Did you know that most careless mistakes happen because people are distracted and have poor concentration? While it might be easy to blame disorders like ADHD, which cause a lack of focus, you don’t need a medical diagnosis to have an issue. You’ve been programmed that you must multitask to get things done.
The only problem with trying to do too many things at once is that you’re not giving your undivided attention to one task. Take, for example, eating while driving your car. A study reported by Drive-Safely shows that 80 percent of all car accidents happen because of eating or drinking while driving.
That’s some staggering statistics considering that there are over 7 million car accidents in this country every year, as reported by Safe-America. Being distracted doesn’t always equate to something as devastating as a car crash, but being aware can help you make fewer mistakes. Consider this story. Ed works at a local manufacturing company that makes pizzas.
He’s not paying attention, and his mind is far away from his job. He is supposed to do quality assurance and check a product every few minutes. However, lost in his thoughts, he lets line after line of pizzas go to processing that is missing an essential topping. It isn’t until the company starts getting calls from supermarkets that they pinpoint the line and operator who caused this issue.
The mistakes cost the company dearly, and Ed was written up for not doing his job correctly. It can be a significant dollar error when you have poor concentration. So, it’s essential to learn to be more focused to avoid such mishaps.
Eleven Ways To Make Fewer Mistakes by Improving Concentration
1. Be Present in the Moment
Part of the reason so many people struggle with focus is that there not present in the moment. Their mind is a million miles away from the task at hand. Practice grounding exercises that help you with the disconnect.
It would help if you made a conscious choice to improve your attention, and you can start by making sure your mind focuses on what you’re doing.
2. Get Sufficient Rest
If you’re not getting 6-8 hours of rest each night, it could be the reason why you can’t focus. Your body needs enough rest to be able to function correctly. Make sleep a priority, and never borrow time from your rest schedule and create a disastrous sleep deficiency.
3. Minimize Multitasking
Those who can multitask efficiently were once praised as superior workers. However, new research shows that multitasking isn’t so good for you. A study was done by the Cleveland Clinic that found people who multitask are less efficient and make more mistakes.
The study found that only 2.5 percent of people can multitask adequately, so don’t stress yourself out trying to do way too much at once. Just focus on the task at hand.
4. Eat Less Sugar and Carbs
If your diet consists of sugar, carbs, and unhealthy options, then you’re probably not feeling your best. Constant sugar intake affects your focus because it can make you sluggish. You need to eat foods that power the brain and do not deprive it of what it needs.
Try filling up on protein, omega three fats, and other nutritious offerings that will fuel your body and not deplete it.
5. Cognitive Training
Many games are engineered to help you with both your attention and your response times. While you don’t want to play these games to get better at gaming, you want to do them to enhance your cognitive activities. The good news is there is strong evidence that shows that if you can sustain your attention long enough to play a game that you can use that focus on your everyday life.
The Journal of Education and Practice reported on studies regarding children and gaming. Students with ADHD often find it’s easier to focus on games than work. Learning doesn’t have to be boring to be educational. The researchers found that students who can utilize video games can quickly learn to make fewer mistakes and have a better concentration level.
So, as an adult, you can find activities that help you too. Even games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, and word searches can be beneficial.
6. Remove Distractions
Turn off email, instant messaging, and other distractions that can hinder your focus. It’s impossible to stay focused when you’re constantly stopping to answer the phone or reply to a text message.
7. Physical Exercise
You know that exercise is good for you, but did you ever think it could help you make fewer mistakes throughout the day? Your focus and concentration are enhanced by the additional surge of brain chemicals when you’re working out. Not only will you feel better, but you will be able to focus on the task at hand.
8. Fix the Environment
The environment around you has a profound effect on your ability to focus. First, the color of the room matters. Blue tends to enhance productivity, while colors like red are off-putting. Additionally, the height of your desk, the comfort level of your chair, and lighting can all play into this equation.
What happens if you wear an outfit to work that is uncomfortable. You don’t feel your best, so it’s challenging to be productive when you’re constantly tugging at an itchy shirt or pants that are too tight.
Now, exchange those scratchy clothes for an uncomfortable office. You’re not going to be your best if you’re not relaxed.
Things that can make a significant impact are these:
- The view from your desk
- Pictures in your office
- The noises or distractions around you
- The temperature of the room
- Chair comfort
- Desk space
Take time to create a space that’s a haven for productivity, and you will make fewer mistakes.
9. Change Your Mindset
Your mindset is another crucial part of your productivity. For instance, if you hate folding laundry, it’s not going to be the highlight of your day. However, if you turn on your favorite television show while you’re folding, then the task suddenly becomes less mundane.
Instead of thinking about the dreaded chore, please start thinking about it as the time you get to watch your favorite show. When you start looking at your tasks differently, your mindset can be changed to a favorable position.
10. Switch Between High and Low-Attention Tasks
Some tasks require heavy concentration, while others don’t require as much. Think of it as doing your taxes versus paying bills. While you need to focus on paying your bills, the urgency for perfection isn’t nearly as great. When you go through a long period of intense concentration, your brain gets tired.
Try giving your brain a rest during these highly charged activities, and then you should switch to a low-attention task. Meditation is a great way to recharge your energy levels by shaking pressure. Altering between high and low-intensity jobs is a great way to keep your focus and make fewer mistakes.
11. Improve the Flow of Oxygen to the Brain
If you sit for too long, you’re likely to feel horrible. The problem is that when you sit for more extended periods, the blood automatically pools to your lower extremities. Why do you think people who sit get swelling in their legs and feet when they don’t move?
Have you ever heard that when you’re on a flight or long car ride that you need to get up and walk? It would be best if you moved to allow the blood to pump to your brain better. Sitting for extended time frames may cause brain fog, dizziness, and even exhaustion.
Additionally, blood clots can form easier when someone is sedentary. To enhance your focus, you need to make sure that you get up periodically and move your body. When you get a 15-minute break, don’t sit in the lunchroom.
Get up and walk around the office and stretch your legs. You will be surprised at how much this enhances your focus.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Make Fewer Mistakes
To err is human, but there are ways that you can make fewer mistakes. It would help if you learned how to improve your concentration by using simple methods. Try to be present, set up your workspace as a tranquil spot for productivity, and eliminate distractions around you.
By making some minor adjustments, you can soon learn how easy it is to be more productive. You can get more done in less time when you have the proper concentration and focus. What things from this list help you be a better spouse, parent, worker, or all-around productive person?
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