Hi Michael, Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for your question... Having difficulty in paying attention or staying focussed in a task can be due to various reasons. One of the common reasons is underlying stress. Often, when the mind is preoccupied with stressful or worrying thoughts, it can be difficult to stay focussed on the task at hand and can sometimes lead to mistakes and poor performance as well. Sometimes lack of proper planning and poor time management can also result in stress and thereby impair performance. However, if in addition to the symptoms which you have mentioned, if you are experiencing low mood, lack of interest, lack of energy, negative thoughts, poor sleep or poor appetite, then it may be indicative of depression, in which case, you may need to consult your doctor. I would suggest that you try to avoid any stressors which may be bothering you. You can also share your distress with a close friend or relative, as that would make you feel less burdened. Maybe, you can take a break and spend time just relaxing and unwinding. You can also try relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation / yoga. A better planning of your time and activities can also make you feel more relaxed. And if at any point in time you feel that things are getting out of hand or you are finding it difficult to cope, please do not hesitate to seek professional help straightaway. Wish you all the best. -Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist