6 tips to stay focused at work

It seems like "multitasking" is the name of the game in the business world, and most people tackle many projects at a time daily. Even if you are just working on one project, think about all of the other interruptions you handle. With all of the e-mails to answer, voice mails to check, pages to return and instant messages to reply to, it's a wonder how anyone gets any "real" work done!

If you are starting to feel like you can't do quality work because you are always being interrupted, you probably need to learn how to focus during the work day. Here are seven ways to stay focused in a world of constant interruptions:

1. Create some "unavailable" time.

It's great to be that person co-workers can come to with questions, but it can also keep you from getting your own work done. Give yourself some time to be unavailable. Close the door to your office and put up a "do not disturb" sign. Block out time on your schedule and let others know that you cannot be disturbed. If you work in an open space, go to a conference room where you won't be so easy to find or rearrange your desk so your back is to your co-workers. Put on a pair of headphones. Even if you don't listen to any music, wearing headphones can send a message that you are not available to talk. Finally, learn how to say no. You don't have to apologize or over-explain. Just let your co-workers know that you do not have the free time to help right now. Any good teammate will understand.

2. Resist the urge to read and reply.

Are your friends and family sending you messages every hour? As tempting as it is to read all e-mails as they arrive, resist the urge and keep working. Set up a separate personal account and only check it at home. If you would rather have just one account, limit yourself to certain times of the day for reading personal messages, such as lunchtime. And get in the habit of automatically deleting junk messages. Trust us – the story is false, the deal is a hoax, and you will not have seven years of bad luck if you don't forward the message.

3. Turn off your instant messaging program.

Instant messaging programs are extremely popular these days, but they can be a real focus-killer in the office. If you have an instant messaging program installed, set it to indicate that you are away or busy during the workday. Tell your friends you can't chat and that you will get in touch with them the "old-fashioned" way later – via the telephone.

4. Plan your phone time.

Using the phone is necessary for most people, but there are ways to be more efficient with this business tool. First, plan important calls by writing down your key points and questions you need to ask. This will decrease the number of times you have to call people back. If you have caller ID, don't answer calls from unrecognizable numbers, and use your voice mail to screen your calls. That way you can call back those you need to at a better time.

5. Take a breather.

Are you so frazzled that your head is spinning? If you have way too much going on, it will be impossible to focus. Take a few minutes away from your desk to clear your head and re-focus. Take a walk, stretch out, do some office yoga, or just sit with your eyes closed and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

6. Write it down.

Sometimes you just need a visual reminder of your tasks to stay focused. Make a list, or several lists, to keep you on track. Put a dry-erase board next to your computer where you can periodically look up and see how you are progressing. This will keep you focused and give you a sense of accomplishment every time you cross an item off your list.