Unless you're some sort of a Buddhist monk, you come across distractions from time to time which lessen your efficiency in getting your job done.
The world wide web is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions also include co-workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How do you utilize the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive qualities?
Consider turning these strategies into everyday practices that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we boost our ability to focus. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work times to around 25 or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most essential areas of any work. If you only have an hour, you are going to have to decide what is most essential. This is much better than deciding to just work on something until it's accomplished. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* When you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer can boost your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. The time flies by, and you'll get more done. You're more likely to even find it relaxing, since you'll be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o Fifty minutes of work o 10 minute break o 50 more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it's a good time to stand up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you choose to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to half an hour or more, utilizing a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most essential things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your desktop that is not necessary for the task at hand should be closed down. If you don't need the internet, shut it off. That includes all your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if possible.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more efficient is removing the stuff that make us less efficient.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially implement these routines, there will be moments that you will have an incredible impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you succumb to the need, take ten seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is largely meaningless, or if you would rather accomplish something worthwhile.
The ability to focus has been largely lost for many of us. However , these easy practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and efficiency at any task.
It is likely to be challenging at the beginning, but you can do it. You can get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your focus and staying away from things that waste your time.
Set these three habits into play starting today. You will be amazed by how much more you will get done!
The world wide web is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions also include co-workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How do you utilize the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive qualities?
Consider turning these strategies into everyday practices that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we boost our ability to focus. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work times to around 25 or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most essential areas of any work. If you only have an hour, you are going to have to decide what is most essential. This is much better than deciding to just work on something until it's accomplished. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* When you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer can boost your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. The time flies by, and you'll get more done. You're more likely to even find it relaxing, since you'll be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o Fifty minutes of work o 10 minute break o 50 more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it's a good time to stand up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you choose to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to half an hour or more, utilizing a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most essential things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your desktop that is not necessary for the task at hand should be closed down. If you don't need the internet, shut it off. That includes all your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if possible.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more efficient is removing the stuff that make us less efficient.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially implement these routines, there will be moments that you will have an incredible impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you succumb to the need, take ten seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is largely meaningless, or if you would rather accomplish something worthwhile.
The ability to focus has been largely lost for many of us. However , these easy practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and efficiency at any task.
It is likely to be challenging at the beginning, but you can do it. You can get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your focus and staying away from things that waste your time.
Set these three habits into play starting today. You will be amazed by how much more you will get done!
About the Author:
Start becoming an individual that learns the habits to enhance focus, understanding the importance of improving concentration as elements for a healthy life.
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