We all have that one friend who is super focused. They always know what they need to get done and they never seem to procrastinate.
Meanwhile, you're over here trying to figure out what you need to do next, how you're going to fit it all into your day, and what is most important when everything is important.
But you still sit and wonder why?
Why are some people so much better at staying focused than others? And more importantly, how can you learn to be more like them?
1. What are you working towards and why?
Focusing on what needs to get done can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge that I'm ready to take on, but listing out my goals and what I'm working towards makes it a little bit easier.
Figuring out why I'm doing all the work is key, so I try to think of the purpose behind each task.
Whether it's bigger-picture professional aspirations or something more short-term like updating my blog, it helps me to focus when I know exactly what I need to do and why.
Additionally, when I do this, I can recognize I'm adding in tasks that aren't helping me achieve my ultimate goal and I can park those tasks for a later date. This doesn't mean they aren't important, just not necessary to complete right now.
By keeping my sights set on specific objectives and reminding myself of the "why" behind them, I know that everything I'm working on has a purpose and I can better fit it into my schedule.
2. Write down your key distractors
Distraction is inevitable. In a day and age of a 24-hour news cycle, a screen in our pocket, on our laps, on our walls, and even on our fridges it feels like you can't get away from the constant chatter and attention-grabbing.
For you, the tv might always seem to turn itself on, giving you no choice but to watch just one more episode of your favorite show.
For others, those pesky notifications keep popping up on their cell phone and they can never resist taking a quick look, who knows what could be waiting for you?
Then there are those who get distracted by the sound of other people talking or who suddenly find themselves lost in their own running list of to-dos in their head, not related to what they’re supposed to be doing.
Over the last few years I've figured out what my key distractors are, do you know yours?
If I need to focus on writing (like I'm doing now), the TV cannot be on, now music either, and FORGET IT if someone tries to talk to me (working from home has been wonderful for my content creation). Oh, and let's not forget suddenly 1,000 people need to contact me - let me put my phone on Do Not Disturb.
Take a moment and think about the key things that distract you and be honest with yourself! Everyone is a little different, your list of distractors could and probably should look different than mine.
3. Create a productive environment
Got your list? Great, this is going to be your unique productive environment.
How can you make it happen?
Now being in a "productive environment" isn't going to guarantee you get the work done, though…
4. Explore some focusing techniques
You know the goal you're striving for, you removed your distractors and are in your productive environment...so why isn't the work getting done still, right?
Because those three things aren't enough for many of us, especially when you're the one creating the schedule. There are a few practices you can try to help you buckle down and work:
The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a popular time management system that encourages you to break your work down into 25-minute chunks.
In each chunk, you commit to focusing on one specific task without any distractions. After the 25 minutes are up, you can take a break for 5 -10 minutes and then move onto the next task. This type of routine helps keep me focused and motivated throughout my day instead of staring at a blank page with no idea what I should be doing next.
Eat The Frog Method
The Eat the Frog Method is another technique that helps you stay on task and avoid procrastination. This method encourages you to tackle your most difficult or least enjoyable task first thing in the morning as if it were a frog you had to eat.
This way, once it's out of the way, everything else you have to do will seem much easier and more manageable. It also eliminates any stress or anxiety related to that particular task since it's already done before the day even begins!
Plus, by starting off with a hard task, you are setting yourself up for success throughout your day by establishing a mindset of tackling tasks head-on instead of avoiding them.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is a great way to help manage your time and focus on the tasks at hand. This technique involves creating blocks of time for specific activities in advance and sticking to them.
For example, if you need to write an article, you would block off a few hours every day specifically devoted to this task. During these allotted times, all other activities should be put on hold until the writing is completed or the block of time has ended.
Taking this approach helps you stay focused and eliminates any distractions that might come up throughout your day. Plus, by planning ahead you can better ensure that everything will get done!
I'm currently trying this method with the help of
Reclaim AI and Asana. I create my to-do list of tasks all focused on my goal in Asana (including the tasks for my clients). Then I add those items to my Reclaim calendar and estimate how much time they will take to complete and Reclaim automatically time blocks in 1-2 hour blocks of time for my tasks to accomplish before their deadlines.
The Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower matrix is a tool that helps you stay organized and focused on the tasks at hand. It's essentially a four-quadrant grid that divides tasks into four categories based on importance and urgency.
The first quadrant (Do) is for the important, urgent tasks that must get done right away. The second quadrant (Schedule) is for important but non-urgent tasks that should be scheduled in advance.
The third quadrant (Delegate) is where you can list out any tasks that are not as important but still need to get done so they can be delegated if necessary. Lastly, the fourth quadrant (Eliminate) is a list of unimportant and non-urgent
There are many different ways you can organize your time to accomplish your tasks, you want to find the option that works best for you.
5. Reward or celebrate yourself for accomplishing tasks
You know in college one of the study techniques that was shared was eating a piece of candy for every flashcard you got right or page you read?
...that wasn't just me, right?
Working on the assumption I'm not the only one that had to bribe myself to accomplish tasks, your adult self isn't much different from college or school-age you.
Your brain likes to be rewarded for accomplishing work! Asana does this by giving you a little flashy animation after you finish some tasks, but you can do it in a variety of ways as well.
- Take a short walk/stretch break
- Listen to your favorite song
- Have a small snack
- Treat yourself to something small like a new book, magazine, or puzzle
- Check social media
- Do some deep breathing and practice mindfulness
Ultimately, rewarding yourself when you have accomplished tasks will help motivate you and keep you moving forward throughout the day! After all, everyone needs a little bit of motivation now and then! So why not give it to yourself?
So there you have it, some tips on how to improve your focus so you can get s**t done.
I told you what I'm working on utilizing right now (time blocking and
Reclaim) what about you? Drop a comment and let me know.