In this day and age, many find it difficult to focus. However, did you know that there are actually ways that you can improve your ability to concentrate?

One approach to this dilemma is a new challenge on TikTok called “The Great Lock In”. While many of us set our New Year’s resolutions in January, this challenge takes a different approach. Participants set a goal to achieve between September 1st and December 31st. The idea is that the shorter time frame will motivate the goal setter and make them much more likely to reach their desired outcome.

However, even if you’re trying to achieve a small goal, there are some strategies that can be used to help you achieve that state of hyper-focus. The first of these strategies is mindfulness. Mindfulness essentially means focusing on the present. This can be achieved by sitting still for a few minutes, closing your eyes, and regaining your focus. If you sit still and focus on your breath and surroundings, this rewires your brain to have a better attention span and focus. This meditative state draws you back into reality so you can finish that essay, or whatever the task may be, without distractions.

Another method proven to be effective for improving concentration is actually getting better sleep. Believe it or not, you clear your brain of harmful stress hormones when you sleep. If you aim for an average of seven to eight hours of sleep per night, this can drastically improve your ability to stay focused on a task. Similarly, exercise is also proven to increase your attention. When exercising, your brain increases chemicals that promote new brain connections and reduce stress. So, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can also help you regain focus.

So, whether you’re trying to run a marathon or simply finish the math homework sitting in your backpack, focus can make a huge difference. Hopefully, you will take these tips into consideration to help you achieve your goals.

Cites-

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/style/great-lock-in-tiktok.html

nytimes.com/2025/09/13/briefing/focus-point.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-improve-concentration

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7050-aerobic-exercise

https://www.anadolumedicalcenter.com/health-guide/what-is-focus-problem-and-how-can-it-be-solved