We all need it and we all lack it multiple times a day – focus. Today we’ll explore why difficulty focusing decreases productivity, leads to negative effects, and then the quickest way to increase focus now. We all lose focus at one point or another. However, now there’s chronic distractions and interruptions. This is a result of our digital lifestyles and ways technology robs us of our attention. The average person believes they can do multiple things at one time. This is a fallacy. When we try to do more than one thing at a time, we are switching our attention, not attending to multiple things at the same time.

The cost of a lack of focus

The cost of our lack of a focus is high. A 2015 study indicated that the average person has less of an attention span than a goldfish. Yes, a goldfish. Another study suggests that we experience a 10 point decrease in IQ from constant interruptions and distractions during the day. When it comes to work, research shows the average worker stays on task for only 3 minutes and then takes 23 minutes to refocus on that task. And we have trained ourselves through daily choices to perpetuate distractions as a way of life. I’ll just check my social media for a minute. Did I get that email yet? I really need to know if anyone texted me. Sound familiar? Read on to learn how to increase your focus right now.

How to increase focus now

The single most important thing you can do now to increase your focus is to control distractions. Decide the amount of time you would like to focus (15 minutes, 30 minutes etc) and then take action to protect that time. Try turning off notifications on the cellphone. Silence the pings and dings from your computer. Find a Do Not Disturb sign to hang on your door. Discipline yourself not to pick up the phone, check social media, or engage in mindless activity that robs you of your focus. Set yourself up for success in your efforts to focus with these simple tools. And watch your productivity increase and your emotions regulate because you are in control.

Please share below any insights, discoveries, or comments on ways you practice mindfulness and focus and if this practice was helpful for you.

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Love, Light, Prayers, and Peace!

Alyson Phelan, Certified Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation Teacher