Productivity and efficiency are proportional to a sense of satisfaction i.e., we obtain greater satisfaction when we complete a task/goal. Think back on moments where our colleagues, seniors, or loved ones, acknowledge and compliment our achievements. Not only that, just imagine striking off something on our to-do-list, the feeling is great.

For this rush of satisfaction, we all strive to be productive as best as we can but there are times where it is truly a struggle to stay productive. That is where improving our focus comes into play to help us keep on track. While the outcome of any job is dependent on subject matter understanding and the competence to apply acquired knowledge and understanding. It is also dependent on one’s ability to focus and give the best when on the task. Improved focus is not just a matter of work, but it also applies to every other aspect of life.

For example, can you relate to the below?

I am out for dinner with friends and family but in my head, I am occupied with matters at work. While I am working, I am worried about the fight with my spouse. While working on a task at hand, I am also occupied with thoughts like how my line manager spoke to me in the presence of my subordinates or how Person X in the team has an attitude issue and is the cause of conflict within the team.

You may think that you are focused on work, but your mind is around multiple pleasant or unpleasant events. In some ways, you are all around. So, improving focus is not just about accomplishing the stars and moon every day or every hour. Improving focus is about adding quality and higher outcome satisfaction to things you do. Some days are simply monotonous, repetitive, and easy while other days are about donning a critical or out-of-box thinking hat. Both days require your attention, concentration, and consumption of physical, mental, and emotional energies at different levels. Hence understanding yourself and strategising the energy needed matters.

Here are some tips on how you can go about improving your focus:

  • Write down your goals
    Goals time don’t have to be complex. It can be as easy as “I will have a glass of water first thing in the morning”
  • Evaluate your day, week, and month at personal, professional, and social level
    What are the three major tasks in each areas of your life that requires your attention and how do you accommodate them in your to-do-list?
  • Invest your effective time of the day to complete high value tasks
    It will not only boost sense of achievement or progress but will reinforce following the right techniques to see results in the short and long term.
  • Minimise distractions and timewasters
    This is not to say that you should not scroll social media or interact with colleagues but rather to prioritise what is at hand and complete them first.
  • Refine and simplify your to-do-list
    Simplify complex and critical tasks into smaller parts to work on step-by-step.
  • Adopt the Pomodoro Technique
    One pomodoro is when you purely focus on a task for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break; you can take a longer break of 10-15 minutes after completing four pomodoro.
  • Reward yourself when you achieve your goals
    Do something that you enjoy and relaxes your mind like a short and peaceful coffee break or listening to your favourite music for 10 minutes.

Once you are able to train yourself to focus better, your productivity should naturally follow. This will make achieving your goals or completing your tasks easier, which will greatly add to your level of satisfaction.

If you or someone you know find yourself in such a situation, please feel free to confide in our in-house counsellors Ms. Harshali Kotekar (hr2@executiveship.com) and Ms. Glenda D’Silva (welfare2@samundra.com). Rest assured all consultations are kept completely confidential.