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Set a deadline for your task. Give yourself an ending date, a time when the task has to be completely finished. If you keep the task open for an undetermined period of time, you will inevitably "drift" and not maintain an intensity about getting it done. A deadline psychologically creates the appropriate time boundaries necessary to bring out your most concentrated work.
-
2
Involve your emotions in the task. Examine your own feelings about it, and why it is important for you to accomplish it. We always devote energy and time to the things we feel strongly about. Consider the task in light of your own feelings about it, and build upon that foundation.
-
-
3
All of us have different biological "windows of time" where we think and peform at our best. If you are able to focus better in the morning hours, arrange your schedule to work on your task at that time. If you are at your best in the evening hours, then adjust your efforts accordingly.
-
4
Eliminate distractions. Remove all magazines, newspapers, etc., anything that is not directly related to the task, and keep them out of view so that you can focus on the task at hand. It may also be appropriate for you to turn off the TV and/or radio during your working time.
-
5
Trust me on this one: CLOSE YOUR EMAIL. Don't be tempted to check it intermittently while you're working on an unrelated task. You will end up drifting from your primary assignment.
-
6
Don't be afraid to take a break every 45 minutes or so. Get some fresh air, stand up and stretch your muscles, do something to revive yourself physically.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Concentrating single-mindedly on one task until it is complete is one of the hardest things in the world to do. Don't give up if you initially mess up and get distracted a few (hundred) times.
Don't let obstacles break your focus. They are simply part of the game. Resolve to approach them with a solution-based mindset, not one that just complains about and magnifies the problem.
