Tricks to Focus

If you have a goal, whether a boss has imposed it on you, or it's one you have set for yourself, it is important to see it through. At work, people are counting on you to meet that deadline and perform the task properly. Consequently, techniques to focus on the task before you are necessary. As the Office Arrow website says, sometimes you have to log off from the Internet in order to wholly focus. At other times, a 10- to 15-minute break may be in order.

Watch Food Choices

• Eat fish, fruit, nuts and whole grains. According to the Office Arrow website, these foods keep you awake and alert, helping you to focus on the task at hand. Avoid all processed foods, refined sugar, alcoholic beverages, excessive salt and saturated fat. These foods deprive you of the energy you need to focus on your assigned task and may actually cause you to fall asleep.

Plan Your Work With the Goal in Mind

• Write out all components of your project on paper. Study all parts of the task, from start to finish. Keep this written plan in a visible place, so that you may be able to visualize the finished product. Write it out in the form of a checklist. Doing this will enable you to easily check items off as you complete them.

Keep a Calendar

• Keep a calendar by your side. If a project is time-sensitive, mark any deadlines on your calendar. A pocket-size datebook provides a visual cue to inform you when a project, assignment, or report is due at work or school. It will also help you develop time-management skills and multi-tasking techniques to help you avoid procrastination. Use the calendar to determine when to begin a project early enough to avoid last-minute pressure

Recognize Milestones

• Utilize milestones to let you know how close to completion you are, as Chris Brogan suggests. For example, if you are a freelance writer and your goal is to produce six articles for the day, then after having finished three, you can place a large sign in front of you telling yourself that you only have three to go. It will motivate you to see the project through until you have finished and help you avoid becoming mentally tired and, thus, unfocused before you've completed your sixth article.

The Importance of the "Do Not Disturb" Sign

• Put up a sign clearly telling co-workers or family members if you work at home that you are unavailable at the moment. While some may be offended, it is the most productive thing to do. Otherwise, people will attempt to approach you and begin to engage you in conversation about personal problems and other things that they think are emergencies.