Having a hard time focusing on one thing

Question

Hi everyone. I have a brain that is always wanting to switch tasks. I get bored/fatigued easily and I'm always switching up what I work on to keep myself engaged. But when I do that it can take longer to get things done/ things can fall through the cracks. How do you keep yourself focused on one task or sustain work on specific projects?

Kathie Thomison · Answer

Hi! First off I totally get this dilemma. I found what works for me is setting a timer. I’m dedicated for working on that task. I also watch a 30 or 60 minute show and then set a timer for doing a task. That’s for when I’m at home of course. Playing music may also help. Having the brain focus on something else can help keep your brain engaged. Or start listening to an audio book or podcast. Hope that may help!

Cassy Lombardi · Answer

I have to-do lists on my computer that are ordered by day of the week and priority. This helps me bounce around, but also stick to the most important tasks!

Kathie Thomison · Answer

Hey checking in with you on this. Has anything helped?

Carrie Topolski · Answer

I have a Task List so I know what I need to get accomplished. I bounce around because of demands put on me but in the end I know certain things that I just must get done.  The task list is really helpful because so many things are thrown at me that I will often forget.

Jennifer Dinkel · Answer

Multi-Tasking *can* be a good thing! The important thing is to identify whether or not you can truly afford things taking a little longer, or if the deadlines you set for yourself purely for your own perfectionist self?

I am a multi-tasker and I switch between many tasks all at once. Sometimes small things can seem like they're taking forever, but even my executive team sees that on projects that are highly important, waiting a *little* longer meant I was more prepared, more detailed, and my passion showed through when compared to tasks that I forced myself to focus on. The most important thing to making this work is being 100% organized. Get a Trello board, whatever it takes. Be consistent. Let it be your 'home base' in the throes of your multitasking. I relegate EVERYTHING into a Trello board or other task management system, and when I feel 'stuck' I simply consult it and look for something that will free my mind. It also helps me realize that I don't need to set these arbitrary due dates for myself that are actually ahead of the due dates imposed on me. Being this organized helps me maximize my time, so I don't feel like I'm having to work hard to stay ahead.

Here's the TedTalk about creativity and multitasking:
https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_harford_a_powerful_way_to_unleash_your_natural_creativity/transcript?language=en

RebecaSeitz · Answer

Caffeine can help an overactive mind focus if the cause is ADD. (I have ADD, but do not take meds for it.) I grew up in the South, so iced tea is a go-to caffeine source for me. I keep a pitcher of Lipton in the refrigerator and drink it throughout the workday. When I do, I find I can focus much better than without.

Having a hard time focusing on one thing

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