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Want to learn how to concentrate better? What do experts recommend when it comes to restoring concentration?
If you find yourself easily distracted and unable to focus, then learning how to concentrate better is essential for achieving your goals, but this can often lead to frustration. Rather than trying to concentrate all the time, experts recommend that you learn ways to refocus yourself to avoid attention fatigue.
Read on to learn how to concentrate better by restoring your focus, according to six expert tips.
How to Concentrate Better
According to productivity experts, even if you eliminate all sources of distraction, it’s still impossible to focus all the time. If you want to learn how to concentrate better, experts recommend that you learn how to refocus your attention, for example, by taking breaks that allow you to recharge in a productive way and quickly refocus. Fatigue is real, so be kind to yourself when your focus wanes and consider using mindfulness practices or rewards to restore yourself.
Remember the Importance of Taking Breaks
Here, we’ll discuss tips on how to concentrate better and the importance of taking breaks to avoid burning out.
Tip #1: Beware of attention fatigue. In his book Focus, psychologist Daniel Goleman explains that attention fatigue occurs when our brains are exposed to a prolonged or demanding task that requires sustained concentration. Once attention fatigue sets in, it becomes more difficult to maintain focus on a task and to process information effectively. Your attention might need restoration if you notice a decrease in your ability to complete tasks effectively and comprehend what you’re learning, an increase in how distractable you are, or an increase in feelings of irritability and impatience.
Tip #2: Practice self-compassion. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal believes that instead of beating ourselves up when we fail to concentrate better or experience decreased focus, we should forgive ourselves. In The Willpower Instinct, she says that encouraging words like “don’t be so hard on yourself” can stop distraction before it starts.
In Procrastination, Jane Burka and Lenora Yuen concur that self-compassion is a powerful tool. If the step toward your goal that you’re focusing on is more challenging than expected and you find yourself becoming distracted, don’t take it as a sign that you’re inadequate. Instead, take a short break. Make Time authors Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky agree that you shouldn’t feel bad about getting stuck, but they encourage you not to give in to distraction. Sometimes it’s better to wait out your mental blocks and keep your mind in the zone.
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Here's what you'll find in our full The Master Guides: Focus summary:
- A compilation of the best strategies from experts on improving focus
- How improved focus can improve your career and personal life
- How to create a distraction-free working environment
