One of the biggest problems you will encounter when it comes to your academic learning will be getting distracted; especially by phones and friends. Studies suggest that the average Australian checks their phone approximately every 8 minutes.

According to Cal Newport who wrote 'Deep Work,' we spend most of our time doing 'shallow work' (work that is non-cognitively demanding) due to the distractions that come from technology. We have forgotten how to genuinely engage in deep work thanks to our phones crying out for our attention. We have lost the art of focused thinking to make meaningful progress on our most difficult but influential tasks.

We have trained ourselves to fit bits of Deep work around lots of Shallow work so we find it challenging to spend large chunks of time focusing. And, whenever we get stuck it's so tempting to distract ourselves with a 'hit' of social media.

As a result, we need to retrain our focus to get 'fit' again. When we want to get physically fit, we don't go on a 10km run on the first day. We start by walking for 15 minutes then 30 minutes and slowly build up our fitness.

Put it into Action

1.    Choose a study space where you won't get distracted.

2.    Choose a task that requires 'deep work.'

3.    Turn your phone onto 'flight mode' and close down your email.

4.    Train your focus for 15 minutes chunks.

5.    Reward yourself with a stretch, coffee, walk.

6.    Build up to 30 minute chunks (this is genuinely how long we can concentrate before needing a short 10 minute break – preferably off         your phone!).