Five Powerful Strategies to Boost Focus and Achieve Greater Productivity

If you’re self-employed or spend lots of time working online, chances are you’ve struggled with being productive. We all want to get more done, especially when working from home or on a computer. If we could get a day’s work done in five hours instead of eight, we’d have so much more free time.

I’ve battled with this myself. Concentrating for long periods has always been tough for me, and working online brings its own set of challenges. It feels like there’s always something distracting me. Before I know it, I’ve wasted twenty minutes doing nothing because I got caught up in another train of thought.

If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you can definitely improve your focus with a few strategies and a plan.

Here are some tips that have helped me stay focused and productive:

**Get Comfortable:**
It’s surprising how many people try to work in uncomfortable settings and then wonder why nothing gets done. Ensure you have a comfortable office chair, a desk at the right height, and that you’re not straining your neck or eyes while looking at your computer monitor.

**Take Care of Your Body:**
Even though you’re seated at a computer, you can still get injured. A friend of mine, who works online, found relief from wrist fatigue by using a mouse pad with wrist support, as recommended by a chiropractor. Small ergonomic adjustments like this can make a big difference.

**Cut Out Distractions:**
Social media is a huge temptation for procrastination. Make rules for yourself, such as only opening Facebook after achieving certain tasks or during breaks. This approach also applies to other time-sucking sites like YouTube and Twitter unless you’re using them for business.

**Structure Your Work Day:**
Having a structured workday is crucial. Begin at the same time each day, and include regular breaks—like ten minutes every hour and a longer lunch break. Stick to this routine. If you finish early, great! If not, you can still feel good about putting in a solid day’s work. This helps prevent working long hours just to make up for lost time.

**Choose a Distraction-Free Workplace:**
Pick a room for work that is free from distractions. Avoid rooms with a TV, other people, or items that could divert your attention (like a music room if you’re tempted to play instruments). Ensuring a distraction-free environment can greatly improve your focus.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to reduce distractions throughout your day. Keep pushing forward and visualize the rewards of staying focused—more time with loved ones, more time for hobbies, and less time stuck at a computer.