Getting distracted at work is an issue we all end up having at one point or another. This is especially true if you don’t enjoy the work you do. We often get distracted by one simple idea that quickly turns into many distracting thoughts that pull us away from work. When you lose focus, productivity starts to follow. Luckily, there are some easy tips you can consider when you need to buckle down and get things done at work. Read on to learn how.
Plan out your day early
Before your day begins, work on a schedule that you can stick to. Think about what hours you are the most productive. If you can, work around them. We don’t all work at peak performance before noon, and there is no reason why you have to force yourself if you can juggle your hours a bit. Completing important tasks when you are at your most efficient will keep you from becoming distracted. When you have a plan right in front of you, it will be easier to stay on track.
Block out time-wasting websites and apps
Who doesn’t get distracted by the latest drama on Facebook or the new dance craze on TikTok? With so many websites, apps, and games right there on our phones and computers at all times, it’s almost impossible to stay focused on our work. It’s easy to promise ourselves that we won’t get distracted, but does it ever happen? Instead of trying to do it on your own, use an extension on your computer, such as StayFocused or LeechBlock, to block out the websites and apps that you can’t resist using again and again.
Stay away from the chatterboxes
We all have that one very talkative coworker who you can never get away from once they have you in their grip. It’s hard to be rude and walk away when they are so excited to tell you a story. It is okay to gently explain that you are preoccupied with work at the moment but that you would love to hear more about it later. If you are permitted in your workplace, invest in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones to drown out the noise.
Focus carefully
The best way to improve your concentration is to actively train your mind to block and repel all of the distracting thoughts that come through. To begin, figure out what triggers you the most. For example, are you always distracted by thoughts of your next vacation? If these thoughts often cause your mind to wander, now you can actively wait for them to happen. The moment your mind goes to your next beach vacation scenario, quickly push the thought out of your head. You can also tell yourself that you can daydream about that scenario once you finish with your task. This will help you to stay more focused on what you are doing. Eventually, you’ll be able to push out random thoughts without even realizing you are doing it!
