How do you stay on task/focus?

Question

I have a difficult time staying on task and focusing on one thing. Do you have any suggestions? What has worked for you?

Answer 1

If there is something that needs to get done and I don't feel like doing it, I sometimes set a timer. That way I know, okay, I only have to sit here and read this for 15 minutes, and then I can get up and take a break. It helps me to stay on task when I know I don't have to do it forever. (Sometimes it helps to time your breaks too, so you can get back to work)

Answer 2

I have been in college these past four years, and I know exactly what you're going through. Fortunately, I found a way to stay focused: I go to school for learning and getting the very best grades possible. I sit at the front of the class (if you're like me, anything in front of me can be a distraction, so as long as the only thing in front of me is the Instructor, I stay focused on learning what is being taught). Next, as soon as I can, I do my homework (reading, projects, actual assignments, etc.). I will not wait 'til the last minute to do my homework. You'll find there are usually other pressing issues by then. Do not procrastinate! Take care of your work as soon as you can. That way, if there is any problem, you have plenty of time for corrections and changes. I strive toward getting an 'A' on my transcript, not settling for a passing grade. That is one problem most younger students deal with: they just want to pass, when the goal is to reach for that 'A'. Create study groups when necessary or possible. I have been known to see who gets the best grades in class and hook up with that person. Obviously, they figured out a way to get the better grades, whether it be study habits or just plain intelligence. Either way, that's the type I try to hook up with. There is no room for nighttime activities such as bar or club hopping. No clubbing on weeknights and never until the homework is finished. Serious relationships can be compromising, so stay away from those super emotional relationships or you'll be doomed. I'm am in a relationship, and I manage my school time, but I am not as truly dedicated as when I was single. I got 'A's then. Now, I pass. Oh sure, I get A's, but those 'B's slip through, now. My GPA after four years is 3.4 It should be a 4.0, but I have problems with s**tty math Instructors. I have tutors better than any math teacher could possibly be. Use a tutor when you have a class that is too much for you. I hope you can deal with all that. It really is not much sacrifice at all. You can have fun after you get those degrees and start that career of yours. One more thing, I hope you aren't working full time. It won't work like you might think. It's too hard to work full time and attend classes and get enough rest all during the same quarter or semester. No matter what, don't lose focus when crap is happening all around you. You've got to ignore it, period. That can happen so easily, so stay focused when others are trying to interfere with your education. Don't worry about bills that are late, or things like that. If you can't do anything about it anyway, why think about it? Right? If you can't do anything about it, don't worry about it. Remember that most of all. Stay focused and repeat it to yourself.

Answer 3

I have the same problem. In terms of studying,what I do is make a playlist for my iPod that has music on it with no words in the songs (words wind up distracting me) and I go someplace quiet that contains no distractions (such as a corner of the library or a room with only a desk and chair).
If if it's a task other than studying, I make a checklist and perform each task on the list and after every few tasks I reward myself with a article of clothing, a snack food, or a good book.

Hope that helps. ^.^

Answer 4

I get rid of all distractions before I start another task. I'm a multitasker, so it's really hard for me to focus, too.
If I need to sit down and read for a class, I'll make sure that everything I can think of is done before I sit down (like laundry, getting a snack or something to drink, TV is off, mail is checked, car has gas, whatever). Then, my coinscience normally gets the best of me, so I'll do whatever I have to do.

Do what works for you. If you can't study at your house, study in a library or a book store.

Answer 5

My problem with that comes when the goal is too big or not specific enough. For example, if my task is getting the house organized and/or cleaned up, I have to break it down into smaller goals (maybe one room at a time, or certains tasks first) and as I accomplish each goal, I reward myself with a short break -- maybe a couple of rounds of a favorite computer game, or something else purely recreational. After all, they named it "re-creation" for a reason!

Answer 6

Headphones + Classical Music + Library = Success!

the answer is to form a study group or study alone what ever works and head to the library. Avoid places where people talk and are walking around (coffee shops/ Bookstores). Of course this only applies if you really want to stay focused and do your work. Otherwise, I go to borders have a good time and do my homework with my buddies. I only do the Library when it is important and i need to Concentrate (for reals).

Answer 7

Try focusing on a couple things. For example, work on one assigment for a little bit, then switch to another, and go back and forth. Or you can just do what the rest of us do--put it off until last minute and pull an all nighter. By the time you're a senior, you won't even care.

Answer 8

Well, I would go into my room or a very quiet place w/o distractions. Your school library would be a very good place. It helped me focus on the task at hand w/o distractions. Don't try the public libraries because they are often noisy (which they're not supposed to be).

Answer 9

If it's something that may hold you back if you don't stay focused, just think about it. If you never get it don't it will take you longer to do it. So just do and get it over with, because the longer it takes the more you regret it....

Answer 10

I used to work at a retail store and at least 10 people told me that focus factor stuff really works great...but its like $40.00 for only a months supply.