Mental focus is the ability to concentrate on a single task or project without getting distracted. Learning to focus better and for longer periods of time on any business tasks, will help you get more done in less time, do higher quality work, and become more successful overall.

In today’s economy, being self-motivated and focused is becoming more and more important. It doesn’t matter what field you’re in, if you’re working for someone else, or if you’re in business for yourself. You have to be able to focus and show results without strict supervision or a detailed assignment that spells out each stop of your task.

When you’re working independently, particularly from home or in your own office, it’s easy to get distracted. Most of us work on from our computers where sites like Facebook and YouTube to name a few are a constant source of temptation and distraction. Being able to focus on the things you need to get done will help you get your work done in a timely fashion and it gives you a leg up on your competition who may not be as focused as you are.

Here are a few tips to help you get more mental focus while you’re working. Use them in your own business, in your job, or even when you’re studying. They will help you concentrate and be more productive for longer stretches of time. That means you can get your work or assignment done and move on to something more fun.

Tip #1 – Cut Out Distractions

Shut the office door, take the phone off the hook, stick your cell phone in a drawer and don’t even think about opening your email program or anything else on your computer that could distract you. Instead, keep only the programs and files you need for the project you’re currently working on open and get to work.

Tip #2 – Practice And Workout Your “Focus Muscles”

Being able to focus for long periods of time is a required skill. Think of it as a muscle that you’re working out. Start with making yourself focus 100% on a task for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. As this gets easier and easier, keep increasing the time until you can easily focus fully for 30 to 45 minutes at a time throughout your workday.

Tip #3 – Take Breaks And Give Your Brain A Rest

No one can give it 100% all of the time. Just as important as working on increased focus is taking regular breaks. Give it your all for 15 minutes, then get up and take a break. Get a glass of water, make a phone call, attend a meeting or check your email, then get right back to another 15 to 45 minute interval of focused work. Setting a timer can help with this in the beginning.

Give these tips a try and experience for yourself how much more you can get done when you increase your mental focus at work.