How many notifications do you get on your phone every hour? It seems that the world we live in now offers so many distractions that can destroy our focus on the important tasks we should accomplish. Can you relate to this? 

Having focus is one way to make you feel more positive and have better control of your life. When we think about FOCUS, we often associate it to having willpower or exerting effort to keep your mind on one thing. This is correct, but it is just one aspect of having focus. I have read, and experienced, that the biggest factor in cultivating your focus is having the RIGHT HABITS. 

Don’t get me wrong, being highly focused does require willpower and effort, but it doesn’t always have to. If you notice, someone who is truly focused can be described as “in the zone”. This is because when you are focused you should not appear frustrated or exhausted, instead you should be at ease because you don’t need to exert effort on what you are doing. Focus is a skill you can nurture rather than a temporary technique. Here are four reminders to help you keep your focus. 

1. The best way to master focus is to create a routine of right habits to help you be more productive. Even one small thing done every day can build up the momentum and help with your focus.

2. It’s normal to want to procrastinate. Yes I said it. However, you must procrastinate PRODUCTIVELY. This means doing something that adds value to your life when you don’t want to work on what you need to do. For example, when I write content, there are times when i just don’t want to do it, so instead I go take a short walk or read a book. 

3. Distractions are inevitable but avoidable. Instead of having to RESIST distractions, AVOID them altogether. 

4. Always keep your values in mind. When you are doing something that is in-line with your values, then it makes it easier to keep your focus. 

You might be thinking, Gail, “I think I’m doing just fine with my level of focus as of the moment. I get things done day-to-day.” Okay, but I want you to reflect: are your days really productive? Or are you just finishing one task after another for the sake of it? Having true focus on your work can have several benefits: 

• Improve your problem solving skills

• Improve decision-making skills 

• Give you more clarity

• Help you develop better self-awareness. 

By just being more focused, you will notice positive effects on your life! 

As George Lucas said, “Always remember, your focus determines your reality.”