Attention Deficit Disorder is characterized by inattention, easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, and forgetfulness.

I have found that in writing my weekly column, to date, I suffer from…well all of these symptoms.

In the world of technology today, it is vastly difficult to find yourself doing your work and your work only, instead of perusing Facebook, Twitter, Tublr, emails, in addition to all the apps you can use on your phone, on top of playing crumpled paper basketball, doodling and twiddling your thumbs.

For example, within the time it took me to write those few sentences I have already checked my email twice, checked my school email, gone on Facebook, played Words with Friends, Snapchatted four photos, and sent a few texts.

The part that is most aggravating is the inability to disconnect, or better yet, the lack of will-power.

I hate myself every time I spend four hours on a paper that could have taken one. I constantly find myself connected in one way or another and I loathe it.

Nothing is that exciting on Facebook, a digital game of scrabble can wait, and Snapchat is eight seconds of your life you can never get back.

So why do we do it? How do we stay on task?

There are a number of ways to pay attention, but it is up to you to carry out the “Rules of De-Procrastination and on Task-ness,” and yes those are both made up words.

Get rid of the distractions. Close out of any open software that you do not need, and especially stay away from the Internet. If you need a website for your homework minimize it until it is fully needed.

Let your phone go to voicemail, and do not respond to texts. If something is really that important than they will surely leave a voicemail. As for texts, I suggest putting your phone on silent and flipping the screen upside down as to not know that you have a notification of a text. That way when you are done you can be pleasantly surprised at the amount of texts you have.

Shut the door. If you are trying to do work in an open area with a lot of human traffic and noises, this may not be proper work atmosphere. Seclude yourself in a room by yourself or at least where it is quiet such as your bedroom or the library.

Make sure that you are physically comfortable. There is nothing worse than sitting down with a giant pile of homework and your stomach growls or you have to use the bathroom. Get a snack and a beverage as preparation, and use the bathroom before hand.

If you remember something that you need to do such as a chore or an errand, write in on a post-it or make a note of it so as not to distract you from your work at the present time.

If you follow these simple, yet challenging “Rules of De-Procrastination and on Task-ness,” homework will be done, dinner will be on the table, and friends will be awaiting your reply.

Don’t let your lack of attention get the best of you and try these tricks. They are quite simple, but prove your will-power and get your work done.