Career and Kids

6 Tips to Help You Focus at Work

by elizabeth on March 13th, 2007

Be honest, aren’t there some days when your mind is more into your work than others?

It may be due to illness, family issues, or, just one of those days. Whatever the reason, it’s likely that you still need to work and function properly as an employee, even if you’re “just not into it, today”.

So, what’s a worker to do when distraction strikes?

1. Start each day with a “to-do” list - Everyone loves crossing things off a list, it’s often the incentive to keep you on track. Try making that the last task of the day, so, you can get right to work the next day.

2. Schedule “worry time” - Take a moment to write down the things that are bothering you, put the list in your wallet or purse, and, designate a time to think about such things. It may be on your lunch hour, or, on the ride home from work, just promise yourself time to address these things later, and, try to focus on the work at hand.

3. Take a short walk - Get up and walk around for a few minutes, preferably outside. The fresh air will help you feel better, and, a brief change of scenery may help you get focused upon your return.

4. Straighten up your work area - an organized work area can help you focus, and, at least prepare for the next day when you are ready to work.

5. Keep a list of “mindless tasks” - write it down, or, keep it in your head, for those days when, no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to get going with your regular to-do list. Put away that stack of files, label the newsletters, weed out your e-mail, just do something, and, often inspiration will follow.

6. Reward yourself - it may seem elementary, but, reward yourself with something small when you get 3 things on your list accomplished. It will give you something to look forward to, and, again, sometimes all it takes is to just do something, and, the rest of the work will flow, thus getting your mind back on track.

Still not working for you? OK, e-mail me, we’ll chat and play online games or something.

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POSTED IN: Career, Time Management