I sit at my desk, laptop open and back straight. My intention is to focus on the essay in front of me. The room is silent, there is not a single noise, yet, within seconds, my mind starts to wander. I am distracted by the TV show I’m watching or what I want to have for dinner. I get up and stretch, hoping to bring my brain to attention, but no matter what I do in this soundless space, I lack the ability to concentrate. 

I think most people have some sort of experience with a lack of focus to get their work done. This may be attributable to an unsuitable space or just a lack of energy. It is not quite procrastination because it can hit even when you are trying to make yourself work and it isn’t truly a writer’s block, but it can feed into both of these phenomenons.

I am usually pretty good at avoiding procrastination, and I am also a very efficient worker, but there are times when it can feel like I am in slow-motion. I have learned a few odd techniques to help myself with this. The biggest one that confuses people the most is working with the music on, and I am not talking about instrumental, or lo-fi either (for example, as I write this, I am listening to “Elizabeth Taylor”). That can be enough to jolt me into focus. I think it has something to do with my mind having to ignore the music and therefore being more locked in. If I am really unfocused I will move to a different location, like the library. Somehow being around other people who are working makes me more likely to work. 

I can think of a dozen other things that force me to focus, but the biggest thing about all of them is that they probably do not work for other people. There are probably many others who cannot work with noise or who are distracted by the presence of other people. The biggest way to get yourself to focus are the following two things.

Number one, you have to make a change. If your mind cannot concentrate, forcing yourself to sit in your seat will not make it better. It is okay if being in a quiet room at a desk is not what works for you. It definitely doesn’t work for me. I have written every single one of my columns on my couch listening to music. The second thing is that taking a break isn’t procrastination. There is a chance that the reason you are unable to be attentive is that you just need a moment. Go on a walk, do some other work, or just get a snack. I cannot count the amount of times I have gotten up to just get some water while trying to concentrate, for everything to click the moment I walked away. 

Our minds are complicated, and it can seem like they are constantly trying to work against us. However, the best way you can help your mind work for you is to go along with it. Figure out what weird little tricks work best for you, and stick to them–even if they do not work for everyone.