Success Advice
5 Simple Ways To Skyrocket Your Concentration For Success At Work
Before you go on to read this, I want to ask you one thing. Are you giving me your full attention? Unfortunately, the answer is probably no.
In fact, studies at the University of California suggest that our ability to focus has dropped dramatically over the last decade, particularly at work. And it looks like technology is the main culprit.
But do we really need studies to tell us that we’re struggling to concentrate? I definitely don’t. I struggled with focus for a long time. As a freelancer and a millenial, there seemed to be all the time in the day to get things done, and all the entertainment in the world to make sure that they weren’t done immediately.
Improving my concentration has been a product of two things; structuring my routine to minimize sensory distractions and strengthening my ability to focus to reduce emotional distractions.
These two factors; sensory distractions – such as if your Facebook tab is flashing while you are trying to write a report, and emotional distractions – such as anxiety, fear, worry or anger – are the biggest obstacles that prevent you from concentrating.
What I’ve composed here are 5 ways you skyrocket your ability to concentrate at work, simply by working on these two barriers:
1. Emphasize your why
Going back to the basics of motivation and thinking about rewards and punishments is actually very beneficial. Most of us forget why we are doing things on a day to day basis, and that leaves our attention open to other avenues.
If you have your mind focused on why you are doing the work, whether it be to reach a larger goal, to feed your family, to move up in a company, or to travel at the end of the year – you will keep your motivation high enough to stop you from being swayed too easily by simple distractions.
Likewise, negative reinforcement can often be even more effective. What will happen if you don’t finish the job on time; will you miss spending time with your family? Will it stop you from any chance of promotion? Will it mean you’ll have to skip out on going out with friends?
Try writing a list of both the rewards and consequences down on two separate post-it notes, and keep them on either side of your desk.
“Finding WHY is a process of discovery, not invention.” – Simon Sinek
2. Set email, text and social media windows
These three are the biggest time killers in your life. And unfortunately, you can access all of them right from your computer.
What you need to do if you are to be productive at work, is to set specific windows for when you can and can’t use them. Email is best reserved for the morning, say between 9:30am and 10:00am, and in the afternoon, say between 4pm and 4:30pm.
Text and Social Media should be used very sparingly, no more than 20 minutes a work day. Give yourself 2 x 10 minute blocks, or 4 x 5 minute blocks. But outside of that have your phone on airplane mode and your social media accounts off (or blocked).
3. Use web apps to keep you on track
When it comes to web apps to boost productivity, there are dozens to consider. These can make a huge difference to your habits. I generally look for three.
- One to block websites for a pre-specified time, such as Self-Control or Focus
- One to time my work with the Pomodoro method, such as the Marinara Timer
- One to sync my documents, I find Evernote works well for me.
4. Strengthen your focus muscle with exercises
Meditation is the quickest way to strengthen your ability to focus, and research suggests that it takes as little as 8 weeks to see measurable improvements. However, there are other ways to increase your attention span.
Here are some practical ways to improve your concentration:
- Practice mindfulness throughout the day
- Memorize facts or quotes
- Exercise your body
- Take cold showers
- Read difficult books
Remember that in the same way you’d build your body for the gym over time, you don’t want to overexert yourself – but you also want to increase the mental weight over time.
5. Listen to the right type of music
Music has been found to be a very powerful tool for workplace productivity. And that’s great, because there has never been an easier time to listen to music while you work. It’s important to know however that not just any type of music works. Some types of music are better for energy, some for focus and others for creativity.
For repetitive tasks that require little cognition, you want positive, up beat tunes – think Pharrell Williams Happy. If you want to boost your creativity, you want to leave out any songs with lyrics, as your brain will instinctively try to comprehend them (unless they are in a foreign language), and this takes an extra level of energy. For focus you want something repetitive, without many peaks or troughs.
As technology makes it easier to become distracted, your ability to concentrate will be an increasingly valuable professional asset.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” – Plato
Improving your concentration doesn’t take a genius, it just takes someone who’s willing to focus on routine and consistent practice. Work on the tactics above and you’ll start to see your concentration at work skyrocket in no time.
How do you stay focused at work? Let us know in the comments!
Image courtesy of Twenty20.com
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These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.
Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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