Improving focus can be done!

I have a terrific college student that I mentor who asked for some advice on staying focused when distractions threaten to take her off-course from her goals. These are no ordinary distractions. She's in South America for several months and has educational responsibilities among other things to accomplish. Before leaving she had worked hard to determine a set of what she felt were achievable goals in several areas of her life and was making real progress. We have accountability meetings or phone calls every week, until now anyway, as we've switched to emails. So this is for her, and for anyone who wants a few tips on how to stay focused on accomplishing tasks.

First off, let's deal with the question of whether the problem is of organic origin, such as ADD. I've seen adults with ADD who are functionally disorganized, unstructured and unfocused, and for whom medications (prescribed medications) have been miraculous. If you suspect you suffer from this or something related, see a doctor. Get tested and get treated if that's the issue.

If, however, you're one whose problem is more behavioral, then there are behavioral and cognitive techniques to improve. People who have trouble focusing often have challenges in three areas: planning, prioritizing and following through. Prioritizing tasks isn't hard if you're honest with yourself. What simply must be done? What would be good to get done? What would be a bonus? I'm simplifying things, of course, but not by much. One tip in prioritizing is to examine the purpose. For each task, ask why do this? What's the reason, the point here? Focus your purpose, get some clarity and you can focus your time. Planning also means scheduling, a great habit to develop and one usually lacking by those who can't focus well. I advocate more than a to-do list; write them in the order you want to address each one, and if you really have trouble sticking to it add a time frame to each (8-9:00 AM for this, 2-3:00 PM for that). Then decide you will not, cannot move to another task until you have spent the requisite time on the one you have begun. By the way, it's easier to do this when you're clear on the purpose for each task. Follow-through is a common problem for those who have trouble focusing. One thing I hear all the time is "I'm great at getting a task/project/job started, but then I get distracted and I never finish." If you follow the first suggestions here, then this often takes care of itself. Once you know why you're doing something and have a sense of purpose, then prioritize and schedule your time, internal motivation often kicks in to help you both start and complete a task.

Distractions are an issue, though. Take the initiative to prevent them from occurring if you can, or decide what you'll do before it happens if you can't. So that might mean turning off your cell phone while you write that report, or making the conscious decision to check email twice a day at certain times, or placing a object on your desk that you've told people if they see it out, you're not to be disturbed. A friend of mine has a technique for politely getting rid of office visitors: he stands up and walks toward the door, still talking, and his visitor automatically does the same and leaves. Painless and effective.

Take the time to understand your particular challenges and give these ideas a try. By the way, that takes a little focus by itself. You might need to follow these steps just to get started! Is it important to you (the purpose)? Is it a priority? How much so? When will you do it? What day? What time and for how long? And how will you handle possible distractions? And you're on your way.

I'm aware there are whole books written on focusing, managing time and priorities and so on, and maybe you want to read some for more ideas. But don't let a system take over your life! Develop the good habits that allow you control over your life, stay focused, be productive and happy.