The first step in helping you improve your ability to concentrate is to create a supportive environment. There are three main ways your work environment may impact your ability to focus.
A Scattered or Unsuitable Workspace
What is your workspace like? Is it conducive to concentrating? Do you get enough light? Low light makes it hard to concentrate. Too much light does the same -if your desk is in front of a sunny window, the sun may make it hard to focus.
Do you have a dedicated workspace at all? If you are working at multiple desks, or at a dining room table, or on your bed, or wherever you can find room for your work materials, you may have a problem. Try setting up a dedicated space to work with a clear area, enough light, and a good chair.
Too Many Distractions
Another common issue is having too many distractions while you work. These can range from having noisy coworkers to getting texts and notifications on your phone all the time. If noise is an issue, try getting a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Turn off your phone or at least the notifications. Close out of social media on your computer. If you get distracted every time you get an email, close your email server and only check it at certain times of the day.
What about your desk itself? Do you have a lot of clutter? What about distracting objects? Clear off your desk and put any excess objects away and see how it impacts your ability to focus.
Lack of (Good) Distractions
Does this seem like the opposite of help? For many people, it is just what they need. Some people have “busy” minds, and in order to focus their attention on one task, they need something -usually noise -to occupy the other layers of their minds.
These are the people who get their best work done in noisy coffee shops or while music or a tv is blaring. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. To find out if this is your problem, try it. Put out some headphones if it will disturb others, turn on your favourite music or a show, and see what happens.
You might find that it helps your concentration tremendously. Or it could completely wreck whatever focus you have in which case you know it is not for you. You also might find it helps sometimes but not others.
So are any of the suggestions above, ones that you can use to create a supportive environment for yourself? Pick one at a time to try out and see what works for you. Give it at least a week. If it helps improve your concentration and focus then keep it going, if not, then discard it and choose another.