How many times have you sat at your desk and tried to focus on a task, only to find that your mind is wandering? Despite your best intentions, you just can't concentrate. We've all been in this familiar, frustrating situation, and it's something that can really undermine our performance.

• Complete High-Value Tasks First. Whether you organize your tasks in a to-do list or on a calendar, writing down what you need to get done is a helpful way to organize your day. Once you’ve listed out all your tasks, rank them in order of priority and tackle the most important items first.
• Set Aside Time to Refocus. Sometimes, stepping away from your work is just what you need to refocus. Take a walk, make yourself a snack, or get a drink. Even if the thought of stepping away seems impossible, doing so can help boost brain function and improve concentration.
• Keep Your Workspace Clean and Organized. To help minimize distractions, ensure your workspace is clean and organized so you can quickly find what you’re looking for—digital or non-digital. Your work environment should be welcoming and comfortable. Create a space that will inspire you to get to work and make doing so easy.
• Seek Out Peace and Quiet. Loud coworkers, hallway meetings, phones ringing, noise can be a distraction. Listening to instrumental music or using a white noise app can filter out distracting sounds.
• Find a Routine That Works for You. Everyone achieves their best work at different hours of the day and in different ways. Create a routine centered on how you work best. Repeat that routine each day to help you get into the habit of focusing on work when you need to most.
• Minimize Online Distractions. Disruptions come in many forms; the main culprits are often email, phone calls, and social media. To minimize these, take your work offline when you start an important task. Set your phone to airplane mode, turn off email notifications, and refrain from going online for a few hours. Scheduling a specific time to check email, return calls, and check social media can help you stay on track and avoid wasting time online.