Here are a 3 ways I’ve learned to focus even when it’s the last thing I feel like doing:

1.) Make it fun.

This has got to be the #1 rule. You have to make it fun. I have to promise myself a cup of coffee or tea and something sweet. I have to be in comfortable clothes, in a comfortable place. In those times where it’s the last thing I want to do, I have to “trick” myself into focusing.

For you it may mean getting into your sweats or pajamas, grabbing your drink of choice and curling up on the couch with your laptop. Or it may mean hauling yourself to Starbucks – sometimes being in fresh surroundings makes all the difference.

Whatever you do, make it fun. That’s the #1 rule.

2.) Set a time limit.

Sometimes I think I’ll go crazy if I have to focus for an indefinite period of time. So, I’ll tell myself, “Just focus for 30 minutes. That’s it. Then you can get up and walk away.” Most of the time that 30 minutes turns into a couple of hours.

A timer might work for you or the stopwatch on your iPhone. Fifteen minute increments might be your thing or an hour chunk at a time.

Just give yourself boundaries. Do what works.

3.) Have clear goals.

I’ve learned not to overwhelm myself right out of the gate. If I set clear & reasonable goals, odds are I end up accomplishing more than I thought I would. Completing one goal provides momentum to tackle the next goal. If your goals aren’t clear or they are unreasonable, you will end up discouraged.

Try making a list of your top 3-5 goals. Write them down in order of priority. Make them clear and concise. Make them reasonable (i.e. don’t make it a goal to write an entire chapter; make it a goal to write for 30 minutes instead).

Set goals. Make them clear and reasonable. You’ll be surprise at how much you accomplish.

How do you focus even when you feel like it’s an impossible task? What are your tips & tricks?