12-5-2017, Entrepreneur -- For busy entrepreneurs with loaded schedules and brimming task lists, there's nothing more frustrating than having the time to work but being so unable to focus that they feel that they're getting nothing done. If it's any consolation, know that your situation is hardly unique: even in a task as simple as reading, the average mind wanders from the task at hand anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the time, according to Canadian researcher Jonathan Schooler.
But knowing that most entrepreneurs and professionals have trouble focusing doesn't exactly help with your problem. If you want to improve your focus on a daily basis, and correct the chronic distractions you face, you'll first need to determine the root cause of the issue.
So, if focus is a major concern in your work,the reason is likely one or more of these root causes:
1. Sleep deprivation
It shouldn't surprise you to learn that missing out on sleep can make it more difficult for you to focus. You're supposed to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night, but that's a hard requirement for entrepreneurs; as a result, many end up being chronically sleep-deprived professionals unable to focus their full attention on whatever task is at hand.
2. Distractions
Your problem might also have to do with the number of distractions you surround yourself with; even the most talented professionals are prone to wasting time at work, with 89 percent of employees in a Salary.com survey admitting to wasting at least some time at work every day. The top distractions were talking or texting on the phone, gossiping, browsing the internet and playing on social media.
You can eliminate these distractions for yourself by using a browser app that disallows distracting websites, or by turning off your phone.
3. No priorities
You could also have trouble focusing simply because you aren't sure what you should be focusing on. The typical entrepreneur has dozens of tasks on his or her plate at all times. So, if you're one and unsure what to do next, you might jump among tasks frequently, leaving them half-finished, and only dedicating half your attention to any of them.
If this is your problem, you'll need to work to establish a firmer system of prioritization.
4. Stress
According to Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, stress and focus have a mutually dependent relationship. When we multitask, or focus on too many things at once, we experience more stress; and the more stressed we are, the harder it is to focus. To focus better, we all need to take time to slow down with mindfulness exercises and relaxation.
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