How to Train Your Brain to Be Less Distracted
We live in a society where all of us are constantly pulled in different directions. When you’re at work, you have to focus on the task at hand, but also pay attention to things like email and Slack, and then this phone on your desk and this cell phone in your pocket. Many distractions can make it difficult to focus on one thing.
The Fast Company recently published an article on how to train your brain to increase your concentration. The good part of the story offers suggestions that we all already know, like getting more sleep and keeping your cell phone tucked away rather than sitting next to you and buzzing with notifications.
For those tasks that you just get bored or frustrated; nevertheless, he made an excellent offer: to survive.
We are all bored and frustrated working on projects, the idea here is that when you start thinking about doing something else or quitting altogether, instead force yourself to work for another five minutes.
It’s a small thing, but you’ll teach your brain that its reaction to this feeling should be to act, not go away. Over time, this can allow you to increase your attention span, perhaps even to the point where you no longer intend to leave in the middle of a project.
The same concept can be applied to things like checking email or smartphone throughout the day. Instead of doing it all the time, set aside some time for these checks. For example, you can check your email and call first in the morning, once during lunchtime, and once right before leaving for the day. Or, if it’s more important to your job, maybe you check it at the beginning of every hour.
Once you make these changes a habit, your brain will remember them, ultimately allowing you to get through the day without distractions.