Awareness * Work * Evaluation
How often do you start a project only to be pulled away by people needing your attention? Earlier, I recommended following a 3 Step System to reduce distractions: Step 1 – Awareness (what distracts you and when), Step 2 – Work (how can you adjust your environment), and Step 3 – Evaluation (what is working, what isn’t). How did you do? If you are still striving to master this skill – here are some additional ideas.
AWARENESS: Did you use a timer to help build awareness? One timer I particularly like is Cool Timer available at HarmonyHollow.net. This timer is a free download; you can change the mode (count down, count up, or stopwatch), change the picture, and change the sound.
WORK: Previously, I explained some strategies for eliminating email, website, and people distractions. Here are some additional techniques you may want to employ:
- Is email a distraction? If so – add a line in your signature that states your email policy. For example, “Thank you so much for your correspondence! My policy is to respond to all emails within 24 hours.” This allows your stakeholders to know when to expect a response from you, and it allows you to focus on your most important tasks without feeling guilty.
- Are specific websites a distraction? Try using a parking lot. As soon as something pops into your head that could distract your focus from the online task at hand, write it down – or “park it”. Once you finish using the current website, then look at your “parking lot” and decide which website to visit next.
- Can people pull you off task? Often people are our biggest distractions – and many times it’s unrealistic to think we can put them in the “parking lot”. It can take up to 15 minutes to get back into the “flow” when you are working on a project and get interrupted. Write down your next step before responding to the person, answering the phone, etc. This way, when you are able to come back to YOUR task, you will have an easier time moving forward.
EVALUATION: Still struggling to eliminate distractions? Use a buddy system. I find my buddy is especially helpful when I’m tried a couple of solutions – but haven’t quite found the perfect answer. Often, someone else can have a completely different perspective and offer unique solutions.
I’d love to hear about your successes and challenges – what distractions have you overcome? Where are you still struggling?? Please post below!
I love your suggestions Lisa! A long time ago I eliminated TV as my distraction and biggest time waster. But of course I filled it in with something else. These days, that something else is Facebook. But I am getting better ;-) Funny, though, I have a page that I use for my stepmom community and of course I use the whole social media to promote my articles and writing, so it’s kind of a catch-22. Setting a time limit is a great suggestion!
Peggy (from UBC)
Peggy –
Social Media is a tricky one! I also use it to promote my business. I want to connect with other like minded professionals online, yet how to know how much is networking and how much is a distraction. My solution was to set a timer. I’m anxious to hear if this works for you!
Lisa
Just love that “parking lot” idea. Going to have to put that into use. As there are a lot of distractions in my job, things that are just part of day to day business with customers. I can’t tell you the number of things that pop into my head during drive time that I forgot to do because I didn’t “park” it.
Catherine –
Best of luck using the parking lot! I find it’s especially helpful when I’m listening to podcasts. It’s so tempting to just get up and “do” whatever popped into your head . . . instead now, I park it, and give the speaker my 100% attention.
Lisa
This is wonderful! I am working from a different home office this week (my mother in law’s house) which presents a new set of distractions. My husband and I have talked about how we should work around the new distractions and I’m going to show him your suggestions. Also going to think about implementing an email policy!
Alexandra –
How is the “distraction busting” going? Did you decide to implement an email policy? I’d love to hear about your success!
Lisa
I think I’m quite lucky in that I’ve only ever got a couple of windows open at once – just a habit I got into. However, I do use a kitchen timer and work in 30 mins blocks.
Caroline –
How did you decide on 30 minute blocks of time? I’m always curious about the process people when finding techniques that are successful!
Lisa
I could say it a million times, but I love your “parking lot” idea. :)
Great suggestions Lisa. There are so many distractions out there that can sabotage our work and dreams. Staying on track is so important.
Ahh Keri –
I’m blushing! :) So glad you like (and I’m assuming are using!!!) the parking lot!
Lisa
Great ideas Lisa, I love the parking lot as well. I’ve also implemented your diary ideas, and am finding my time is much better focused and therefore I’m achieving much more. I’ve committed to various social media groups as well so I am finding I’m staying on target with those commitments and not giving in to the many distractions that can pop up
Lorelle –
Stay focused!!! I believe in you!
Lisa
I’m distracted by all of these. Thanks for the great ideas to minimize those distractions. I’m going to be putting a few to work right this very minute. Happy Sunday.
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear about your success!!!