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Being able to focus can be a tough thing to do given all of life’s distractions. In fact, I am having a difficult time focusing at the moment thanks to the pain coming from my wisdom tooth. Likewise, since much of the work I do is online, I sometimes find it difficult to focus on a task after I’ve been working for a few hours.

As for everyone else, the lack of being able to focus on something seems to be an epidemic. A common complaint among people is that they cannot seem to focus on their work, their goals, or even their family. As a result, An increasing number of Americans find themselves on prescriptions like Aderrall because they can’t seem to focus on anything. Worse, they’re using stimulants like Adderrall on many of the 5.3 million children that have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. These medications are being popped like candy because they are advertised as making people more productive and functional.

For most people, there is a much simpler problem than some disorder. We get bored and we get distracted, it’s a part of life. On top of that we live in the age of information. And while I love technology as much as the next guy (sometimes even more) I can readily admit that it contributes to our inability to focus.

On a large scale, this inability to focus causes us to be less productive and gets in the way of achieving our goals. In terms of health, the inability to focus causes us to fall of the fitness wagon in light of our sedentary fast food culture.We even get to distracted to appreciate the people who matter most in our lives.

But we can harness these distractions.

We can cultivate a habit of focusing which will allow is to create. The ability to focus will allow us to slow down and take things as they come, instead of taking on the role of a multi-tasking flake on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Most of all, our ability to focus can change the way we see the world and give us more time for ourselves.

Below you will find a list of resources to help you start focusing more in your own life.

Leo Babauta’s, Focus

Leo Babauta’s free 120 page ebook, Focus, is full of great information and simple steps to improve how and where you focus your attention in your own life. He’s also got great credentials as the blogger behind Zen Habits and the author of the best selling book, The Power of Less.

Dumb Little Man, How to Focus Your Mind on the Project

Have a tendency of procrastinating like there’s no tomorrow? Dumb Little Man wrote up a little guide to help you stay on track.

Freelance Folder, How to Stay Focused: 7 Ways to Keep on Task

Yes, I know, I am a Freelance Folder fan-girl. I can’t help it, they’ve got some great tips at how to kick ass at being your own boss.

ProBlogger, How to Stay Focused and Avoid Distraction as a Blogger

This is for all my bloggers out there. I know (from past experience and from what readers tell me) that sometimes its easy to get side tracked if you are trying to write a blog.

The Everyday Minimalist, The Story of Two Rosebushes

This applies to anyone who finds themselves with a mountain of work with no end in sight. Likewise, it also applies to individuals who find themselves with a jam packed schedule and no time to breathe. Serena over at The Everyday Minimalist provides some great tips for living a simpler yet fulfilling life.

Amanda Abella

Amanda Abella is a freelance writer and language instructor based out of Miami, Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2009 and holds a degree in English Literature from Ave Maria University. Amanda Abella is available for freelance work, why not hire her?

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