10 answers
Jalen
Student
Halifax, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
586 views
How do I stay focused on completing work in a short amount of time?
I tend to lose focus on work that take a lot of steps to complete or find evidence for. I can be easily distracted and I type and write slower than average. Is there any way for me to help finish quickly while getting a good grade on my work? #help
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10 answers
Zahid Iqbal
Software Engineer
119
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Zahid’s Answer
There are many who are in this boat but fortunately it is something that can be fixed with several techniques that help you focus and be more productive.
1. You need to eliminate distractions. While you can’t do away with everything, you can make an effort to reduce or get rid of as many distractions as possible.
Start with the simple things like:
* moving to a quiet area
* turning off notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether
* closing the door to your room
* telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time
* closing out of programs or apps that aren’t essential on your computer
2. Drinking coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, in small doses may have a positive impact on your ability to focus, according to a 2010 study. Eating an apple does the same effect so if you are not into coffee or too young for it then grab an apple or two!
3. Practice Pomodoro technique. This timing method helps you train your brain to stay on task for short periods of time.
Here’s how it works:
* Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work.
* When you the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break.
* Then, set the timer again and get back to work.
* Once you’ve done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Here's pomodoro timer online you can use - https://pomofocus.io
4. Put a lock on social media
If you are checking Facebook or Instagram every 5 minutes, you may want to consider an app that blocks social media. There are several apps for doing this, they also allow you to block online games, as well as apps and sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, text messages, and even emails.
Some of the most popular social media blockers include Freedom, AppBlock, FocusMe, and Focus.
5. Fuel your body
You'd be surprised at how many students pass out on campus in their first year of university because lack of proper eating. So, to keep your brain focused, your energy levels up, and your emotions on an even level, make sure you don’t delay or skip meals. Try to balance lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stay fueled. Snack on fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, or seeds if you get hungry between meals, and be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.
And, for an extra boost, Harvard Medical School says to include a few of these “best brain foods” in your day:
* green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli
* fatty fish such as salmon
* berries, like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries
* walnuts
6. Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep most nights of the week can negatively impact both your short and long-term memory, as well as your ability to concentrate. And if it's affecting your memory then you can bet not much is going stay there no matter how much you study.
To boost your sleep health, try to:
* Switch off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. The light from these devices can stimulate your brain and prevent you from feeling sleepy.
* Take time to wind down. Read a book, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music.
* Keep your bedroom cool and quiet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an ideal temperature is between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).
7. Set a SMART goal
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a complex project, try breaking it down into smaller parts and plugging the smaller steps into the SMART formula.
SMART stands for:
* Specific. What exactly needs to be done?
* Measurable. How will you track your progress?
* Achievable. Is it realistic? Can it be done by the deadline?
* Relevant. How does it fit with the overall plan or bigger goal?
* Timely. When does it need to be done?
When you take a large, complex project and break it down into smaller, bite-size tasks, you can boost your ability to concentrate and focus on specific tasks. This is what teachers do when they are teaching, they break down large amount of information and teach the student in chunks so it's easier to understand and digest it.
8. Be more mindful
According to the Mayo Clinic, being mindful means you can maintain moment-to-moment awareness of where you are and what you’re doing — which is great news when you’re trying to stay focused.
By being mindful and recognizing when your attention starts to drift, you can quickly bring your focus back to where it needs to be. Another way to say it is be attentive and present in what you are doing and not be on auto mode while your mind wonders off to some daydreaming.
9. Make a to-do list
Studies show that having a written plan of action can increase productivity. When I was in retail management, the very first thing we did before starting our day was make a list of all the things that needed to be done during our shift. And going about completing each task and crossing it off the list gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to fly through the list and get others done as well. And if you get it all done in time, there is that level of satisfaction and relief followed by wanting to giving yourself a treat for a job well done!
10. Focus on similar tasks
Tired of jumping from one type of thinking to another (aka “multitasking”)? Then pick tasks that are similar, group them together, and do one at a time. This makes transitions smoother, and you may find that you get a lot more done by not jumping from one type of task to another. Also, multitasking isn't all it is hyped up to be. American Psychological Association reports that multitasking may reduce productivity by as much as 40 percent.
