Technology has interfered with our ability to stay focused. Take a look at these three tips to stay focused online:

1. Make your mornings count. When people come into their home office in the morning, they have that "burst." This means they have a rush of energy and a sharper focus. Do about 60 to 90 minutes of work before you check your email or go online. For later in the day, set a timer for 30 or 40 minutes and work straight through that time without surfing or taking calls. Then take a 10 minute breather. You will get more done by focusing even if it is for 30 minutes.

2. Get personal. If there are people who demand that you email them a response ASAP, tell them that you're only checking your email specific times of the day like, say, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Learn how to ignore messages that are not matter of life and death when you're working.

3. Police yourself. Take responsibility for your surfing habits and come clean about how much time you spend on the Net. Be honest about your surfing slips.