Distractions are bound to come while you are attempting to get in some study time.  I remember a professor telling us that her and her husband signed a contract stating that for at least 3 hours on week nights that she must be distraction-fee as she worked on postings, reading her chapters, or researching.  To make a long story short, she ended with a doctoral degree and she teaches at a major online university.  So the goal was reached.
As a single mom and entrepreneur, I know all about distractions and how they can be so irritating when you're trying to get things done.  I have a, now-4-year-old, who is busy as a little bumblebee that seems to call on me for everything but the moon, sun, and the stars, but she needs me.  I have clients who call me, my blackberry buzzes with emails and texts, I have instant messages that come in from connections on business ideas and joint ventures, yes, it happens.  But the important thing is how do you handle distractions when studying and concentrating on your important tasks?
  • Early Bird or Night Owl? Okay, pick one. The best time of the day to get anything done is either one of these. But either or, you must be able to get a good night of sleep so that you can be energized when you wake up. Personally, I am an early bird. I like to wake up around 5 a.m., because my daughter, who is awesomely active, is still snoring and dreaming. This leaves me about 3 hours or so to get work done. I like to go to bed around 10 or no later than 11, because I can still get 6 hours in for a sound night of sleep. If you're a night owl, then by all means do not study in the bed, it can make you doze right off, leaving homework and reading undone.
  • Get off Facebook. Facebook and social media can be a huge distraction. Most people spend a lot of precious time on this website, because it's a place you can chat, look at pictures of weddings and babies of friends, and to be honest, you can see what others are doing or pursuing (yeah, we're nosy). Facebook can lead you into a world of non-productivity. Do yourself a favor and consciously practice updating your status only 2-3 times a week, especially if you are writing papers and completing projects.
  • Shut your phone down. The phone is a major distraction. Who can concentrate on finishing a literature review when your best friend is calling to talk about the latest Housewives show or your child who calls crying about wanting to come home from college because she's homesick? Sometimes, if I see myself lagging behind in my work, I shut my phone off for a whole day and just work. If they need me, they can leave a message. What if it's an emergency? You be the judge. Alternative: Turn it on silent.
  • Study when you feel the most alert and energized.
  • Get yourself in a place where people will understand not to bother you with anything that has to do with getting up from your study place.
  • Know your attention span. To be honest, this is going to take some work, you need to understand your study habits and your attention level. If you know you cannot sit down for more than 10 minutes without looking at how weird your flower pot looks or logging on youtube for a quick gander at a funny video, then you may be at risk of an attention deficit disorder.