If you are excited about the new year, you are not alone.

The start of a new year signals new beginnings for many of us. We have created goals to enrichen our lives, and it is time to act on those goals.

Our ability to succeed can be affected by how we deal with distractions. We have a few tips that may help minimise distractions and allow you to focus on your goals.

Identify your distractions.

Make a list of the things that easily distract you. Is it your phone, your child needing help with school, or colleagues interacting next to you? Knowing your distractions can make it easier to find the best solutions.

Set clear boundaries.

Persons working from home can set clear work boundaries that include periods where you do not wish to be disturbed. Those at the office can examine common distractions and work on them. Would closing your door to dedicate time to business calls or to work on special projects help? You can also tell colleagues when you have meetings, so they know not to disturb you.

Adjust parts of your routine.

Some distractions can be dismissed or reduced by changing parts of your routine. You can adjust your break time to counteract common distractions. Remember to include time to socialise with others. Talking with colleagues can help with teamwork and generating fresh ideas. Ensure that you block time to manage work tasks in your updated routine.

Change the physical space and use technology.

Rearrange your office or work area for increased productivity. Set visual reminders of your goals. Review your goals daily and update the ones you completed. There are also many paid and free time management and productivity apps that you can use to track your progress.

Use resources to support your goals.

Some goals require the right tools, materials, and resources. Do you need gym wear or gym membership, a new desk, or office supplies? Once you have the tools and resources you need, you can use them efficiently to succeed at your goals.

Take small steps.

Write down smaller goals to support what you wish to accomplish long-term. If your goal is to travel, focus on different aspects each week or daily. Some areas you can include are budgeting, flights, ground transportation, and hotels.

Do crucial tasks early.

Identify and work on the essential tasks early. Make a short list to focus on each day. You can use a planner to track how successfully you managed those tasks.

Work on your targets.

A target may be getting to a new weight goal or saving for an item. Give yourself an extra shot of motivation by adding a reward. A reward can be a treat or an activity like sleeping in on the weekend. Having a reward system can motivate you to remain focused on completing goals.

Take your breaks.

Some of us forget to take breaks, especially if there are tight deadlines. We focus heavily on targets that can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Anxiety can lead to postponing goals or cancelling them. So, take your breaks. Socialise with colleagues and relatives. Then resume working on accomplishing what you set out to do. 

Dedicate time to focus on each goal.

Be clear about what you want. What do you want to accomplish, and why is that goal important? Cut out tasks or chores that are distracting. Get enough rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Although you are dedicating time to focus, don’t allow yourself to become consumed. Enjoy the process.

We hope these tips help. At Yello, we make it easy to find the businesses and services near you. Use our Find Yello listings for gyms, travel agents, hotels, or the services you need to help fulfil your goals!

Sources: Entrepreneur, Life Hack, American Express, Tech Radar, and Develop Good Habits.