10 Tools For Better Focus
1. A,B,C
If you struggle with getting important tasks done and find yourself focusing on things like cleaning the kitchen when you need to sit down and finish a big project, this technique is for you!
At the start of your week list out the tasks you need to accomplish. Go back and mark each task with the letter A, B, or C depending on how much of a priority it is for you to accomplish.
Always get your A tasks done before starting on B tasks, and B tasks done completely before starting on C tasks.
2. Write the distraction down
Have you ever sat down with the intention to accomplish a task and thought something along the lines of "I need to order ___ now or I'll forget!" and find yourself scrolling the internet, losing track of time, and becoming frustrated with yourself?
You're not alone!
Next time you need to finish a big task, have a piece of paper or your notes app on your phone out beside you. Write down every thought that pops into your mind that may be tempting to go do instead. Once you spend at least 30 minutes on the task, take another look at what you wrote down and reevaluate if it's really necessary to get done, or if it just felt like it was in the moment.
3. Pomodoro technique for better focus
This is the simple technique of setting a timer for yourself when you're trying to accomplish a task. Set a timer for about 30 minutes and tell yourself you can have a break after it goes off but you must focus during that time. Then, take a 5-minute break and start again.
Sometimes people find when the timer goes off they actually continue to focus for much longer, it’s the getting started piece that usually is the hardest part!
4. Task list and calendar
Have a daily task list as well as a calendar and make sure these match up with each other.
Utilize the A,B,C technique here as well.
Don't try and put all your information on a calendar, having a separate task list can help you focus on details, while a calendar will help you see the bigger picture.
Many people find task lists in the form of a bullet journal helpful, others like legal pads, and some want a more structured system that’s already mapped out for them.
Whichever you choose, try to not spend too much time picking the “perfect” system. Just choose the one you think could work and stick with it for at least a few months to see if it’s helpful.
Pro Tip: Use you calendar to map out what you need to do/get done in the future, then break these tasks down into smaller steps. Once you’ve broken the steps down, see where you can add specific smaller steps into your daily task list so you can begin to check them off and move towards the bigger picture.
5. If it takes less than a few minutes, do it now
Are you putting off a task that would really only take a few minutes if you just did it?
It may be an uninteresting task or one that feels frustrating, but if you train yourself to just do it really quickly, this can help reduce the chance of little tasks building up and becoming a big issue later.
6. Get out of the house
Working from home can be infinitely distracting. Tasks we’d rather not do, get easily pushed aside for other tasks that feel more important in the moment (like cleaning the kitchen) when in reality, we’re using them as ways to feel productive without having to do a task we really do need to get done.
Changing up your environment can help you get in the zone faster by cutting out all distractions from home.
This could look like heading over to a coffee shop for a few hours, investing in a coworking space, or going into the office even when it isn’t mandatory.
Change things up and see what motivates you to tackle tasks you get more easily distracted from.
7. Focus Fuel
Like I mentioned before, the kitchen is a big distraction for many trying to focus at home. Instead of going back and forth to grab a snack, water, or coffee try having these set up to go with you at your desk.
Choose snacks that are high in nutrients like almonds or dried fruit. If you don’t have a water bottle you like drinking out of, get one that will motivate you to stay hydrated.
Having these at the ready will help you resist the kitchen impulse and stay focused longer while feeding your brain the good stuff!
8. Incentives for better focus
If staying focused is difficult for you, creating an incentives system can be helpful in having something to look forward to after the boring, unattractive, or difficult task is complete.
Whether it be after you finish a task, or if you’re using the Pomodoro technique, after your set amount of time is up, try having something you enjoy at the ready you can do to take a small break.
Don’t get into a rabbit hole here, allow yourself one song to listen to, one youtube video or something else to do that is less than 5-10 minutes.
Once you’ve had your break it’s straight into getting focused again.
9. Command Center
If you tend to lose important items often, creating a sort of “hub” or command center can help give you a place for everything you need on the daily.
It could be a basket by the door with everything you need for the day, or a more organized system where everything has a place. Make sure these items are kept together so you will be more likely to both put items here and remember where they are when you need them.
10. Get grounded
Feeling scattered and having difficulties focusing can make it tough to feel present and grounded. If you have difficulty focusing, practicing skills like breathwork and mindfulness can be monumental in feeling better and more in control. Try just 5 minutes in the morning before you start your day and keep track throughout the week if you begin to notice any changes in your ability to stay present and focused.
If you don’t know where to start, use this guided meditation we made below!