I think once you get a routine down with the above steps in mind, you will see a great increase in your productivity as well as develop good studying/working habits that will help you down the road as well.
1. You need to eliminate distractions. While you can’t do away with everything, you can make an effort to reduce or get rid of as many distractions as possible.
Start with the simple things like:
* moving to a quiet area
* turning off notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether
* closing the door to your room
* telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time
* closing out of programs or apps that aren’t essential on your computer
2. Drinking coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, in small doses may have a positive impact on your ability to focus, according to a 2010 study. Eating an apple does the same effect so if you are not into coffee or too young for it then grab an apple or two!
3. Practice Pomodoro technique. This timing method helps you train your brain to stay on task for short periods of time.
Here’s how it works:
* Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work.
* When you the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break.
* Then, set the timer again and get back to work.
* Once you’ve done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Here's pomodoro timer online you can use - https://pomofocus.io
4. Put a lock on social media
If you are checking Facebook or Instagram every 5 minutes, you may want to consider an app that blocks social media. There are several apps for doing this, they also allow you to block online games, as well as apps and sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, text messages, and even emails.
Some of the most popular social media blockers include Freedom, AppBlock, FocusMe, and Focus.
5. Fuel your body
You'd be surprised at how many students pass out on campus in their first year of university because lack of proper eating. So, to keep your brain focused, your energy levels up, and your emotions on an even level, make sure you don’t delay or skip meals. Try to balance lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stay fueled. Snack on fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, or seeds if you get hungry between meals, and be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.
And, for an extra boost, Harvard Medical School says to include a few of these “best brain foods” in your day:
* green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli
* fatty fish such as salmon
* berries, like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries
* walnuts
6. Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep most nights of the week can negatively impact both your short and long-term memory, as well as your ability to concentrate. And if it's affecting your memory then you can bet not much is going stay there no matter how much you study.
To boost your sleep health, try to:
* Switch off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. The light from these devices can stimulate your brain and prevent you from feeling sleepy.
* Take time to wind down. Read a book, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music.
* Keep your bedroom cool and quiet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an ideal temperature is between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).
7. Set a SMART goal
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a complex project, try breaking it down into smaller parts and plugging the smaller steps into the SMART formula.
SMART stands for:
* Specific. What exactly needs to be done?
* Measurable. How will you track your progress?
* Achievable. Is it realistic? Can it be done by the deadline?
* Relevant. How does it fit with the overall plan or bigger goal?
* Timely. When does it need to be done?
When you take a large, complex project and break it down into smaller, bite-size tasks, you can boost your ability to concentrate and focus on specific tasks. This is what teachers do when they are teaching, they break down large amount of information and teach the student in chunks so it's easier to understand and digest it.
8. Be more mindful
According to the Mayo Clinic, being mindful means you can maintain moment-to-moment awareness of where you are and what you’re doing — which is great news when you’re trying to stay focused.
By being mindful and recognizing when your attention starts to drift, you can quickly bring your focus back to where it needs to be. Another way to say it is be attentive and present in what you are doing and not be on auto mode while your mind wonders off to some daydreaming.
9. Make a to-do list
Studies show that having a written plan of action can increase productivity. When I was in retail management, the very first thing we did before starting our day was make a list of all the things that needed to be done during our shift. And going about completing each task and crossing it off the list gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to fly through the list and get others done as well. And if you get it all done in time, there is that level of satisfaction and relief followed by wanting to giving yourself a treat for a job well done!
10. Focus on similar tasks
Tired of jumping from one type of thinking to another (aka “multitasking”)? Then pick tasks that are similar, group them together, and do one at a time. This makes transitions smoother, and you may find that you get a lot more done by not jumping from one type of task to another. Also, multitasking isn't all it is hyped up to be. American Psychological Association reports that multitasking may reduce productivity by as much as 40 percent.
I think once you get a routine down with the above steps in mind, you will see a great increase in your productivity as well as develop good studying/working habits that will help you down the road as well.
Yashu Gou, CPA
Auditor
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Yashu’s Answer
Haha! Had the exact same problems when in the college and during Covid. But one thing find super useful is to put my phone in a different room and not surfing website in the school/work computer.
Noah S.
