When working on tasks that require our full attention, it’s easy to get sidetracked by distracting thoughts. You might suddenly remember a task you need to do and feel tempted to quickly handle it. Before you know it, an hour has passed, and you’ve made little progress on your main task—because one distraction led to another.

A powerful way to maintain your focus is to jot down any distracting thoughts that arise. If it’s a task you need to handle, add it to your to-do list for later. If it’s a negative thought or the temptation to check social media, write it down too. Consider rewarding yourself with social media time once you’ve completed your work. This method helps clear your mind, similar to closing unnecessary tabs in a browser to free up memory.

Focus is like a muscle—the more you practice this discipline, the more you’ll enjoy long, productive work sessions in the flow your tasks deserve. Stay aware of moments when you struggle to concentrate. Over time, you’ll learn how to manage and prevent these distractions.