It's easy to get involved in too many projects at the same time, and then the details of those projects start falling through the cracks.Things can happen at home, school, or even at work.It's a learned skill that you can cultivate.Organizational tools, limiting distraction, and giving your mind the conditions it needs to focus improve attention to detail.If you want to go the extra mile, you can practice attention improving exercises.
Step 1: It's important to get organized.
If you want to pay attention to the small things, you need to have organization in your life.Keeping track of appointments and tasks that need to be accomplished so that you aren't surprised when it's time to turn them in means having organization in your work or school life.
Step 2: Make some lists.
To make sure you know when and how everything needs to come together, lists are a great way to organize.A lost list is less useful than a lead balloon, but you will be less likely to lose track of the details if you have them written out and kept somewhere that you see every day.You can plan for things in advance with a long- and short-term list.When the items on the long-term list come up, put them on your short- term list, so you won't be surprised by anything in your schedule.When you've finished an item on your list, check it off.You won't have to remember whether you've completed each step of a certain list item if you know that you actually did do it.
Step 3: Stay on a specific schedule.
If you're running around willy nilly and each day has a different mess of times and items, try to sort it into a routine that follows the general rhythm.When you've dropped the ball on a detail, your brain will be quicker to notice than when it's a bunch of different things.Make sure you get up at the same time each day.You go to bed at 10:30 pm every night and wake up at 7:30 am the next morning.Your body will be in a single routine and you'll be getting enough sleep so that your memory will work better.
Step 4: Limit the amount of time you can be distracted.
Distractions include your family, your friends, that annoying coworker who won't stop talking, and even being hungry.You're more likely to forget the details of a project if you are distracted and trying to pay attention to it.Try to work in an area that is not too hot, with good lighting and fewer people coming in and out (for school, a nice corner in the library is usually a good choice; at work, do your best in your office or cubicle to be cool and well-).If you have an emergency, tell your friends and family not to call you when you're working.If you are working at home, try to have a workspace that is organized.For your annoying coworker, if you can keep your door closed, say to them, "I really have to get this project finished."I'll come by and chat with you.Depending on your relationship with them and your co-workers, you can tell them to go away.
Step 5: Don't do more than you can do.
You won't be able to get all the details in order if you Multi-tasking spreads your attention over a variety of items instead of focusing it on one specific item, which means that you end up unable to give full attention to each item.Using the list that you've drawn up, you can go from project to project, giving each your full attention without checking your phone and Facebook.Write down your idea or concern, add it to your list, and return to the project you're supposed to be working on if you find yourself doing things like planning for dinner.You don't have to worry about it because you will remember to take care of it.Sometimes you have to do two things at the same time, or you need to conserve your energy by letting some of the details of a project slip.While giving less attention to the less important projects, focus your attention on the most important ones.
Step 6: Get fit.
Exercise is good for your body and helps improve your memory and concentration abilities.To improve your attention to detail and keep your memory strong, you'll want to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.Remember to bring your work clothes with you in case of rain or mud, as your exercise routine could be as simple as walking to the grocery store after work or biking to and from work.You can do 30 minutes of yoga, go for a run, or just play music and dance.
Step 7: Take some time to relax.
Allowing your brain to take breaks is a good way to keep it sharp.Make sure you schedule them around the same time each day, and try for 10 to 15 minutes each.It will give you time to relax for the next project.A break can be as simple as stretching and taking a walk around the office.If you find that you are getting really distracted or sleepy, it's a good time to do a little exercise, like jumping jacks, to get the blood flowing.
Step 8: You can practice using memory cards.
Paying attention to the details is a good way to keep your brain sharp.One of the ways is using memory cards.You will gather a group of pairs and place them on either side of each other.Look at them and turn them face down again.If you find a pair, remove it from the game.If you remember where the cards are on the table, you will be able to pay attention to the details in different parts of your life.Once you're really good, you can show off your skills with a friend.).
Step 9: Use "what's wrong with this picture" puzzles to solve the puzzles.
These can be found in any children's magazine.The child-level puzzles are easy, but you can find more difficult ones.The more you practice these puzzles, the better you will be at paying attention to other details.
Step 10: It's time to get your math skills up to date.
If you get one number wrong in mathematics, the whole answer ends up being wrong, and are a great way to improve your attention to detail.You can balance your budget by hand.Make sure to double check your work and pay close attention to the numbers.
Step 11: Make a note of an image.
Close your eyes and look closely at a scene, you can do this anywhere.As much information as possible about the scene.The more you practice, the more attentive you'll become.An unfamiliar photograph is another easy way to do this.Look at it for a few seconds and then take a picture.You have to remember as much as you can.Each time, take a different photograph.A memory sketch is similar to an image exercise.Don't look at the scene for a while.Make a list of what you saw or sketch it out from memory.When you're done, compare what you saw with what actually happened.
Step 12: To meditate, learn to meditate.
There are a lot of things that meditation is useful for.Reducing stress and calming your mind can help you with your mental and physical health.When you're more advanced at meditation, you can do it anywhere: at your desk at work, on the bus, etc, but it's good to start somewhere without many distraction.Take deep breaths all the way down into your belly.The focus should be on your breathing.Don't focus on distracted thoughts when you find them in your head.If you want to return to your breathing, say "Breathe in, breathe out."