Distracted? Try These Tips To Get You Back On Track
We are all tempted by distractions when we're trying to focus. Some folks can't stop checking email, others are drawn to the television, and if I don't get enough sleep my mind wanders uncontrollably.
I think a few minutes of distraction each hour are fine. In fact, researchers at the University of California, Davis, have found that mindless activities sprinkled throughout your day can help you be more creative. The problem comes, though, when your distractions start to significantly impact your productivity.
The reason we seek out distractions is because we want the short-term boost of enjoyment that comes from doing it. We know what we should be focusing on will have greater satisfaction over the long-term -- but we want some pleasure now, so we turn to our distractions to fulfill that desire. This is obviously counterproductive since the distractions end up delaying our larger boost of enjoyment from completing the task we should be doing, but we do it anyway.
To reduce the number of times you sabotage your focus throughout the day, try these tips:
Identify your distractions. You probably already know what easily distracts you, but it's a good idea to name it. Sometimes, just acknowledging the distraction helps to reduce its impact on your work.
Decide what is an acceptable level of distraction for you. For me, I don't like to spend time on distractions for more than 10 minutes each hour when I'm working.
Set a timer for the length of time you want to work without distractions. I set the timer for 25 minutes, then 5 minutes for my distraction break, then 25 minutes, and 5 minutes again. You might want 10 minute intervals or 15 minutes or even an hour.
If your distraction can be muted, mute it. Turn off the new message indicator on your email, shut off the television, or force yourself to go to bed at a reasonable time each night.
Create visual reminders to help change your behavior. If picking up the phone and checking your text messages is your habit, put a sticky note over your phone so you would have to remove it to look at your phone. If roaming to another room is your distraction, put a trash can or chair in front of the entrance so it catches your attention as you try to walk by.
Finally, don't beat yourself up when you slip back into your old ways. It takes about three months for a new focus habit to take root. You'll mess up along the way, so just start again when you realize you're not focusing the way you wish you were.
What is your biggest distraction and what can you do to reduce its impact on your productivity?
