Do These 3 Things to Boost Your Focus This Week

Especially being in the summer months, it can be a struggle for lots of individuals to focus, especially in the workplace. With all the nice weather, vacations, and trips it can often feel like work comes second. Here are a 3 personal tips that I hope will help you have positive and focused outlook this week.

1. Create an unordinary to-do list.

You will hear all the time to create to-do list, and to simply check off everything that you complete. The inherent flaw with this method is that it encourages unattainable goals. First, make a list with only 3 things on it. Why only 3 when there is so much to do?

By generalizing your goals, you set priories to reach them. Nothing is worse than the feeling of unfinished goals, and by using the top 3 method you organize yourself to know exactly what you have to do. Lastly, put your list somewhere where you know you will check. For example, I keep mine on my phone because I know I always have with me. It can be on paper, on a laptop, or wherever you will see it often.

2. Clean out your junk (and distractions).

A common problem for all of us is keeping a messy workstation. A cluttered area can induce stress, low productivity, and fatigue. By keeping a clean and inviting station you open your mind to greater creativity and ease when handling bigger tasks.

Keeping tidy is easier said than done. I try to have my desk neat everyday and I usually set aside some time over the weekend to recycle and file documents I went through during the week. I am also sure to put pictures and decorations to keep my workspace fun and interesting.

Keeping your desk or area clean is only one part though. For most people, your computer is what you will be using every day. The first thing I would recommend is to unfavorite or unbookmark any social media from your device. Social media is nothing more than something to hurt your work performance, save it for after-hours, it can wait. People are attached to it, but if you have the control to take that part out of your work hours, you will work stronger and faster.

Additionally, take some time out, whether it be on a Sunday afternoon like I do or whenever works for you, to clear your document folder AND email. If your email is like what mine used to be, you will often see 1000+ emails ready to be cleaned. The first step is always the hardest, but once that initial load is cleared, every other week after that is only a 5 minute cleanup. Regarding the document cleanup, try to create a folder system so you know exactly where your documents are. That way you don’t waste time searching.

3. Take multiple short breaks not long ones.

Just like any vacation or holiday, it’s always hard getting back into work-mode. Breaks during the during a normal work day are the same in that you feel refreshed, but there is often a short period of adjustment getting back to work. I prefer quick 5 minute breaks to clear my thoughts, step back, and to reevaluate what I need to do to successfully complete my goals.

Some of the best activities you can do are to take a quick walk, stretch or do some short exercises, or to simply breathe/meditate. This allows you to be mentally stronger to finish what you were working on. The worst thing you can do is to take a break where you completely defocus or where you don’t take breaks and become exhausted and burnt out.

Wrapping up.

With all these tips, the only way you can better yourself is to decide that you want it and then take the next steps to achieve that goal. Having better focus means a healthier lifestyle and a healthier outlook on your career. Far too many of us just jump into work or a task, but by taking the time out to create short blueprint for the day, you know exactly what to do and how to do it.

I hope these tips help you this week and that you reach all of your goals!

If there is anything else I can help with or you would simply like to talk, feel free to contact me anytime at erigsby@cobra-innovate.com.

~ Evan Rigsby | Student Entrepreneur