How To Stay Focused In A Distracted World

Insights from Successful Women

In today’s fast-paced world, staying focused has become a superpower. The constant bombardment of notifications, digital distractions, and the overwhelming demands of our personal and professional lives can make concentration seem like an uphill battle. To help you sharpen your focus and make the most of your time, we’ve gathered insights from successful women who have mastered the art of staying on course in the midst of distractions. These valuable insights were gathered through interviews conducted by Bridget Arsenault, editor of Air Mail and a fellow superwoman striving to master the art of focus in our fast-paced world.

Create a Distraction-Free Space and Set Clear Intentions

When it comes to staying focused, creating a dedicated, clutter-free environment is crucial. Whether you’re working out or tackling a creative project, having a distraction-free space sets the stage for success. Marie Soliman, Founder and Creative Director of Bergman Design House, emphasises the importance of knowing when to say no and how to win projects. 

“It takes self discipline to know when to stop; when to say no, as well as when to say yes, and how to win more projects.”

She also recommends printing your vision and goals on paper, making them a tangible reminder of what you want to achieve. 

“Print your vision on paper.  And have clear goals. I can’t recommend this enough! If you want to have £1 million, or 1 million followers, or some specific trophy, write it on a piece of paper, hang it on the wall, and read it every day.”

Prioritise Mindfulness and Time Blocking

Incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine can anchor your attention to the present moment, reducing the intrusion of external distractions. Anjhe Mules, Co-CEO and Creative Director of Lucas Hugh, suggests using music or podcasts to enhance focus during creative projects and limiting work sessions to two hours, followed by breaks. 

“If I am doing a creative project like design or mood-boarding, I use music or podcasts as a tool to focus and limit the time I’m working to two hours. Then I take a break or move on to something else entirely. I find starting at the same time every day helps with the creative routine, after exercise and coffee (of course ), and using the app timers on my phone, so I can’t access them when I am working.“

Limit Notifications and Embrace Problem Solving

The constant ping of messages and alerts can disrupt your flow and divert your attention. Anjhe Mules further recommends checking emails only twice a day to minimise interruptions. Meanwhile, Marie Soliman reminds us that “every Problem is a gift. Without problems we wouldn’t grow, so embrace them, love them and solve them.”. Embrace problem-solving as an opportunity to enhance your skills and focus.

Establish Clear Goals and Celebrate Progress

Adria Wu, Founder and Chef of Maple & Co, stresses the importance of setting goals, both daily and long-term. Writing down your goals and displaying them in your workspace can serve as a powerful reminder of your objectives. Celebrating your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and engaged in the present moment.

“I am very much a goal setter—my daily goal, my weekly goal, my monthly goal, annual goal. These are goals I set for myself. But I write them down and stick each one on a sticky note in my office. I have sticky notes all over my office all the time. When I am feeling lost—which is often—I just look at these notes and it helps. I don’t always achieve them, but I put them up because they matter to me. As women, we have a lot to tackle and having these things written down somewhere in my environment, it just makes me feel good.”

Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested

Maintaining mental clarity is essential for sustained focus. Ensure you stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day by making most of our nutritious recipes in the Barre Series seasonal edits. Additionally, Louise Bailey, Founder and CEO of Beauty Club London, highlights the significance of a good night’s sleep in helping you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to stay on course.

“I also stay focused if I’ve had a good night’s sleep, so I always try to go to sleep at the same time, and then I can  wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.”

Connect with a Supportive Community

Joining a supportive online community, like Barre Series, can provide accountability, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose that enhances your focus. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

In a world filled with distractions, these insights from successful [super] women remind us that mastering focus is a skill that can be cultivated and refined. Whether you’re pursuing your fitness goals, managing a business, or tackling creative endeavours, implementing these strategies can empower you to thrive despite the chaos. Embrace the challenge, conquer distractions, and unlock your true potential.