Get clear on what you really want to achieve. When something isn’t right for you, say “no, thank you.” This will give you more time and space to commit to things that matter. Prune your to-do list. This will make you more productive.
Mentally rehearse the task
Visualize the ideal process
Boost your willpower
Focus requires self-control and the ability to resist short-term temptations for long-term gains.
- Breath-work, yoga, and meditation are among the most effective ways to boost your willpower. Honing your willpower helps you stay focused and stay in the present moment.
Make It Automatic
Develop regular habits and simple routines to make a task more automatic
Keep your energy up during breaks
Take a walk, chat with a friend, grab a healthy snack, or get some fresh air.
- Set a bedtime routine and get a good night’s rest to avoid zoning out
- Step away from the task when your interest in it begins to plummet. Go back to it when you refuel your energy
Create a supportive environment
Arrange your work space to discourage unscheduled visits and interruptions
- Turn off your phone, mobile devices and email and IM notifications
- Disconnect from the Internet
- Use one, all, or a combination of these strategies to overcome internal busyness and reduce external distractions
Stop multitasking
Doing multiple things at once or switching rapidly between tasks is the opposite of focus
- Pick one important task and fully engage with it
- If you tend to get bored doing one task, set a timer to perform it in short bursts of 15 to 25 minutes
- Batch together similar tasks that require the same resources
