Let’s face it, and we’ve all been there. You sit down at your desk, ready to tackle that big project, and before you know it, hours have passed, and you’ve accomplished nothing. Sound familiar? The good news is that you’re not alone. In today’s age of constant distractions, it can be tough to stay focused on the task at hand. But don’t despair – there are five simple steps you can take to eliminate distractions and get back on track.

1. Recognize your distractions

The first step to eliminating distractions is to recognize what they are. What are the things that regularly take your attention away from what you’re trying to do? For some people, it might be social media. For others, it might be their email inbox. Once you know what your distractors are, you can start to take steps to eliminate them.

2. Set limits on your time

One of the best ways to eliminate distractions is to set limits on the amount of time you allow yourself to be distracted. If you know you only have 30 minutes to check social media daily, you’re less likely to get caught up in a scroll-fest when you should be working. Setting limits will help you to be more mindful of your time and to focus on what’s important.

3. Turn off notifications

Another way to eliminate distractions is to turn off notifications for the things that tend to distract you. If you’re constantly getting pinged with new likes or comments on social media, it can be difficult to resist the urge to check them. Turning off notifications can reduce the temptation to get distracted and stay focused on what you’re supposed to be doing.

4. Create a distraction-free environment

If possible, try to create an environment that is free from distractions. This might mean working in a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted or working with headphones on so you can’t hear what’s happening around you. Eliminating distractions from your environment will help you to focus on what you’re doing and get more done.

5. Practice mindfulness

Finally, one of the best ways to eliminate distractions is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is being present at the moment and focusing on your breath. When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to be pulled away by things that are going on around you. Practicing mindfulness can train your brain to be more focused and present, which will help you resist distractions.

In all, give yourself some grace. We all have days where we just can’t seem to focus no matter what we do. When this happens, cut yourself some slack and try again tomorrow. With a little practice, you’ll be able to eliminate distractions and get more done than ever before!

Xo DeAndra Jalisa