In a world full of distractions, what do you do to stay focused on your work or task at hand? What works and what doesn't?
Ahsan Malik 19/02/2025 8:26 pm
@kenny We can improve focus by eliminating distractions, setting goals, and utilizing tools like the Pomodoro method.
Kenny Topic starter
20/02/2025 8:14 am
How do you particularly eliminate distractions, Malik? Do you use certain tricks? What works for you?
Good question! I have ADHD so I am intimately familiar with distractions. Here are a few things that help me:
1. Listening to non-distracting music (for me, that's lofi and other music without lyrics so I'm not distracted by singing or a new beat).
2. Incentive. I think of how doing my school work now will help me in the future, leaving me more time to play video games or do something else I find enjoyable.
3. I create to-do lists to help me stay on track.
4. I remove other distractions such as unnecessary browser tabs and my phone.
I think those are my techniques. Sometimes I'll try to work with someone else in a voice chat doing a silent study. That way I know I'm not alone either, which helps me a lot.
Kenny Topic starter
20/02/2025 8:17 am
@laurat I use lofi as well. Classical music also works for me in some days. Do you find it useful as well?
I also try to stay under 5-10 browser windows (no matter the device) as I found that this clears my mind and I don't feel cluttered.
A silent study sounds great! I think this would be helpful for a lot of people. Do you do this with a friend or fellow student, Laura?
Laura Templeton 20/02/2025 8:55 am
Hey @kenny, music that isn't distracting is SO useful for me. I also keep many tabs pinned, this keeps them small and they don't bother me. I just like having them up because they're important for different reasons. And it doesn't feel cluttered if I have them pinned to my browser.
I usually do this with my partner or in a productivity disorder server. They have voice chats with lofi music and it offers body doubling opportunities for studying. Helps keep me accountable!
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere, and staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. But over time, I’ve learned a few strategies that help me maintain focus, and some that don’t quite work for me.
One thing that works is creating a dedicated space for work. Whether it’s a specific room, desk, or even a corner, having a place where my mind knows it’s “work time” helps set the tone. I also make sure to declutter my environment—less mess equals less distraction.
I try to limit digital distractions by turning off notifications or setting designated times for checking emails or social media. When I’m deep into a task, I find it helpful to block out those constant pings.
Something that works for me is using a timer technique, like the Pomodoro method. I set a timer for 25 minutes to work, followed by a 5-minute break. Knowing that a break is coming keeps me more focused during those work sessions.
However, what doesn’t work is trying to multitask. While it might seem efficient, I’ve realized it actually splits my attention and reduces my productivity. Trying to juggle too many things at once only makes everything feel more scattered.
Another thing that doesn’t work for me is waiting for the "perfect" moment to start. If I wait for the perfect conditions, I can end up procrastinating. Instead, I try to just dive in, even if it’s imperfect.
It’s all about finding a balance and being honest with yourself about what distracts you. Everyone has their own rhythm, but staying mindful of those distractions and creating systems that work for you makes it much easier to stay focused.
Pomodoro sometimes works for me (I don't always use this) but I find that a 5-minute break is often way too little for me. I get why it's just 5 minutes. Because we don't want to interrupt the flow of work too much. I take 10 minute breaks instead and do 30 minutes of work and for every 4 Pomodoros I do I have a 20 minute big break as a reward.
I also can't multitask well. I have to focus on one thing and try my best at it. If I add more things to the mix, the quality of my work starts to suffer.
"Just do it" or just dive in, like you said, Ali. Better done than perfect, no? It's better to have something imperfect but done than trying for perfection and not doing a lot.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Ali!
Start by breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks—it’s way less overwhelming that way. Try to create a distraction-free zone by silencing your phone, closing unnecessary tabs, or even using noise-canceling headphones if you’re in a noisy space. Taking regular breaks is also super important; something like the Pomodoro Method, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, can help keep your mind sharp.
