Something I have been struggling with lately is focus.  In fact, just this past week I was discussing with a coworker about how distracting I find Slack.

In a world where we are still mostly virtual, it is nearly impossible to connect with people when you are constantly getting “urgent” messages during your seemingly never ending string of Zoom calls.

This is why lately I have been opting to utilize the “do not disturb” feature on my phone and closing slack during important meetings.

I am sure many of the people listening can relate to getting distracted, thrown off task, and pulled in multiple directions.  That is the world we live in now, right? 

There is an old Portuguese proverb that simply states,

“Think of many things; do one.”

If you feel like I do this week then here are a few tips to help maintain your focus:

Eliminate Distractions - As I mentioned earlier, try putting your phone on do not disturb during meetings and also close all the open windows on your computer.

Stop Multitasking - A 2009 Stanford study shows that people who multitask have shorter attention spans, less memory capability, and less ability to switch between tasks.  Multitasking will ultimately make you less effective and more prone to errors.  Instead, try blocking time for important tasks where you can focus without interruption. 

Take a Break - I used to stink at taking breaks, but it wasn’t until I started to get older that I realized that taking a short break is better than bringing anything less than my best self to a meeting or task at hand.  There are countless studies that show taking breaks helps with performance of even the simplest tasks. 

Exercise - When I miss workouts I don’t feel as productive.  Study after study shows that working out is good not only for the body, but also for the brain.  According to Harvard Medical School, regular exercise is important for memory capacity and concentration.   

Meditate - Meditation is proven to help people focus and perform better on cognitive tests.  Meditation requires a great deal of focus, and by practicing this you can help train yourself to stay focused.

Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly.  Thanks for tuning in.