Productive People Are Sharing The Small, Very Doable Life Hacks That Keep Them Focused Throughout The Day
We're all guilty of getting *a little* distracted now and then, whether it's procrastinating on homework or putting off chores around the house.
We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their best hacks for staying focused throughout the day. Here are some of the best tips:
Note: Some responses are from this Reddit thread.
1."Take five to 10 minutes the night before or first thing in the morning to organize your to-do list for that day. Do the easiest things first. That gives you success and makes it easier to do the harder things because you already have a dopamine reward. Use the Pomodoro method: work for 25 minutes and a five-minute break WHERE YOU GET UP AND MOVE. That last part is important."
—Heather, North Carolina
2."Maintain a clean space. Make sure once you sit down, you have everything you need within your reach, like water. And do whatever you're doing like you love doing it. It'll create a focus nothing else can."
3."When I sold menswear a few years ago, I would step in my closet when I got home and pick out the next day's shirt, tie, suit or slacks, socks, and shoes. Since I hadn't yet taken off that day's outfit, I could make sure I wasn't repeating my choices too much. Plus, I didn't have to scramble in the morning trying to throw together my clothes at the last minute."
4."I like to keep a brain dump sheet nearby when I work. This is where I write down every random thought that pops into my head while I'm supposed to stay focused. If I gave in and researched any of them as soon as I got it, I'd end up in the distraction vortex for an hour. I check the things I've written down either during my break or on my day off if they're not urgent."
5."My mantra is: 'If I don't take care of it now, I'm going to have to take care of it tomorrow, and tomorrow is booked,' even when it's not. So I trick myself into taking care of what I need to take care of and not putting it off another day because that means I'm adding more to the pile. Also, the great feeling of accomplishment AFTER is worth it, and to top that feeling off? I don't have to do it tomorrow!"
6."Start your day with a brisk 20-minute walk or whatever cardio sharpens your mind without tiring you. When you have time, this book explains the science behind it: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain."
7."I keep two planners: one for work/school and one for personal tasks like doing laundry. I can check things off throughout the day, which makes me feel good, and easily keep track of what I still need to do, which helps me manage my time. Break big tasks up over multiple days. If you procrastinate one day, you can easily make it up. This has helped me with time management and staying productive throughout the day!"
8."When I make a to-do list, I start with a few items that I have already done, so I can go ahead and start checking things off. My dad taught me that."
—Caroline
9."It can be hard to focus in complete silence so I found that coffee shop sound videos on YouTube in the background help a lot. Some even have people talking in the distance or coffee cups clinking. Feeling like I'm around other people working, makes me more productive."
10."I use the reminder app to keep up with life. I have a list for bills, one for all things medical, stuff for school and work. I even have reminders to check in with loved ones."
—Pleshette, Virginia
11."I'm a project manager and usually manage a dozen different projects at once. I use my inbox as a to-do list. Once it's taken care of, I either file it into one of my many Outlook folders or delete it. I also have a notebook where I create to-do lists of tasks I need to complete each day based on my calendar. I write EVERYTHING down, whether it's electronic or on paper. If I need to concentrate, I put myself on Do Not Disturb and turn my email notification off so I'm not distracted."
12."Focus on doing little things so you never end up with too much on your plate. The best example is cleaning. If you do a light clean every day and then pick one day for a heavier clean then you will never be behind and be in filth just for you to spend hours and hours getting out of it. Homework is the same way."
13."Increase your REM sleep. REM sleep decides your focusing ability. How the next day goes is decided by your sleep routine from the previous night."
14."Procrastination and distraction are my worst enemies as someone with ADHD. Forcing myself to take care of things, even small things at the moment takes conscious effort and can be hard, but if I don't give myself time to overthink it and just move my body, I can get going."
15."I usually get through all the chores and errands I want to in a day by putting on a motivating or fun song and knocking out as much as I can during the song. Then once I've got myself going, it's easy to coast until everything is knocked out."
—Rosie, Virginia
16."Standing while working helps prevent me from falling asleep and losing focus. I always silence my phone and put it away or face down when I'm working. In college, I used to put my phone (and laptop if I didn't need it) in the locker when I studied in the library. Stay hydrated with water and snacks/candy for extra energy."
17."Eat well, but just enough calories for your deep work session, but not too much that you get sleepy. Do a small meditation before a deep work session. It helps regulate emotions and pump my focus muscles. Create a super comfy place with zero distractions. Make sure the tasks are well organized from easy to difficult. Make sure your goals are manageable in one deep work session. This assures you to gradually and comfortably slip into the deep mode without the anxiety. Set up a distinguished and sacred browser. I use Safari for deep work research and Chrome for entertainment so my subconscious mind knows I'm being serious."
18."It's very simple, but also difficult to do: Find something you are really interested in, and really want to do, and do that. You'll get focus."
19.And finally, "I keep myself focused on my tasks, and if distraction arises, I shut it down. Having a reward helps, too. For example, I had to clean my house the other day after work, and I rewarded myself with a nice TV show and an ice cream cone on the couch. Simple, but it gives motivation to get things done, and it makes the reward feel earned."
—Kay, Indiana
What's your best hack for staying focused? Share it in the comments!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
