Staying Focused in a Distracted World

Staying focused seems to keep getting more difficult with people and information so accessible all the time - I can think of a thousand ways I can get distracted or waste my time without even knowing it. So, it’s time to make the decision to start putting effort into staying focused! Here are a few ways to start:

1. Turn off smart phone notifications. At first, it seems convenient that our phones will let us know when we get a new email or photo like, but constantly being glued to our phones is a huge hindrance from staying focused on the task or enjoying the company of the people we are with.
2. Dedicate 1 or 2 specific times a day to answer emails, check voice messages and respond to social media. This way, you are not constantly checking them throughout the day and you are able to keep staying focused.
3. Remove physical clutter. Staying focused can be tough when there are messes and things tend to get lost, creating even less focus. Make sure things are generally cleaned up and get rid of things you don’t use.
4. Figure out when the best time of day works for certain activities. Some people are very energetic in the morning, so they should work out in the morning while people who get an extra boost of energy at the end of the day should work out in the evening. Figure out your energy and motivation levels during the day, then stick to a schedule that works best for you!
5. Establish a healthy morning routine. Start the day off right! Make sure to get up early enough to give yourself time for a healthy breakfast and a little bit of time to relax. Rushing around from the moment you get out of bed can make you feel stressed and can prevent you from staying focused.
6. Keep a to-do list. Staying focused is much easier when a to-do list is involved. This way, you can prioritize what needs to get done and what can wait.
7. Figure out what you value in life. Be sure to think about what matters to you in life. Don’t let other peoples values define/motivate you. Figure out your own goals and reasons for them and then go for it!
8. Learn to say no. Sometimes, staying focused is a matter of knowing when to say no - don’t take on extra engagements if they are going to stress you out.

Trust me, I know how distracting life can get, but staying focused will help you accomplish your goals and be able to enjoy each moment as you experience it. Follow these steps to a more focused life today!