As a performing musician, it is important for me to block out all that is going on in a room so that my only thoughts are listening, seeing and hearing the music. It has taken me years to not register the sneeze, people talking, or a door opening. Centering for me is intense concentration.
How do you concentrate on important things before you? Take a moment to concentrate on your breath.
I used to prepare piano students for recitals by coughing and dropping things for distraction. It made most laugh but they would get the point.