Product
8
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Noah’s Answer
Invest in a timer -- you can set little goals during the course of an hour or 2 (e.g., "In 15 minutes, I will do XYZ before moving on to my next task.").
Also check out a book called "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. It's a great read on how to accomplish more each day.
Also check out a book called "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. It's a great read on how to accomplish more each day.
Justina Liaw
Consultant
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Justina’s Answer
Before you begin the task at hand, break it down by small steps, each step should not take more than 10minutes. If you suspect it may take longer, break it down even further.
Take a 5 min break in between each small step. Allow yourself to have positive reinforcement - how can you reward yourself after completing 6 small steps? how can you reward yourself after completing all your steps?
Sometimes we can get distracted because the task at hand isn't something interesting to us or it seems overwhelming. Try to ask yourself if the task isn't interesting - what are some things about it that you can make a little more exciting? Why does it feel overwhelming? Is it still overwhelming when you break it down? Can you split up the steps across different days so you feel less overwhelmed? Try to make it fun for yourself instead of focusing on how the task sucks or you would rather be doing something else. I believe in you :) Once you complete it, you'll have one less thing to worry about.
Take a 5 min break in between each small step. Allow yourself to have positive reinforcement - how can you reward yourself after completing 6 small steps? how can you reward yourself after completing all your steps?
Sometimes we can get distracted because the task at hand isn't something interesting to us or it seems overwhelming. Try to ask yourself if the task isn't interesting - what are some things about it that you can make a little more exciting? Why does it feel overwhelming? Is it still overwhelming when you break it down? Can you split up the steps across different days so you feel less overwhelmed? Try to make it fun for yourself instead of focusing on how the task sucks or you would rather be doing something else. I believe in you :) Once you complete it, you'll have one less thing to worry about.
Richard Yuhas
Legal Consultant
3
Answers
Franklin Township, New Jersey
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I would suggest creating a daily or weekly routine. For example, give yourself a 1-2 hour window to complete your homework/ assignments. That way you can focus all your attention and energy within that time period with the understanding that you will stop working on the assignment at a specific time. Also, going to the library or finding a quiet room to study in may help.
Trey Crews
sales manager
5
Answers
Saint Pete Beach, Florida
Updated
Trey’s Answer
Make sure you have a quiet place to work with no interruptions. In complex problems that need to be solved. list the steps that are needed in order to solve for the problem.
complete the steps for problem solving and then go over them to double check that everything looks correct. If possible, use outside resources to confirm your answers
complete the steps for problem solving and then go over them to double check that everything looks correct. If possible, use outside resources to confirm your answers
Matt Baker
Vice President
1
Answer
Mill Valley, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
I think the key to success here is as follows:
- Focus
- Remove Distractions - turn off all social media, turn off all notifications on your phone, put your phone in another room if possible, block out the time required (pretend you are on a 90 minute flight (no wi-fi, no phone calls))
- Write a plan and stick to it
- Once completed then review after a few hours to determine what you might need to change
- Focus
- Remove Distractions - turn off all social media, turn off all notifications on your phone, put your phone in another room if possible, block out the time required (pretend you are on a 90 minute flight (no wi-fi, no phone calls))
- Write a plan and stick to it
- Once completed then review after a few hours to determine what you might need to change
Melanie E
Commercial Payments
4
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Stay focused on the work at hand. Keep your emails shut down and remove any additional distractions. I also like to keep a list of tasks to accomplish near and check off as I go.
Kevin Low
4
Answers
Castro Valley, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Getting rid of distractions is important. I've used an app on my phone that sets time for me to dedicate to a task and try to stay focused for the entire time period. Aside from putting your phone away, putting yourself in an environment with less distractions can help. Finding a relatively quiet coffee shop or local library can go a long way if it's an option.
Breaking up the bigger task into short achievable goals makes the overall project feels less daunting. This can help you track your progress and stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
Breaking up the bigger task into short achievable goals makes the overall project feels less daunting. This can help you track your progress and stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
Josh Leon, CPA
Auditor
4
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Josh’s Answer
You want to make that task your sole focus and set yourself a time limit so you know going into it that you just need to spend that amount of time in the first round to either do the work or find evidence. Also, visuals are very helpful so if you want, you can make a list of steps to complete the task and then cross them out as you go, so you can visually see the progress you've made.