Search
Close this search box.
Blog » Business Tips » How to Develop Better Focus

How to Develop Better Focus

It seems like there’s always another distraction. We live in a world where just about everything is accessible immediately, and it’s really hard not to take advantage.

Not only that, but with smartphones in our hands it’s practically impossible to have any distraction-free time. Bored standing in line at the grocery store? Waiting at the doctor’s office? Sitting at your kid’s soccer game? Chances are your default is to look to your phone.

Distractions are everywhere, from the way it’s easy to lose 30 minutes to Facebook when you’re just checking in, to how you can get distracted when the TV is on in the background. One of the keys to being more productive is increasing your ability to focus deeply on one thing.

You might be surprised at how much it can help you to develop better focus.

Why You Should Develop Better Focus

All the distractions we have often leave us feeling scattered. Attention is regularly siphoned off to other tasks or activities. We think we’re multitasking, but we’re really not. Instead,

Instead, our brains switch tasks when attention shifts. This means that there is a good chance that you are working at a shallow level, and that you are less productive and your work is of lower quality. If you can develop better focus, you are more likely to get through your work better by concentrating on one thing at a time, and you are likely to do a better job on top of it.

Tips to Develop Better Focus

If you hope to improve the way you focus, part of it is finding ways to ignore distraction in your everyday life. It’s not just about getting away from the Internet while you work (although that can be a big help). Here are some ideas for practicing better focus, and re-training your brain so that it doesn’t think it always needs to be distracted in the first place:

  • Avoid the smartphone first thing: It’s tempting to check your phone first thing in the morning. However, that sets the tone for being distracted throughout the day. Avoid the phone for the first 15 minutes of the day if you can, allowing you to set your intention for the day. Plus you can avoid getting sucked into Facebook and unimportant emails.
  • Notice the things around you: Instead of reaching for the phone the moment you get some down time, notice what’s around you. Pay attention to your surroundings and be in the moment. This can be especially effective if you are outside or if you are attending your child’s activities or games.
  • Create tech-free zones: Choose to unplug for some of the day. You can do this by make tech-free zones (avoid having phones at the dinner table), or even have tech-free days. Choose a day of the week to stay away from technology and reconnect with life. Go for a walk, play games as a family, read a book.
  • Meditate: Take the time to meditate, and you might be surprised at how you develop better focus. Meditation helps you center yourself, and teaches you to sit in stillness.

You don’t always need something to keep you from “being bored.” Shallow attention and the need to be constantly diverted can keep you from being as productive as you could be, and it even keeps you from focusing and doing your best work.

 

About Due’s Editorial Process

We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content, created by leading finance and industry experts, is reviewed by a team of seasoned editors to ensure compliance with the highest standards in reporting and publishing.

TAGS
Credit Expert
I’m Miranda and I’m a freelance financial journalist and money expert. My specialties are investing, small business/entrepreneurship and personal finance. The journey to business success and financial freedom is best undertaken with fellow travelers.

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Categories

Top Trending Posts

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More