How To Stay Focused And Get More Done

Where does the time go? There are 24 hours in each day, and still, that’s not enough to get everything done on my list!

At the end of each day I take a mental note of what I have accomplished, and some days the answer is hardly anything. I stay busy. I work from sunup till sundown. I feel as if I am getting stuff done but do I really get anything accomplished?

Yes, I do have the shiny object syndrome which causes me to be easily distracted. But still–I should be getting more done during the day. Do you ever feel this way?

Since I can not increase the number of hours in a day, I decided I better be more productive. It’s important to stay focused during the day to help you get more done. I am a list-taker and maker. I have lists to remind me of lists. They are on paper, on my phone, on my computer, and in my planner. I told you–I make lists.

So what do I do with these lists? I use them to help me stay focused. Do they work? Yes!! I am a visual person, and if I can see what I should be doing, then I tend to accomplish a lot more.

I came up with some tips to help me stay focused throughout the day. These tips can apply to just about anything you are doing. They have worked so far from doing housework to errands, and I do get more done!! Yay me!!

How to Stay Focused and on task

I have made a printable to help you stay more focused and on task. Let’s stay focused and get more done!

Make a List

Make a list of everything you want to accomplish today. Include even the small task such as dropping off dry cleaning, taking inventory of the pantry, or doing laundry. It seems to help if I can visually see everything that needs to be done within the day or a specified period. Send this list to a friend or loved one and let them hold you accountable for getting your work done. If you are easily sidetracked, they will understand and be willing to help.

Prioritize

Pick out the task or project that will require the most time and energy. Do it first. Get it out of the way so you can move on to the smaller items.
If needed make several lists–one for daily tasks and another for the weekly tasks.

Stop Multi-tasking

I am guilty of this. I tend to work on many “projects” at the same time. Multi-tasking can slow down your project instead of helping you get it done. Just focus on one project or idea at a time and get it done before moving on to the next one.

Time Yourself

Set a timer and get started. People tend to waste more time than they realize during the day. For some reason, when I set a timer, my brain gets busy, and I can stay focused for a more extended period.

Delegate

Delegate jobs to others. Assign some of the chores to your children. Sure, you might do them faster, but they can do them as well. They can learn to put away their toys, clean their rooms, take out the trash, load the dishwasher, and make their beds. Plus, they are learning to take care of their items and also help others–you. Remember, you are just one person. It never hurts to ask for help.

Work in Some Down Time

I know we are on a mission to get things done. But, you still need to take some time out for you. Find a quiet place and just breathe. Grab a cup of coffee with a friend. Go for a walk. Listen to music. Just take a few minutes for you during the day. This will help you refocus and also give you the energy to press forward and continue without losing motivation. This will also give you a chance to reevaluate and see if there are ways you can work smarter, not harder. You deserve it.

I would love to hear if you are also a list-taker and maker. Do you have any advice for me or others? Do you have additional ways to keep you more focused and on task?

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