15 Ways to Regain Focus and Concentration

Nothing irritates me more than when I can’t focus on what needs to be done. So, what is focus and how do you keep ahold of it or get it back on track when you lose it? Let’s get right to it.

What is Focus?

When you focus on something important to you, you are concentrating all of your attention on that one specific task. Nothing is getting in the way of you completing that task and you are in a groove where things are moving smoothly along. You’ve put aside all the things vying for your attention to keep trained on that specific task.

Why Do You Need Focus?

When you need to complete a project, research a subject, complete that nagging chapter you need to finish or write a blog post you need to sit and focus. That focus is going to get you through to that last step (or on to the next one). There are always times you want to stop, take a break, or quit altogether. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely times when you NEED that break, but don’t let it take hold so much that you forget why you’re trying to focus and continue in the first place. Take that break, but Keep Going, you can do it!

How to Gain Focus

Although, your mind is capable of focusing on more than one thing at a time; I mean, come on, who doesn’t love multitasking? The only problem with that is your split mind is trying to concentrate on too many things at once and you’re not getting as much as you could be getting done, complete. You need to focus on one task, one goal, or one item at a time in order for your focus to really work as it should.

So, in order to gain focus you should concentrate on one thing at a time. The trick to it is that you don’t move on to anything else until that one goal or task is achieved. You may want to spread your thoughts and move to more projects, but when your focus is split, it’s hard to get multiple things done.

Ways to Focus

There are many ways to gain focus and concentrate on the things you need to complete. Here are some of you to ponder on.

1. Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination gets to us all at one time or another. You know the deadline for something is coming up and you are finding anything and everything to do in order to put it off as far as possible. I know I’ve done this more times than I can count. It’s why my dishes are always done. I would rather do those than get a post done or continue a difficult part in the story I’m writing.

What we need to do is prepare for the session, get everything ready, gather all of our supplies, and then get to it. Work on that project, finish that chapter and get that post done. Stop putting it off and get your mind on what needs to happen to complete the task. Prepare, Proceed, Complete.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions come in many, many forms from notifications on your phone, to interruptions from family. It’s not easy and it may not always work, but try your best to eliminate as many of these distractions as you can. Close tabs you’re not using for the task you’re working on (you can get those back later). Silence notifications on your phone and computer. Tell family and friends you’re only available for emergencies during the times you’re working on your tasks and get children interested in something that will keep their attention. (Also not an easy task.)

Distractions and notifications are what keep most of us from finishing what needs to get done. Try to eliminate (or in your children’s case, occupy) as many as you can so you can sit and work.

3. Create a List

Lists are great tools for everyone, especially those that have a few things they want to get done. Not to mention those who think of things while working on a current project.

Keeping a list next to your workstation for those things that pop into your head allows you to write them down, getting them out of your head so you can continue on with your work. You are allowed the time to check back at your list when you have more time to see what you added and then schedule those in.

Remember, you don’t want to move from one project/task to the next without finishing the one you’re currently working on first. Commit to one at a time and you’ll get to them all.

4. Create Deadlines

Deadlines are a great motivator when there is a need to complete a task. Even if it’s not meant for someone else, creating a deadline for yourself can help get things done.

There is a reason why companies and businesses use deadlines for projects, other than there being an actual deadline. It creates a finality to a project’s task that needs to be completed before a certain date and time.

5. Make the Choice

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you need to make a conscious choice as to what you’ll be working on and when. Then make the decision to sit and get it done. It’s yours to make, make the right choice.

6. Keep Calm and Forge On

When things seem to get out of hand, frustrating, or overwhelming, don’t let it get you down. Take a breath, look at the problem from a new perspective, and forge on. Keep working at it until it is complete. There is nothing more satisfying than finishing something you’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears into.

Once the first task/goal is complete, head to the next one, and then the next.

7. Minimize the Noise

We are taking this literally. If you have small children or even teenagers, you know your home can get quite loud at times. As with distractions, it’s not easy to get the quiet you need to concentrate and focus on what you need to get done.

Think of ways to accomplish this by getting noise-canceling headphones, kicking your kids out of the house for a time (They should be enjoying the outside on nice days anyway), or seeing if you can get them preoccupied with something quiet in nature. Do what you can and work with what you can’t.

8. Creat a Plan

When one creates a plan, one knows exactly what needs to be done when, and how it needs to be done. Scheduling your tasks and goals can help you create a plan that works for you. It will guide you as you move along from one task to the next. Stick to the plan, don’t deviate or you’ll be back where you started.

9. Don’t Compare

It’s hard to do, but we often compare ourselves to others that are doing well and feel we’ll never get to where they are. The thing we don’t realize is, this is true. You won’t get to where they are because you are not them. You are you. Find yourself and you can go above and beyond what others are doing because you are who you are.

Don’t compare yourself to others, because you are not them. You are you and you can do even better if you have the mind to do so. So, think like you and keep pushing forward.

10. Create a Reward System

Rewarding yourself for a job well done is a great way to keep your motivation high. The difficult thing is choosing what those rewards will be without jeopardizing any of the tasks/goals you have in place. A common one is buying treats when you are trying to stay fit. Though having a small treat now and then won’t hurt, it’s the mental fatigue behind it that may cause the problem. Having a treat when you’re not ready for it, may cause you to pick up old habits.

The goal here is to find things that are still rewarding but won’t interfere with the progress you’ve made. Some examples are watching an episode of your favorite show, reading an extra chapter in a book, or putting a few extra dollars toward a game or item you’ve been wanting.

11. Work on Full Screen

To minimize computer distractions, many programs have the option to work with a full screen. Where you can only see what you’re working on and nothing else. No sidebars, no top menu, nothing but the document/app you’re using and that’s it.

This keeps other tabs hidden and allows you to focus on the task at hand. Concentrating on what you need to and completing that task before moving to the next one.

12. Create a Routine

Routines are amazing tools to keep you on track and prepare you for the next item coming. If you have a routine to prepare before starting a task, such as organizing and gathering supplies, getting a snack, stocking up on water, and reviewing notes; you’ve created a system that benefits you.

That system, when repeated, provides action steps that prepare not only you physically, but mentally to get ready for the task ahead. If always done in the same order, your brain will realize what time it is and will be ready when you sit down to get things done.

13. Measure Your Progress

Review where you came from, where you are, and where you want to go. This should be done periodically (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly) to keep your mind on the task at hand while seeing how far you’ve come and where you still need to get to.

14. Enjoy the Process

Don’t forget to enjoy the process. You may find yourself in situations where things get a little difficult (or a lot), but that’s part of the process. Nothing ever comes easy and obstacles are part of the process. Overcome those that impede your progress and keep going. Things will get easier and you’ll be glad you stuck with it. Love what you do.

15. Embrace Failure

Failure is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from it and move forward. Great people have failed multiple, multiple times before finally becoming successful. Don’t let it get you down. Look at it, review it, and move forward with a new perspective.

Final Thoughts

So, now that you have some ways to focus in your toolbox, go and get back into the rhythm and harmony you were once at. And don’t forget to love what you do, because there is no greater feeling than rising every morning to do what you love doing the most.