#IUCONTEST - How I Stay Focused in a World Full of Distractions

As simple as it may sound, staying focused in our world today feels like fighting a battle.

The world is already as we know it is filled with distractions. From our phones to social media, having our attention almost all the time, down to the people around us. Sometimes we find ourselves spending hours on the internet doing absolutely nothing meaningful.

Over time, I’ve learnt to keep my heads up and stay focused on my goals using a few tactics or habits I've come to grow. These habits help me stay grounded and focused. The number one thing that keeps a youth distracted in this present world that I've understood is our phones.

So, the first thing I do is try as much as possible to reduce phone distractions. Sometimes, I see my phone as a thief of my time. I can pick it up to reply to one message, maybe on social media, or a random text, or even return a phone call, then you end up scrolling for an hour. So, when I really need to concentrate, I put my phone on silent or even keep it in another room. Out of sight, out of mind.

Already, I have made a to-do list of what I wish to achieve this year. And as every morning comes, I am even updating more. Likewise, every day. I might not write them down on a jotter or note but I make sure to map out each day what I intend to achieve. I write down the three most important things I must do that day. I strongly believe that we deceive ourselves into thinking we can achieve a whole lot in a day, so I just keep it simple. Just three important things I wish to achieve each day. It gives me a sense of direction for the day. It keeps me from wasting the whole day jumping from one random thing to another.

I also believe in the power of small breaks. I don’t joke with my power naps. As long as I’m in an environment that allows me to take those quick, short naps, I utilize them well. It keeps my mind from wandering a lot and staying focused or being distracted by the distractions around. Now, apart from my small, powerful naps, when I work for like 45 minutes, I try to take a short break, stretch, drink water, or walk around. We are not robots, nor are our brains computers, so I try to pause and give my brain a release. That way, when I return, my focus feels fresh.

Lastly, I always make sure I remind myself of why I need to stay focused. The goal for me this year is to achieve a lot financially, mentally, and socially. To grow myself from the little I know now to much more. So, while the distractions come, I try to remind myself how many of these goals I have accomplished and how many more remain, and how much of the year is left. Distractions are sweet little moments that steal a lot from us, which we barely even recognize. Remembering my goals—whether it’s finishing a project, improving my skills, or simply becoming better, it all pushes me to ignore distractions, no matter how enticing, and keep my eyes on what matters.

NOVA