How to maintain focus during meetings

@DogBoy37 already provided an interesting answer, I never thought of that.

However, there are "meetings" where being concerned with taking notes can be interpreted as not participating (or worse). E.g., talking with someone on the street. Or with your wife. What to do then?

I will present some details of my method.

1. Decide that you want to be focus on the meeting. (In the context of this question, you already decided that you want.)
2. Keep in mind the thought that you want to be focused, that you want "to be there". This is not about the physical presence, but the presence of your attention.
3. Keep away (or throw away) fro your mind all the thoughts not part of the discussion.
4. Make the necessary effort to receive and understand all the information presented (visual, auditive, words, ideas, concepts...). If needed, dodge that flying plate.
5. Whenever you catch your mind wandering away, bring it back.

Other factors might have an influence on your ability "to be there".

1. Make sure that you are well rested.
2. Make sure that your health is at acceptable levels (generally speaking).
3. Make sure you do not have some affliction, which can have an impact on your ability "to be there".

Bottom line: What is boring, is boring. We cannot change that sometimes. And it gets worse when we have bosses instead of managers, and they keep us "forever" in meetings. But with some mental hygiene and training, we can do better in those situations.

First, you may have an underlying condition like ADHD, fatigue, hunger, etc. Only you would know. In such case, talk to a professional.

That out of the way, I like to force myself to come up with at one least question in order to maintain my attention. You do not need to ask it.

First of all: Why would you like to keep a focus?

Is your role the moderator or just the "regular" team member? If you would be the first and recognize the others are day dreaming than ask them about their opinon. If you are just team member why does it bother you if others are day dreaming? Its not your job to take care of,,,

But besides that I recognize the same pattern in different meetings. I just wonder what kind of meetings you are talking about. Discussion on technical detailed level or just generic ones? Perhaps you can straighten these details.

I would start day dreaming in a meeting if its safe and the topic is not mine. Especially when going into details about SQL scripts when its about user stories. If that kind of hijacking of a meeting happens on a regular base I would kindly ask to change the structure of the meeting. For example: discuss the user story first and later only with the relevant persons discussion about the SQL (and the others are released from the meeting).

How to maintain focus during meetings even when you are a bit passive?

Simply ask "Is this topic relevant for my current work? Can I contribute to this topic something?" And if its a "No,.... " than its OK to be passive. No worries about...

This might seem counter-intuitive but it works for me. (I have a large natural presence so this might not be your cup of tea.)

Rest back with eyes closed. Listen. Sometimes be seen to take notes of salient points. It's a sort of 'sleeping dragon' who is everywhere in the room at once rather than following one speaker. Suppose two people have opposing views then you are judging them by not giving away any clues to your opinion. Then you might 'wake' and provide a summary or alternative. Say: "Do we have enough data to decide?" Others were distracted by personal interactions while you were analysing the content.

After a short while you will be feared for when you jot something down or raise your eyebrows.