In a society where instant gratification is worshiped, it can be quite difficult for people to stay focused and productive. Nonetheless being focused is necessary to be productive.
If you find yourself struggling with the ability to focus, here are 5 proven tips to help you break free from distractions, get MORE things accomplished, and make more money:
#1 Set Up A Physical Boundary: No matter what environment you work in, setting a physical boundary can help minimizing distractions. If you have an office with a door, shut the door if needed. If you are in a cubicle, put up a friendly Do Not Disturb notice.
If you work from home, make sure your family and friends respect your workspace. It would be helpful if you can set up your office in a room that isn’t used for other things.
#2 Make A Daily Task List: It helps to get more done throughout the day if you make a list of what needs to be done and put it where you can view it easily. E.g. Stick a paper note next to your workstation, on a dry-erase board, or have a notepad on your desk.
Try to have a list with no more than 4 things on it for each day. If you have larger tasks, keep the list smaller. You don’t want to become overwhelmed with what you need to do, but you do want a visual reminder of the things that need to be completed each day.
#3 Make Use Of Time Management Apps: If you find yourself get distracted easily by email, social media sites, and other stuff that are time wasters, you might want to take advantage of computer apps that lock those down. E.g. SelfControl and Cold Turkey.
These apps will automatically block specific programs so that you can’t simply get distracted by them. You can set a time limit, determine which to block or keep free.
#4 Use A Countdown Timer: It is impossible to be completely focused on a project for hours at a time. Perhaps you will find it useful to set a timer for 40-minute that allows you to stay focused for that specific period. Then give yourself a 10-minute break to get some drink, walk around a bit, or just take your mind off of work so that you can feel refreshed.
Dividing work into smaller chunks can keep you from feeling overwhelming and boring. It can also prevent you from wanting to procrastinate on projects that will be time-wasting.
#5 Do The Worst Tasks First: For some people, it is helpful to get the worst tasks over with before getting on with the rest of the day. This is a good solution for procrastination, while leaving you with time to do the activities or tasks you appreciate.
Once you stay focused and productive, you can actually feel peace while working. You know what is important and you will have a plan to get it done quickly.
