8 Ways to Eliminate Distractions and Stay Focused

The ability to concentrate and focus is at an all-time low. The distractions of the world are growing stronger each day. With computers in our hands and social media at our fingertips, it’s too easy to entertain ourselves for extended periods of time. The ability to ignore distractions is a skill that takes time to develop. You can begin by setting limits on phone usage and social media check-ins to reduce distractions at work.

By improving your ability to focus on your work, you’ll have a huge advantage over your co-workers.

Get more accomplished:

1. Get a more comfortable chair. If you spend most of the day seated, be willing to spend some money on a good chair. Consider how many hours a day you sit at work over several years. This isn’t a place to be stingy. You sit in your work chair more than you watch your TV or ride in your car. How much did you spend on those?

I can attest that this is a must and an investment in yourself. I recently bit the bullet and bought a $200 chair. The cost of my previous chair was $0 (kitchen chair). Having the $200 dollar chair has made it possible for me to sit comfortably for longer periods of time and because it's so comfortable, I get more work done. My mother calls it my throne because I sit there all the time.

If you’re comfortable, you’ll be less distracted. A sore back or rear-end will cut your productivity and your ability to focus. Do yourself a favor and GET THE CHAIR!

2. Know your priorities. Work on the most important items of business first. You can get more done in the first couple of hours than you will the rest of the day. Distractions are less of an issue when doing low-level tasks like checking email and completing forms.

Do your most important work when your ability to ignore distractions is the greatest. Contrary to what works for most, I get more done later in the day and some of my best bright ideas come late at night as I lay in bed. So there I am wrestling with my phone in the dark, keying in notes for the next blog or business venture so I can sleep and not worry about forgetting my brilliant idea before morning. Does anyone else struggle with this?

3. Use headphones. Not only can you block out the noise of your work neighbors, but you can also choose to listen to something that will enhance your concentration. For most people, anything with words will be a distraction if you’re trying to think or write. Something new age or classical is better if you’ll be using your brain. I listen to Coffitivity while I'm working in my home office. It surrounds me with ambient cafe noises which have been found to increase focus and productivity. And Coffitivity is free.

4. Show up to work on time. It’s hard to get caught up if you show up late to work. It’s also stressful and distracting. Improve your morning routine so you can consistently arrive at work on time.

5. Eliminate distractions on your computer. Have a folder with all your commonly used shortcuts. Remove any games that you like to play a little too much. Consider installing software that will allow you to block other programs or websites for a predetermined amount of time. It’s easy to allow your computer to distract you, especially if no one is looking.

Social media can be a huge distraction. If you can, delete your favorite apps from your phone to limit the number of times you check in on social media. Your brain functioning will improve, and you'll feel less stress and depression if you're not constantly concerning yourself with the number of likes and comments on your morning post of a photo of you sipping your favorite coffee drink while fighting social injustices on your way to work.

6. Take regular breaks. The optimal break schedule is roughly a 10-minute break each hour. However, it’s important to avoid taking your breaks in a way that will lead to distractions. Choose your chatting partners carefully. Choose your online activities carefully.

Avoid allowing a 10-minute break to turn into a 30-minute waste of time.

This 10-minute break can be shorter if that's best for you and can be as simple as standing up and stretching to get your blood flowing again, which will increase your productivity.

7. Keep water and a snack near your desk. There’s nothing inherently wrong with taking a short break to get up and get a drink. But other things happen along the way. You get caught up in a conversation by the coffee station. Or someone in the hallway asks you about your weekend. You can avoid social distractions by keeping the essentials with you at your desk.

8. Clean up your work area at the end of the day. End the day on a positive note and give yourself the best opportunity to start the following day well. Create a to-do list every day before leaving that will help improve your focus by getting each day off to a great start.

Studies have shown that those in an office environment only spend a few hours each day doing productive work. The rest of the time is spent on non-essential activities and things like getting coffee, talking with a cubicle mate, and playing on the internet.

Distractions are everywhere. By eliminating distractions and improving your ability to focus, you can increase your productivity and stand out from your co-workers as someone who gets the job done.

Get a copy of my free work from home ebook here

About: Careerspresso was created to help women re-enter the workforce after extended breaks in employment for any reason. Learn how to get a raise, get a promotion and become the obvious choice for every opportunity. Follow to stay up on the latest and greatest in career coaching.

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