How To Avoid Getting Distracted

In an age where sources of entertainment are constantly around us it is hard to resist the temptation to do literally anything you shouldn’t be doing. The internet can easily change a bored mind to an entertained one. And there’s few people out there who think writing a report is funner than scrolling on their phone.

The odds may be stacked against us but it is important to be able to focus and avoid distractions. Constantly straying away from the work you should be doing can cause procrastination, fatigue, lack of motivation, tardiness and poor quality work.

The best way to combat this is by finding ways to avoid getting distracted in order to remain focused on a more important task.

Ways to avoid getting distracted

Here are some strategies to avoid getting distracted.

1. Control the source of distractions

Most likely the reason you are distracted is due to a particular source or sources of distraction. By controlling what’s taking your attention you decrease the chance that you will be distracted by it.

Most often, this is a phone. Keep apps that seem to distract you most in a folder on the last page of your phone, if possible. Turn off notifications for these apps. For texting and calling, sometimes emergencies can happen so it is best to utilize a do not disturb feature which most phones have. This allows you to limit notifications unless they are from certain contacts.

Understandably, some distractions may not be fully ignorable. I.e. if you have kids or pets that need your attention or help, you ought to tend to them. You could consider putting them close by but distracting them with the TV or something that will occupy them but allow you to be there in the event they need you.

2. Pick the right environment

The environment for doing tasks is a major factor in the ability to stay focused. Don’t go to a bustling dance party to focus on something important. Make sure you are in a comfortable environment with little to no clutter that could cloud the mind. You can study in a library or somewhere calm but if this is difficult for you then you could create a library-like environment at home. At home, some distractions may be unavoidable but you just need to do your best to control them and work through them when necessary.

3. Train yourself to stay focused (and control impulses)

Much like physical muscles, the brain can be trained to remain concentrated for longer periods of time and to resist distractions. It might need a little will power; try making yourself stay focused on your responsibility. Even if you feel tempted to cave into distraction, fight the urge and keep working through it.

Train yourself not only to stay focused but to do so for longer lengths of time. For example, you may want to say to yourself that you will stay focused and work for 15 minutes straight. You can do so, then take a small 5 minute break. When you get back to work you can try another 15 minutes. After a few days or weeks you can up it to say 20 or 25 minutes (again, as an example). Whatever time frames suit you can work here. The idea is to build your mental endurance to help you stay focused longer.

4. Avoid multitasking

Multitasking is really just a permissible way of getting distracted. Staying focused should mean concentrating on one task and doing it properly and carefully. First of all this increases the chance of doing it well but it also helps you get it done more efficiently. Compare this with multitasking which may get you stuck doing two or more things poorly. Multitasking can also be a mentally draining which could increase fatigue and thereby cause you to have to stop working earlier, take more breaks and/or get distracted.

5. Take breaks

Just like multitasking can cause fatigue, so too can working for too long without allowing yourself some rest. Not taking breaks can just make it harder to focus as time goes on as well because you could be approaching your limit at any point. The solution is to take breaks as a way to give yourself controlled distraction times.

Make sure you adhere to break times, though. Breaks can go from a little rest to a lengthy distraction if not controlled. 15 minute breaks every 3 hours or 5 minute breaks every hour should be enough if this suits your schedule. Remember to also take break days, which are days in which you do nothing but rest in order to recharge.

6. Be bored once in a while

It is hard to be bored in the modern era with so many sources of entertainment available. Many people in this generation are not used to being bored because they usually don’t have to be for a long time. Many of us get acclimated to opening our phone whenever we’re in need of quick gratification.

Build your tolerance to boredom by working without getting distracted or even just sitting and doing nothing. Sit down/lay in bed and just look at the ceiling or get lost in imagination.

7. Remind yourself of your goals

Not only should you have goals in life but you should always keep them in the back of your mind, as well. These ought to be your motivator for getting up and moving forward in life. Staying aware of what motivates us helps focus stay strong. Why are you doing what you’re doing? Why does it matter? What are the benefits of completing this task successfully? Constantly remind yourself of the answers to these questions if you feel your focus fading.