A new year brings new challenges and resolutions for every one. With my long list of goals I wish to accomplish in 2013, one of the most important is to improve my concentration – whether in social situations or work-related assignments. To put it simply – I want to be more present in the now.

While today’s world of new media and technology surely makes life much easier in many ways, especially by providing means of entertainment, it also enables us to become more easily distracted. Here are a few tips I have found to be effective in helping improve my concentration in a world full of diversions:

• “Be a parrot” – Put what you hear or read into your own words. In conversations, repeat what the other person said into your own words. This will help clarify exactly what is being discussed. Likewise, when reading or studying, re-writing information into simpler terms will help cognition.
• Limit distractions – Don’t constantly have your cell phone attached to your hip. Checking your Facebook or skimming your Twitter feed can easily eat up a large chunk productivity time. Be more conscious to set aside time for personal tasks after your work is completed.
• Make a to-do list – It’s easy to become consumed and distracted with a day’s long list of tasks. Instead of worrying about what you need to accomplish in a day, it is much easier to write everything down by order of importance. Put the most important tasks at the top of your list and create a time frame for when each task should to be started and completed.
• Highlight – Highlighting key points helps you engage in active reading. By focusing on the main points, you can more quickly understand and recognize purpose behind the material.

Do you have any tips to share?