4 min read
We all set some goals and then begin working on them. We often look back to realize that days turned into months and months into years but we really have not done anything concrete to achieve our goal.
The biggest excuse we all give is that we could not stay focused for long.
Successful startup founders who were once working on a startup idea like you and me are the same people like you and me. What really makes them different from us is the sharp focus. There is no such thing as an unrealistic or impossible goal. The only thing that makes a goal impossible to achieve is lack of focus.
So, here are some tips to develop laser-like focus and achieve your goals:
Write it down:
Whether they are short-term goals or long-term goals, writing them down always helps you stay focused. Our brain has a left and a right hemisphere. Bundle of neural fibers that connect the two hemispheres is called corpus callosum. Through this corpus Callosum, the electric signal between the right brain which is imaginative and left brain which is logic based, make contact. These signals then travel up and down the spinal column and communicate with every fiber and cell in our body. So, when you are thinking about a goal, you are using your right brain which is deals with imagination but when you write down your goal, you also involve left hemisphere of your brain. So, you experience increased focus towards your goal.
Minimize distractions:
Whenever you receive a notification, you are compelled to check it. Once you click on social media app to check notification, it is not easy for you to simply check your notification and start working on your task. Even if you do, you will see that your flow has been disrupted. So, identify distractions by either switching off useless notifications from your social media account settings or switching off your internet for a while. Set alarms to remind you to switch it on again for checking your email.
Install an app:
Stay on task is an app that will help you stay focused on reminding you at random intervals during the day. So, if you are one of those, who can easily get distracted, this app will help you stay on the task. So, whenever your mind wanders off, this app will bring your thoughts back on the track by redirecting your focus. Freedom is another app that works best for those who easily get distracted. You can set timings when you can use certain websites like social media sites and other than those timings, you will be blocked to access the website.
Meditate:
Scientists have researched the affects of meditation and revealed that it enhances certain brain functions linked to attention. Just like weight lifting shapes up your muscles and gives you strength, meditation enhances your focus significantly. According to a study on relationship between increase in attention span and meditation, the results clearly suggest that meditation helps in increasing your attention. Many top CEO’s meditate such as LinkedIn CEO Jeff Welner and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison meditate to avoid distractions and have increased concentration levels.
Eat healthy:
It will not only help you stay healthy, but there are certain foods that boost your cognitive performance. Foods such as Blueberry, avocados, green vegetables, nuts and dark chocolates are great when it comes to increasing concentration. Furthermore, eating too much makes you sleepy so, always eat in moderation. Also, try to stay away from eating junk food as it is full of sugar, calories, and fats that gives you a sugar rush and then it is followed by sugar crash. So, better avoid unhealthy food.
Take short naps:
Naps are guaranteed to give you a productivity boost, improved concentration, and increased alertness. A short 15-20 minute nap after a few hours of work will help you regain energy and focus. So, whenever you feel that you have been working on a task for a long time now, go to another room, switch off the light and set an alarm to wake you up in 15 minutes.
Increase your water intake:
Drinking water significantly improves your focus. When you feel like you cannot concentrate, drink a glass of water to help your brain start working again. Not being properly hydrated results in reduced short-term memory and poor concentration.
A recent study at University of East London and the University of Westminster reveals in its findings that drinking just 300 ml of water can increase attention up to 25%.
What works best for you when it comes to staying focused? Let us know in the comments section
