Almost all of us occasionally wander
from the task at hand. To some; it's
just a momentary lapse and they are back on track. But if staying on task is
more than an occasional problem, try some of the following tips.
Know
how to Handle Interruptions
Sometimes, we just have to deal with
reality and adjust accordingly. You can't eliminate interruptions, but you can
adapt or avoid them.
For example if your peers keep on
interrupting you when studying, you can try to wake up early or stay late and
use those quiet hours when no one is around or Let them know that you want to focus
on something and there should be no interruptions and stick to it and fight the
urge of being swayed.
Know
your Distraction(s)
The possible distractions in our day to
day life could be; people, online, phone (chatting and texting), environment
(noise)
You have to understand what sets you
off before you can effectively deal with it.
Try and identify what distracts you from focusing on your task. Once
you're aware of the actual distraction(s), you can implement countermeasures.
Kill
the multi-task monster
We're conditioned to believe that multitasking is efficient, but successful multi-taskers are rare.
Multi-tasking actually dilutes your focus. Every time your mind switches gears,
you lose a little time. Multi-tasking
confuses your brain and eventually slows it down keeping you from fully being
engaged on one task.
Take
a break
A few minutes of stretching and
relaxing usually helps you concentrate when you return to work. It helps you be
more motivated in completing your task. You don't have to be rigid about the
timing. It's the simplest method you can employ.
Try
and Set a Reminder
If you really feel a bit out of
control, you might need remedial help -- a little bell that gently reminds you
to get back on track. This could be an alarm or any other thing
that can help you.
Know
when to have fun and when not
Nothing is more distracting than fun, but
it also doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun to relax your mind. But then again you can't play computer games
all day. If you're disciplined enough,
you can schedule play breaks during the day, but if computer games and
activities are your problem, remove them.
Reward
yourself
If you're facing a particularly
unpleasant or difficult task, promise yourself a treat when it's done. It can
even be going to play with your friends or buying something for yourself.
Keep an organized Space
Whether you are working or studying at
home, having a clean space can help you focus and get your work done with much
more concentration. Remove anything that
can distract you from your work and isn’t relevant to the task.
Manage your Time
This goes in hand with a to-do list or
a time table for that matter. Be
realistic on the estimated time allocated.
Stay Motivated
For you to stay motivated on the task
at hand there are things you should put into consideration;
Find
your purpose: Having a purpose to finish your task
will keep you motivated and will therefore keep you focused. Part of the reason we lose focus is because
we can’t see the point of whatever task we have to get done and would rather be
doing something else. Once you find your
purpose, write it down, or repeat it to yourself to keep your energies in the
right place. For example if you are
studying, remind yourself about why it’s important. It may not be important for
you to ace one quiz or test, but it is important for you to succeed in the
course that will factor in your grade, and it is important for you to get good
grades so that you can achieve your career goals, whatever they may be.
Identify
your goal:
What is your goal for completing your task? Is it to simply get done
with school, to get money or to advance in your career?
Repeat
your “Focus Mantra”: When you know exactly what your
purpose and goal are, you can create a focus mantra that you repeat to yourself
whenever you get distracted. It can be
something like no more drugs until I get my task done.
Improve your Focus
It is normal to be easily be distracted
and getting back on track again, but it is good to improve your focus with a little
motivation.
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