Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin studied the impact of smartphones on concentration in 2015 using 800 participants. Participants in this study were required to complete a test to gauge their cognitive abilities. They then divided into three groups and gave each group the following instructions:
Group A was required to keep their phone close by with the screen facing outward.
Phones belonged to Group B had to be kept in a pocket or bag.
The phone for Group C had to stay in another room.
According to the study, those in group C outperformed those in groups A and B on the test by a wide margin. Their working memory and fluid intelligence test results were significantly above the national average. The study demonstrates that we can become distracted just by having our phone nearby.
The moral of the story is that if you want to stay focused, leave your smartphone in another room rather than just turning it to silent.
You will always be outmatched by distractions. You'll still be tempted to browse social media or check your most recent emails, despite your best efforts.
Use Cold Turkey to stop these temptations at the source rather than battling them all the time. While you work, this app will block out distractions. Cold Turkey will block your access to the websites you specify after you tell it which ones and for how long you want to block them. Then, you'll establish a setting that allows you to maintain your focus.
Install the Inbox When Ready extension if email tends to draw your attention. Your most recent emails will be hidden by this tool so that you won't be tempted to check them. And all you need to do to summon them when it's time to deal with them is click a button. You'll spend less time in your inbox as a result of this extension.
Utilise noise-cancelling headphones to get rid of background noise.
If there is constant noise around you, it is impossible to work effectively. Additionally, if you're an introvert, this is especially true. A study found that introverts need to put forth much more effort to maintain their focus because they are more sensitive to their surrounding noise than extroverts.
If this applies to you, consider purchasing noise-canceling headphones and using instrumental or background music to mask outside noise. You will find it simpler to enter the flow state as a result.
You can find a list of songs and websites that will keep you focused on the following page: Science-backed recommendations for music to boost productivity
The five people you spend the most time with define you on average.
Spending more time around successful people will make you more like them. The so-called mirror neurons in particular are to blame for this.
We all possess mirror neurons, according to a 2010 study, which cause us to unintentionally imitate other people's behaviours. Because of this, we often resemble those who are around us. We unconsciously begin speaking and acting like them after spending a lot of time with them. It seems as though our identity and theirs are one.
Surround yourself with successful and ambitious people if you want to work effectively. Then you'll unintentionally adopt their mannerisms and turn into them.