5 ways to stay focused in any situation

Poor productivity is inextricably linked to attention issues. When we are constantly distracted, we cannot move forward effectively. Add social media to this, and keeping your attention at school or work for a long time seems like an overwhelming task. In such conditions, it is important to learn how to concentrate correctly.

Adam Grant is a professor at the Wharton School of Business and author of Think Again.

If you are trying to be more productive, you don’t need to analyze how you spend your time. Instead, ask yourself what is absorbing your attention.

Many people use new technologies to increase concentration. Unfortunately, most of the time they distract attention in the same way. One notification on your phone is replaced by another - and now you are already responding to messages and go to Instagram, instead of studying or working.

Truly productive people feed their attention and starve any stimuli. There are several effective and simple ways to do this.

1. Separate urgent tasks from important ones

When you have a long to-do list in front of your eyes, it can be difficult to know where to start and what to postpone. The main rule is that urgent tasks with time limits should be done first.

Try to notice what external stimuli are distracting you and block them quickly. Over time, you will understand what exactly is distracting your attention, and you can increase your productivity.

2. Calculate Top Distractions

Try the preventive method - identify possible irritants for each task you need to focus on and eliminate them before you start.

If these are notifications on your phone, set it to silent or turn it off altogether. If you are at risk of being distracted by your favorite TV show, choose a room without a TV for work.

Simply put, remove any clutter from your space. No distractions - there are no limits to your performance.

3. Create a healthy work environment

If you work in an office, ask colleagues to distract you only on important issues. Put your business papers or any other distraction in your desk drawer. This will help you get into a state of maximum concentration.

When working from home, talk seriously with your family. Explain that during working hours you can only be distracted in the event of a total force majeure. And try to choose the most isolated and quietest room in the house.

4. Immerse yourself in the task completely

It is important to remember that stimuli are not only external, but also internal. Thinking about an impending deadline, an altercation with a friend, or household chores can be more distracting than endless phone messages.

Try to immerse yourself in the right atmosphere while you work - for example, wear headphones if necessary. Conduct a small experiment and focus on the task first at 30, then 40, and then 60 minutes. It will be easier for you to keep your attention with each attempt.

5. Determine the best time to solve problems

Make a plan for the day based on work tasks. You can start with a simple question: "What do I want to be able to do today?" Make this your first goal of the day.

Remember to schedule breaks between work. And at the end of the day, analyze your productivity and determine what hours you were most productive. This will help you plan for future tasks.

The ability to hold attention while working is a matter of habit. This takes time and desire. Start today and soon you will be able to stay focused in any situation and environment.