I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.
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We all have a tendency to become sidetracked. We may want to complete an important task, yet many distractions poke and prod us away from our goals. How can we keep our focus on the task at hand? Great question! Distractions may be hard to ignore, especially when it’s a chatty coworker, a ranking phone, or a demanding spouse. Thankfully, we can use some tried-and-true strategies to put the distractions on hold and place an intense focus on our task.
Try these techniques to develop an intense focus:
1. Remove distractions. You can’t focus if you’re constantly checking your email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other time stealers. You’ll get more done if you allow your mind to get in the groove with some peace and quiet. Turn off your email, close your web browsers, shut off your phone (or forward it to your voicemail), and put on headphones to avoid loud noises. You’ll be glad you did it.
2. Remain committed. Do you know that you have something you should finish, but you are 100% committed to seeing it through to completion? This is where you need to be honest with yourself. If you’re not fully committed to your task, you’re more likely to allow distractions to overtake your mind. More often than not, you’ll use distractions to create excuses and exceptions that try to justify your lack of focus. If you are committed, it’ll be easier to ignore distractions and keep your focus. This is something only you can decide.
3. Set a time limit. Even if the task itself doesn’t have a time limit, assign one anyway. If you have a deadline, you’ll be more apt to complete your task promptly. Rather than giving in to the surrounding distractions, you’ll be competing against the clock to get things done on time.
4. Take frequent breaks. This may sound contradictory, but it makes a world of difference for the workaholic. If you work too long at one time, not only do you become physically tired, but your mind is tired as well. This makes us more susceptible to distractions and shatters our concentration. Work intently for an hour, then allow yourself a 10-minute break. When you return from your break, you’ll be more focused, your mind will be clearer, and you’ll be more likely to work for another hour without losing focus. This strategy allows you to get more work done in a shorter time.
5. Use a list. Lists are wonderful tools that help you accomplish your work quicker and easier. Before beginning, write down everything you need to accomplish, then cross out each task as you complete it. The process of crossing things off your list is a great motivator to keep you working without distractions. Plus, it helps to build the momentum to get everything done.
6. Reward yourself for a job well done. When you’re able to stay focused on an important task, reward yourself. Just keep thinking about the big picture and your reward once you’re finished with the task at hand. This will keep you on target, and you’ll finish as quickly as you possibly can. Everyone loves a treat for a job well done.
Remember, you’re human too. Losing your focus is easy in an existence that’s filled with daily distractions and annoyances. However, you’ll find that you can keep an intense focus on something if you practice these techniques. Make them a habit and enjoy your rewards.
I am Dr. Hassan, Board Certified Psychiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help society restart and grow their own independent practice so that they can achieve Financial independence and live without limits. Make sure you go to businessofrehab.com/guide to download the download free business entity guide to help you focus on building the practice of your dreams.
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Is your lack of focus causing you to lose motivation to work towards your goals? Check out our blog here on how to develop your intrinsic motivation to find reward in the work itself.
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Attention, Physiatrists! Stop leaving money on the table. Sign up for the free video series: How To Build A Profitable Practice in 90 Days or Less: http://www.sixtytosuccess.com
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I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Follow me on social media @DrHassanRehab.