TEENS: Concentration often is the key to success, yet many find the ability to focus a difficult task. However, you can learn the techniques of concentration if you put your mind to it.

Olympic gold medal winners, performers and scholars have all mastered the art of concentration, says author Jordan E. Cohn. What is their secret? Before winning a gold medal, a former Olympic performer was nervous and tense. Instead of pacing the floor and watching her competitors, she turned inward and tuned everything out. She then imagined herself doing the routine flawlessly. The result: She scored a perfect 10.

People's lives, however, are filled with so many diversions that focusing on anything in particular may seem impossible. While you may feel bombarded with distractions, it is possible to learn to concentrate. The first step is getting in the right frame of mind.

"When you learn techniques of concentration, what you're really doing is learning how to establish a better environment for yourself emotionally," says sports psychologist Dr. James E. Loehr. In other words, you must be in the mood to concentrate.

Concentration can be affected by a number of factors — time of day, noise, your mood and even your personality. Although there are exceptions, studies show that most of us concentrate best from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so pulling an all-night study session probably is not a good idea.

Be aware that eating and sleeping habits can influence your mood, and in turn, your concentration skills. Filling up on sweets or overdosing on caffeine can make you irritable and easily distracted; without enough sleep, you may find it hard to gather your thoughts.

You probably have been told to turn the radio off while studying, but will that necessarily improve your grades? Unfortunately, studies on noise concentration have been inconclusive on this matter. But Dr. Joel S. Warm, professor of psychology at the University of Cincinnati, believes that "You learn to concentrate in the environment you're in most of the time." Therefore, someone accustomed to studying to music may find it difficult to concentrate in silence," Warm adds.

Research also shows that introverts concentrate better than extroverts. Shy, retiring types don't need stimulation from others to get their brains going, which makes it easier for them to sit alone and work. But whatever your personality type, you won't be able to concentrate effectively for more than 30 minutes at a time.

To maintain your concentration level over long periods, take five-minute breaks each half-hour. If you are working on several different assignments, focus on one at a time. Unfinished business will distract you.

Developing concentration skills can dramatically improve your grades. You may find your homework done faster, and that having the right frame of mind before an exam will improve your performance. Increased concentration may enhance your social life, too; people are attracted to good listeners who focus on what others are saying.

But whether your goal is to get straight A's, win a competition or make friends, concentration can help you achieve success.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.