Ditch These Distraction Habits to Master Your Focus
Feeling scattered has a lot to do with being distracted. It’s hard to focus when your attention is being diverted to things that donÃt matter as much as your to-do list. Sometimes distractions are out of your control, but most of the time your habits contribute to your tendency to get distracted and unfocused. Ditching distracting habits can help laser focus your time and energy and boost your production.
1. Checking your phone constantly
It’s hard to master your focus on one task when you have notifications going off every two minutes. Checking your phone constantly pulls your attention away from the task at hand and can easily lead to hours of lost time.
Solution: Turn off all notifications, except for those from people you deem important. If it’s an emergency, they’ll call
This is one of the worst distractions out there. It’s so easy to get sucked into your phone when youÃre bored or have a few minutes to kill, but all that checking can add up to a lot of lost time. According to research, the average person checks their phone every six and a half minutes, which amounts to about 150 times a day. If you can break the habit of constantly checking your phone, youÃll be able to focus better on the task at hand.
2. Working in noisy environments
Working in a noisy environment can lead to distractions and a lack of focus. It’s hard to concentrate when there’s constant chatter or random sounds going on around you.
Solution: If possible, try to find a quiet space to work in. If that’s not an option, invest in some noise-canceling headphones to help you focus.
A noisy environment can be a huge distraction and make it difficult to concentrate. If you work in an office or any space with a lot of noise, try finding a quiet corner where you can concentrate.
3. Procrastinating
Procrastination is one of the worst habits for focus. When you’re always putting off your work, it’s hard to get anything done. Not only that, but constantly putting things off makes you feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Solution: Create a to-do list and use time blocks
One way to overcome procrastination is to create a to-do list and use time blocks. Dedicate specific times to working on each task, and don’t let yourself work on anything else until that task is done. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Procrastination is one of the biggest distractions out there. When you put off tasks, you’re not only wasting time, but you’re also creating more anxiety for yourself. The best way to overcome procrastination is to start with a small task and then work your way up. Breaking down a big task into smaller ones makes it seem less daunting, and you’ll be more likely to get started.
4. Disable Alerts to Ditch the Social Media Distraction Habit
It’s no secret that social media can be a huge distraction. Between the posts, notifications, and ads, it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re scrolling through your Facebook, YouTube, IG, or TikTok feed. If you’re struggling to master your focus because of your social media habit, disabling alerts can help.
Solution: Disable all social media notifications. This will help you focus on the task at hand and avoid getting distracted.
It may seem important to keep up with the latest YouTube video posted by your favorite influencer. You may be waiting on pins and needles for your comment to be seen and liked on Facebook, but unless social media is part of how you earn a living, it could be distracting you needlessly.
Turning off notifications can help you save social media for when you have proper downtime. It’s the same for email notifications, text alerts, and so forth. You can easily set specific tones on your smartphone for the most important contacts so you don’t miss important messages and let the others wait until you have free time.
Creating a distraction-free environment for yourself is one of the best ways to focus on your work. When you’re not constantly being interrupted, you can get more done in less time. Ditch these bad habits and start practicing some good ones to help you stay focused and productive.
5. Enforce a Do Not Disturb Model to Ditch the Chatting Distraction Habit
It can be tough to focus when everyone around you is constantly talking. Whether it’s at work or at home, it seems like everyone is always engaged in a conversation.
Solution: Try to enforce a “do not disturb” model so you can focus on what you’re trying to get done.
Losing your focus, even for a few minutes can diminish your productivity and creativity. It takes a while to ramp back up to being in focus. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by casual conversations when you are working.
Closing your door, facing away from others, or setting the tone you don’t want to be disturbed can help others keep their distance. If you stay focused and don’t engage in conversations you may find you get your work done faster than you thought and have more time for others when you are done.
If you want to master your focus, it’s best to avoid surrounding yourself with distractions. This means turning off your phone, avoiding social media, and working in a quiet environment. If you can’t avoid distractions, try using a timer to work for a set amount of time and then take a break.
6. Limit Overstimulation (Ditch the Multi-Tasking Habit)
When you’re constantly switching tasks, you’re not giving any one task your full attention. This can lead to mistakes and a lack of focus.
Solution: Try to limit yourself to two tasks at once.
Multitasking may seem like a great way to get more done, but in reality, it just leads to distraction and decreased productivity.
It’s often thought of as an effective way to work, but doing too much at one time can water down your focus. Limit the types and number of things you do at once.
- Avoid listening to podcasts or music when you need to concentrate on a mental task.
- Avoid having the television or other noise in the background when you are working, it can cause your mind to wander and get distracted.
- Skip talking on the phone or holding important conversations when you should be focused on a physical task because it can diminish your focus.
If you find you do better with white noise in the background or thrive taking on multiple tasks at once, try to limit them to the least distracting to your conscious or your subconscious.
Studies have shown that people who multitask are actually less productive than those who focus on one task at a time. The reason is that when you switch tasks, it takes time for your brain to refocus, and during that time, you’re not productive at all. So if you want to be more focused and productive, try to focus on one task at a time.
Your habits may be distracting you. You can often boost your productivity by ditching the habits that leave you feeling scattered. Determine which habits are particularly distracting for you and find a way to overcome them so you can master your focus and be productive.