In the very busy and noisy world around us, there are all kinds of things that keep us from maintaining a healthy and well-balanced life. These common pitfalls not only hinder our day-to-day focus but even keep us from achieving our most important goals in the long run.
Let’s take a look at six of the most common pitfalls and then consider what we can do to avoid falling into these traps.
Pitfall 1: Multitasking.
When we try to do multiple things at one time, we most likely have good intentions and believe that we are being more productive. In reality, we are reducing our ability to focus on any one thing and fail to give it our full attention and best effort. This is because our brains have to constantly switch gears, which takes a lot of cognitive energy.
Pitfall 2: Distractions.
Our environment is full of distractions—our phones, computers, people, noise, and more. When we face a constant bombarding of distractions, it is extremely hard to stay focused on the task at hand.
Pitfall 3: Unclear Goals.
When we are uncertain about what we are trying to achieve, it is even harder to remain focused. Alternatively, when we have a clear goal, we are more motivated to stay on track and avoid the things that hold us back.
Pitfall 4: Lack of Sleep.
Being sleep-deprived means that our brains struggle to focus and concentrate. Getting enough sleep is essential for memory consolidation and cognitive function!
Pitfall 5: Stress.
Did you know that stress causes the human body to release hormones that make it difficult to focus? Stress ordinarily leads to anxiety and worry, which can take our attention away from the task at hand.
Pitfall 6: Health Problems.
Many health challenges also lead to a lack of focus, especially in the case of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These kinds of challenges may be linked to an underlying medical condition and often require seeking the assistance of a doctor.
With those six pitfalls in mind, what can we do when we’re struggling to focus? Here are several helpful tips to improve your day-to-day habits.
Tip 1: Eliminate Distractions.
Turn off your phone, close your email, and find a quiet place to work.
Tip 2: Set Clear Goals.
Take some time to ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve?” When you discover that answer, it will be a motivating factor to help you stay focused.
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Tip 3: Take Breaks.
Trying to power through your day without taking regular breaks does not work for anyone! Get up and move around every half hour to clear your head and refresh your focus.
Tip 4: Get Enough Sleep.
This means sleeping around 7 to 8 hours per night for the average adult. When you are well-rested, your concentration will greatly improve!
Tip 5: Manage Stress.
Find healthy ways to relax, release stress, and regain focus through exercise, yoga, and meditation.
Tip 6: See a Doctor.
If you are seriously struggling to focus despite taking these previous steps, it may be time to seek professional help. A doctor may be able to help identify if there is an underlying medical condition that prevents your ability to focus.
Are you committed to working hard to avoid these common pitfalls and regain your focus? You do not need to take these steps alone! Contact me today and let me help you put together a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals.
