As an entrepreneur, finding time can be very difficult and staying focused on the task at hand can be even harder. We make our own hours and work at our own speed so it can be very easy to lose track of your schedule and get side tracked. The trick is to understand when it’s okay to let your brain rest; this can improve your focus and increase your productivity.

Here are a few things that can help you build your focus and improve your brains function as a whole:

Do Creative Work First

Typically, we do mindless work first and build up to the toughest tasks. That drains your energy and lowers your focus. An hour into doing your work, you’ve got a lot less capacity than at the beginning. Every decision we make tires the brain. In order to focus effectively, reverse the order. Check off the tasks that require creativity or concentration first thing in the morning, and then move on to easier work, like deleting emails or scheduling meetings, later in the day.

Allocate Your Time Deliberately

Most people focus best in the morning or late at night, and studies show that 90 percent of people do their best thinking outside the office. Notice where and when you focus best, then allocate your toughest tasks for those moments.

Train Your Mind

When multitasking is the norm, your brain quickly adapts. You lose the ability to focus, as distraction becomes a habit. Practice concentration by turning off all distractions and committing your attention to a single task. Start small, maybe five minutes per day, and work up to larger chunks of time. If you find your mind wandering, just return to the task at hand.

Ronne B