By: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Sr. Associate Editor, ICN Group
(In the past article, we knew about the power of focus. Today, we will know how to avoid distractions for better focus.)
Avoid distractions for better focus
Maintaining laser-sharp focus is another name of avoiding distractions. These days we are flooded with distractions while at work. Sometimes a visitor arrives; sometimes mobile starts ringing; sometimes email and social media notifications distract us. You have to take some conscious steps to overcome these small distractions, which are bound to come your way:-
Keep your desk free of distractions – Your table can bring you lots of distractions which can disturb focused work. Just a small attention to your table will make it free from distractive documents and unnecessary items which are not required for the time being.
Frequent incoming calls – If your phone is ringing very often, you can use voice mail at the time of doing focused work. Mobile phones may be kept at vibration mode or silent mode and later on, missed calls may be responded. Social media and email notifications may be put to silent mode so that you can check them at your convenience.
Close the door of your cabin – To get rid of unnecessary walk in visitors, you can even keep the door of your cabin closed as a matter of practice. It will allow only those visitors to come to you, who actually want to visit you for some work.
Always use a To-Do list – If you regularly use a To-Do list, you will have better focus on the task at hand, as you will not have to worry about plenty of pending tasks. You will know that you are a good manager of time and you have planned your time well and this is the time to focus upon this work without any distractions.
Take regular breaks from work – Develop the habit of taking regular breaks from work. It will make your brain free of overloading. After rest, you can again focus on the next important work. Break does not necessarily means outing in a typical sense. Even one day of enjoyment with family at the weekend with refresh you; and you will be filled with energy and enthusiasm for the next week’s works and will be in a better position to attend the work with laser sharp focus.
Play light background music – Recent researches have shown that soft background music or chanting play a vital role in better concentration. Though you have to remember that it should not disturb others. If you are getting distracted with the loud volume of music being enjoyed by somebody else, you can use earphones.
Enjoy sufficient sleep – Any amount of short sleep will make you lethargic during the day and you will not be in a position to concentrate with full focus on the task at hand, so enjoy sufficient amount of sleep and leave the worries of work for tomorrow.
(In the next article, we will discuss how to avoid mistakes people make, while setting & achieving goals. I believe that you are enjoying the journey towards the future of your dreams with me. If yes, please stay tuned every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Happy G.O.P.T.A.)
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Creator & copyright holder of the concept G.O.P.T.A.© is an Author, Certified NLP Trainer, Corporate Trainer & Motivational Speaker (www.goptasuccess.com) and recipient of Honorary Doctorate of Excellence (Management) by prestigious Young Scientist University, California, USA. He is Founder of ‘Read, Learn & Earn Movement’ and is popularly known among his fans & followers across the globe as ‘Time and Goal Guru’.
