# How I focus > For the complete site index, see [llms.txt](https://danny.is/llms.txt) This was originally posted on [thescri.be](http://thescri.be/2006/9/28/how-i-focus) on 28 September 2006 and was imported here from the [Internet Archive](https://web.archive.org/web/20070116055205/http://thescri.be/2006/9/28/how-i-focus) on 18 December 2025. After reading someone's blog the other day (I seem to have lost the link) I made a note to look into the ways in which I focus. As a student I've all sorts of (mostly pleasant) things to distract me from my work and after a bit of thinking it seems I force myself to focus by using the following tricks: - **Inboxes** – I carry a Notebook in my bag and some index cards in my pocket for scribbling down anything which comes into my head. I've a big inbox on my desk and an inbox folder on my laptop to collect these ideas and thoughts. Doing this keeps my head clear. - **Sound canceling headphones** – I use these when working in the Library at college or when I'm in a public place trying to do something. - **Listen to music** – I listen to either calm repetitive "Easy Listening" music, or some good classical stuff. Anything else and I get too involved in listening to it. - **Close Applications** – I close every application except iTunes, Minuteur, kGTD and the app I'm working in. - **Fresh Air** – I keep a window open, which not only circulates fresh air but keeps the room at a pretty cool temperature. - **Drink tea, drink water.** – I drink plenty of water (2ltrs per day) and I always have a pot of Chinese tea by me when I'm working. It helps me think. (A cup of caffeinated tea is a good way to wake me up if I'm a little groggy.) - **Take regular breaks** – I take time out to sit, smoke and think about what I'm doing. - **Compete** – I make sure I compete with myself. Dave Seah's PCEO works well for that. I also have my own system for judging how well I'm doing today. So, how do you focus on the task in hand?