You’ve been there, right? You’re trying to get something done but you just can’t concentrate. Your mind continuously wanders to everything except the one project that you’re working on. How do you get your head back in the game so that you can accomplish whatever it is you have set out to do?
Figure out what is robbing you of your ability to concentrate
What seems to be distracting you? Is it a fight you had with your guy last night or are you worried about some test results that you’re due to find out any day? No matter what the cause, the first thing you need to do is isolate what thoughts or feelings are taking all your energy.
Maybe it’s something as simple as the fact that you’re dreading doing the task at hand so you’re thinking of everything else you’d rather be doing. If that’s the case, acknowledging it is the first line in defense when it comes to dealing with the hurdle and being able to move past it.
Decide if whatever else is on your mind needs your immediate attention or can wait until later
If you have something else taking up your mental energy, you need to make a decision as to whether it is something you need to address right now or if it can wait until later. If there could be negative consequences by letting it go any longer, then take care of it. You’ll never be able to focus until it’s off your plate anyway.
However, if it can wait, write it down so you don’t forget about it and go back to the task at hand. You’ll feel better knowing it won’t fall off your radar because you’ve set yourself a small reminder and can thoroughly focus on what you’re trying to get done at the moment.
If you’ve isolated the reason by the lack of focus as procrastinates, then maybe you need to remind yourself how good you’ll feel when you can wipe the project off your to-do list. Yes, you may have to set some other things aside initially, but once you have the task complete, you’ll be able to fully enjoy other things that you have going on.
Set a time limit
Give yourself a time frame to work on whatever you have to do and you’ll be more inclined to focus. If it’s a longer term project, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. If you need a couple hour blocks over the course of a few days, for instance, that seems a lot easier to commit to than devoting one or two full days and letting other things take the back burner.
Setting a limit also helps remind you that there is an end in sight. After all, it’s easier to endure the things we don’t like to do if we know that they’re short term.
Cut your distractions
Nothing can rob your focus like chaos happening all around you. Whether you have screaming kids running around or the television or radio blaring, changes are good that you’re going to make mistakes if you don’t put yourself in an environment when you can concentrate.
If possible, get a sitter for the kids when you’re working on something that takes your complete attention. Or, if they’re older, ask them not to disturb you. This may be a good time to present them with a new movie that they can sit and watch quietly while you get some much needed peace.
Turn off your electronics. Yes, it may seem nice to have background noise and some people even prefer it, but at least try to work in complete silence. You may find that you’re better able to keep your head in the game if you aren’t sidelined by “breaking news” or catchy jingles coming at you via radio and television.
This is especially true when it comes to you social media. Yes, it may be enticing to check your cell phone and see who called or texted, but the reality is that the world won’t end if you don’t reply within the first five seconds after receipt of the communication. Remember that not too long ago the world survived just fine without these devices.
Let go of your unwavering desire to check your email, Facebook or Twitter account every five minutes and you’ll immediately feel more focused. You can catch up on the latest gossip later…when you have more time because you’ve completed your project.
Change from thinking about what you have to do to actually doing it
This is the single most important step that moves you forward and gets you closer to completion of whatever you’re working on. You can’t finish a project until after you start it.
Even if you’re not totally sure what to do, you’ll get a clearer picture when you step in and at least do something. You’ll start to see any problems as they present themselves and you can handle them accordingly. Even if you had a complete plan in place prior to initiation, which you may have, you’ll often find that it has to be readjusted as you go because very few plans are perfect at the outset.
