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We’ve all enjoyed those times when we are ‘in the zone’, focused on our work, everything flows effortlessly and we are satisfyingly productive. But equally we all have those times when we cannot seem to maintain concentration, are unproductive and getting back down to work seems a real chore.

So what makes the difference? Well we can encounter as many as 10 different killers of concentration on a daily basis. Most of them are internal issues within ourselves such as fatigue, but others are external and those probably the easiest to sort out.
External concentration wreckers relate to the people around us and our environment, and a lot of them lead to the biggest one of the lot - the multi-tasking we are all supposed to have mastered, but which our brains are simply not set up for.
1. Multi-tasking
We all do it – juggling a variety of tasks simultaneously, or hopping from one to another and back again. Modern life seems to demand that we deal with more than one thing at any given moment, like answering that email while also working on an article, and simultaneously answering a question one of our kids asks and asking our husband for an extra cup of coffee. But the lack of attention given to any particular task can lead to mistakes and accidents.
And despite what we think, research has shown that it can take longer to complete tasks in this way, than if they are tackled one at a time. But psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino PhD, says that sometimes multi-tasking can actually aid concentration — namely by stopping us being under-stimulated. She says that attention is poor when we either both under- or over-stimulated and that it’s all linked with the secretion of adrenaline. When we are over-stimulated we need to deal with one thing at a time and slow down. Or we won't get things done.
2. Environmental issues
This includes work colleagues or employees interrupting, either socially or with work issues and questions, as well as being in noisy, uncomfortable surroundings. Try to let others know when you are busy and do not want to be disturbed, either verbally or with a sign on your door. But do indicate when you will be free again, so that you do not appear ‘untouchable’. Try and find a quiet, comfortable spot when concentration is required, and if you're a manager, try to make it so that everyone else in your workplace can fully concentrate on their jobs, too, whenever they feel the need to.
3. Invasive social life
Checking e-mails and voicemails from family and friends, responding to instant messaging or checking social media sites for updates can take up a lot of your day as well as distracting you from your priorities. Don’t abandon social contacts but do ‘ration’ yourself – Lucy Jo Palladino recommends restricting indulgence to breaks during the day, so that you know exactly what you are supposed to be doing when.
- Photo courtesy of elycefeliz on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/elycefeliz/3249647851
- Photo courtesy of smemon on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/4360987794
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