Staying focused

On average in our fast-paced society, we switch tasks every 3 minutes, and once distracted can take up to a half an hour to resume the original task. This pace leaves many unfocused and challenged to complete tasks. It can cause you to miss crucial information during a conversation and damage teamwork, work and personal relationships. These distractions effect teamwork, focus and productivity. It's harder and harder to stay focused on our important tasks at work. Most people struggle throughout the day to stay focused and in the present.


Consider these tips to help stay more focused at work or home:

• Take a breather and allow yourself to zone out for a brief time


• Stretch or take a walk to help get re-focused


• Engage in eye contact when communicating face-to-face


• Turn away from the computer, window, messy desk during conversations


• Use various types of meditation to slow breathing and maintain clarity


• Turn off the electronics and communication devices


• Move to a quiet area to concentrate on a complex task free of interruptions


• Live in the moment and be fully present


• Practice re-engaging and re-focusing often; train your mind to stop drifting

Business or personal coaching can help you develop tools and strategies to gain more focus. The Distraction Diva, Natalie Gahrmann, helps busy professionals increase performance, productivity and satisfaction by decreasing distractions.