Mike Delgado

Do you ever have trouble getting focused?

Do you want to know some ways to block out distractions to help you accomplish a specific task?

Here are seven ways to get into the zone:

1. Create a hard deadline for yourself (with a time)
One way to get focused on a task is to assign a deadline on when it needs to get done. It needs to be a deadline that is realistic – but also one that will challenge you to stay focused. Set-up time slots in your calender to achieve certain portions of your project.

2. Break up big projects into small, achievable tasks.
One reason we lose motivation is because we’re thinking of a huge task that needs to get done. To stop procrastinating, break up the big project into a bunch of mini projects that need to get accomplished. Simply re-framing your view of the project will help you think more positively about accomplishing it.

3. Work during a time when you’re most productive.
Think about the times in your day when you’re most productive. Do you work best at night? Do you like getting up early to knock out projects? Know the golden hours in your day for optimal productivity and plan on accomplishing your projects during that time.

Remember, these golden hours of productivity should not be spent reading email, browsing the web, or anything else that distracts you. Use those moments to stay hyper-focused to achieve goals.

4. Work in places where you feel energized and most focused.
Some people love working in coffee shops. They feed off the energy of being around people – and that can help them get stuff done. Some people get too distracted and need to be alone or in a quiet library.You know yourself – so choose the locations where you’re most likely to get something done.

Sometimes, it’s worth going to a library to work on a project because you’ll be too tempted to sleep or watch television if you stay at home. Plan out the location where you’re going to work – and get your mind set on accomplishing your goal at that time.

5. Have ear plugs or head phones on hand.
Depending on the project, you might want complete silence – or some types of music can help. I always have ear buds in my ear when working so I can listen to either sounds of the ocean, rain and/or binaural – high beta beats to help me concentrate.

Having these sounds in my ear help me stay extremely focused on my task and drowns out every other sound going on around me. With certain activities, listening to hip hop helps me stay energetic and on task, it really depends. Know what works for you – but ear plugs and head phones can be very helpful to keep you productive.

6. Prepare for high periods of productivity with exercise.
You need to prepare your mind and body to achieve your goals. I believe that regular exercise will help your body feel better, more energized, and ready to tackle your projects. I like to run to help me reduce stress, which also helps me have more energy to accomplish my goals.

7. Make sure you’re consuming healthy foods and drinks.
Just like an athlete needs to eat healthy to perform his or her best – you need to be consuming healthy foods and drinks, too. Your body might crave sugary foods during periods of high stress, but that sugar will spike your blood sugar and make you crash later.

Snack on healthy foods to keep yourself energized – and know how much food to be consuming so you don’t feel too tired or lazy after eating. Eating healthy can help you stay more alert and focus on your tasks.

Lastly, keep notes of the moments you feel most productive to remind yourself of everything you did to maximize your productivity.

What helped you stay productive and on task? Let me know in the comments.