Being more focused leads to greater productivity.
This goes against what many have been led to believe. Many people believe that if they’re not multi-tasking every minute of the day they will not be productive. In a world where instant gratification is treasured, and you rarely have to watch more than a few moments of a sound bite, it can be hard to stay focused and productive.
Contents:
Focus Is the Key to Greater Productivity
Are you someone who feels you have to occupy your day with multiple tasks to feel you’re being productive?
Successful business owners and professionals realize and appreciate that focus is the key to being productive.
“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’ ~ Marcus Aurelius
Living in Reactionary Mode
Because of the demands competing for your time and attention, it’s important that you consciously control your focus and decide in advance where you’re going to put your energy, time and emotions. Otherwise, you could find that you’re living in reactionary mode to whatever comes along, rather than living the life you’ve designed for yourself.
If you’re struggling with focus, here are a few tips to help you stay free from distractions and accomplish more.
Set Up a Physical Boundary
No matter what environment you work in, setting a physical boundary can help minimize distractions. If you have an office with a door, shut it when you need to focus. If you’re in a cubicle, post a polite sign asking not to be disturbed.
If you have a home office, make sure that your family and friends are aware that when you’re working, they need to respect that space. It helps if you can set up your office in a room that isn’t used for other things.
Make a Daily Task List
It helps to get more done throughout the day if you keep a list of what needs to be done where you can see it. This can be posted on your computer desktop, on a dry erase board, or kept on a notepad by your desk.
A word of caution about lists. Creating a long list of Things to Do can easily become overwhelming. Make sure to place your two or three priority tasks at the top of the list so you take care of those first.
Keep in mind that not all of your activities are going to be of equal importance, so you must take time to clearly identify what your most important tasks are. Otherwise, you could find yourself spending time on tasks that are neither urgent nor important, and ultimately waste time that could be used more efficiently and effectively.
Make the Most of Time Management Apps
If you find yourself easily distracted by email, social media, and other sites that are time wasters you may want to take advantage of computer apps that lock those down. Examples include SelfControl and Cold Turkey. [Disclaimer: I have never used either of these Apps but have read good reviews about them.]
These programs will automatically block specific sites so that you can’t be distracted by them. You can set a time limit and decide which ones to block or keep free.
Use a Timer
It’s impossible to be completely focused on a task for hours at a time. You may find it helpful to set a timer for 25 minutes, which will allow you to stay focused for that time. Then give yourself a five-minute break to get a drink of water, walk around a bit, or just take your mind off of work so that you can feel refreshed.
This is the principle on which the Pomodoro Technique is based.
Dividing work into smaller chunks can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and bored. It can also help you to avoid procrastinating on a big project because of the time it will take.
Do the Worst Tasks First
For some people it’s helpful to just get the worst tasks over with before getting on with the rest of the day. This is a good solution against procrastination and it leaves the rest of the day free for the tasks you enjoy.
That is the premise on which the book, “Eat the Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy is based. I highly encourage you to read that book if you’ve not done so before. If you have, make time to read it again.
In conclusion, recognizing that being more productive leads to greater productivity, I invite you to do the following this week:
- Make a list of the things that are not important but still distract you.
- Make a list of the things that matter most to you.
- Take some time to eliminate the items in #1.
- Make the decision that you’re going to spend a specific number of hours each week working on the items in #3
- Schedule them on your physical planner or electronic device.
- Write your lists in a journal and really take some time to evaluate what actions you need to take.
Remember that you can consciously and subconsciously control your focus to lead to greater productivity and control over the results you want in your life.
I invite you to a complimentary laser session with me to discover how you can double your productivity while working less and working smarter.
Schedule your session at https://calendly.com/Yvonne-6.
Thank you for reading.
2 replies to "Being More Focused Leads to Greater Productivity"
Thanks Yvonne,
You make some excellent points. Doing the worst task first is something I do. I also make sure I do the most profitable task first too!
Joy Healey
Thank you for visiting and reading my blog post, Joy. Making both of those a priority is a surefire way to increase productivity and profitability.