What do you do to concentrate?

I follow the same pattern as Dave. I break down all the task i need to do for the day, and arrange them from most critical to least critical. And then I assign estimate time of completion for each task.

After all that planning is done, I shut down phone, skype, shut down all open programs on my mac that is nothing to do with the task, lock door lol! No distractions. And then I start the timer and go do that task. It works like a charm! Stuff gets done!!

And hey guys, try GUAYAKI YERBA MATE (organic amazon tea) for super happy energy with no crash! I love it! no coffee for me thanks!

If I did that, (and I have done that!) then I would sit and wait for the buzzer to go off! The problem would be that - I know it's coming so that would be on my mind at all times! It would be most frustrating! But I'm glad it works for you! For me, I'm just very nervous!

Hi, i make sure that i set a timer. i remain focus in actualizing my dream job.

jschop, That's a brilliant idea about taking out your wi-fi card from your laptop and going to the library to write. I usually just power off my wi-fi but I like that you took it a step further! Going to a location like the library also sends a psychological trigger that you are there to do work and be productive, but I suppose it is different for everyone.

Personally, i work well in my home office (I intentionally did not order cable to avoid distraction).

I also find that changing working locations, desk, kitchen table, library, or even a coffee shop keeps it fresh for me. I use my cell phone headset, which are ear bud earphones that are like earplugs too. They block out noise very well. I put on some classical music (no lyrics), and my productivity soars, becuase I want to get back home. Or, if there is a game that i want to watch (NBA, NHL, etc), i will reward myself only after I complete what I needed to do for that work session.

I also do the timer thing - in sets of about 40 minutes each, which is optimal for me since I have a short attention span.

I will also echo the comment about deciding what your to-do list is for the day, the night before if possible. I divide mine into MISSION CRITICAL items, and then my regular items which i label as High-Priority but you can call them whatever. Essentially, the mission critical items you MUST complete. The other items, you do not. I like to have the High-Priority items written down so that I do not forget them. Most of you probably are like me and have numerous ideas and goals in your head when you wake up in the morning. so getting them jotted down is important. Then, these items will naturally move up to mission critical items naturally. remember to ask yourself,"Will this task profit me in some way?" whether in terms of cash in the bank (sales) or perhaps goodwill (relationship building with your customers/clients).

I will emphasize that your daily/weekly task list needs to be written out (for me anyways). Whether it is a sticky note or your little special notebook, there is something about writing it out on paper that gets it into the physical world. Sticky notes on my computer work somewhat, but not as effective as the real, physical ones.

If you're still struggling, try concentrating for a shorter period of time. Try 5 minute instead of 50 right out of the gate. Focus on one task, to the complete exclusion of all others. Do it again for another 5 minutes. Than try 10 minutes. Stretch yourself incrementally. Eventually you'll be able to put in 50 solid minutes and you could get more done in one of these power house sessions than you did in a day before.

I've found that meditation is excellent for creating the right mental environment -- one that's conducive to to intense concentration. Meditation offers many benefits and clearing your mind is a BIG one.

Meditation requires a relaxed state of mind and body. When you're able to let every competing thought go, in other words, you suspend the barrage of conscious activity, that's where the magic happens. It takes practice, no doubt about it. But once you're able to reach this level in just a few minutes, you'll find that your concentration and productivity soars. There's no weight on your shoulders. No worries. No wondering about this or that. You simply find a level of bliss and when you return, you feel lighter, more energetic and positive. Your vibration increases when you let go of what's dragging you down.

Visualization is effective as well, as Jenn Dize points out. A lack of concentration means you're thinking about multiple things and your effectiveness wanes. But visualizing keeps you focused on the prize. Keep your eye on the results you desire and then take the action steps that will get you there. Everything is just a diversion. The only way to get there is to roll up your sleeves and produce. And that take a concentrated effort.

Hope that helps a bit.

I usually have coffee and smoke the lightest menthol brand around here. The really clears my thinking. I don't know, maybe my genes (gotta blame it on something).

Yeah keeping healthy is definitely the #1 task!

I make a list of everything I can possibly do to reach my next "plateau" of success. Usually these lists last for about a week, and I knock off around 6 things a day.

Crossing things off your list of "to dos" gives you a sort of satisfaction that gives you the motivation to keep on going. I find I am most productive when I don't think that I have to force myself to concentrate.

I just see what I have to do as is written on my list, and every time I cross something off I know I am slightly closer to accomplishing my goal of IM success.

When you are motivated, the idea of "staying concentrated" doesn't really factor in... Just find the method of work that constantly rewards and invigorates you as you consistently accomplish the tasks you have set out for yourself.

What I do is usually I put my 1-week plan in writing or in a mind map, then break that plan into a smaller daily plan. Each daily plan is then broken down more in chunks like working full throttle for 50min then take a break for 10min. Each daily plan was broken down into chunks the night before so I will know immediately what I need to do on that day right after I woke up in the morning...

I use a small kitchen timer to monitor my 50min of straight work to make sure I'm in tune for that day's schedule.

-Romi