After reading an article on “lifehacker”:http://lifehacker.com the other day I made a note to look into the ways in which I focus. As a student I’ve all sorts of (mostly pleasant) things to distract me from my work and after a bit of thinking I’ve drawn up a list of tricks I use to help me focus:

  • Inboxes - I carry an A5 notebook in my bag and a “hPDA”:http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Hipster_PDA in my pocket for scribbling down any ideas which pop into my head. I’ve also got a big inbox on my desk for all the bits of paper that accumulate and an inbox folder on my laptop. In tune with the GTD philosophy these help keep my brain free to concentrate on the job in hand.
  • Sound canceling headphones - I use these when working in the library at college or when I’m in a public place trying do do something. (And also when my flat-mate and his girlfriend are busy next door.)
  • Listen to music - I listen to a lot of Mozart when I’m working. I find it calms me down and anything else tends to distract me.
  • Close Applications - I close every application except iTunes (for Mozart), Minutear (For timing my work) and whatever application I’m working in.
  • Fresh Air - I try to keep a window open. This not only helps circulate fresh air but keeps the room cool. I find it very hard to concentrate in a warm environment, it sends me to sleep.
  • Drink tea, drink water. - I drink plenty of water (2 litres per day from a bloody great bottle) and I always have a pot of Chinese tea by me when I’m working at home. It helps me think.
  • Take regular breaks - I take time out to sit, smoke and think about what I’m doing.
  • Compete - I make sure I compete with myself. I try to do better than I did yesterday.

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