Unless you're some sort of a Buddhist monk, you encounter distractions every once in awhile which minimize your efficiency in getting your job done.
The web is especially disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions also include fellow workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The big question is how to beat this habit. How do you utilize the Internet constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider transforming these strategies into daily 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 becomes a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work durations to around twenty five or 55 minutes - with a five to ten minute break in between tasks. If a task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most significant parts of any work. If you only have one hour, you're going to have to decide what's most important. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it is accomplished. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer may improve your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You are likely to even find it relaxing, since you will be focused on what you are doing instead of thinking about 20 other stuff.
* Research indicates that the most effective schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o 10 minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, but it is a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to 30 minutes or more, using a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most important things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Anything on your computer that is not necessary for the job at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the internet, shut it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and unplug the phone, if you can.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you are done. One of the keys to being more efficient is eliminating the things that make us less useful.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these habits, there will be moments that you will have an incredible impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the need, take ten seconds and pause. Have 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 achieve something beneficial.
The capability to focus has been largely lost for most of us. However , these simple practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward developing your concentration and efficiency at any job.
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 increase your focus and avoiding things that waste your precious time.
Set these three practices into play starting today. You'll be amazed by how much more you will get done!
The web is especially disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions also include fellow workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The big question is how to beat this habit. How do you utilize the Internet constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider transforming these strategies into daily 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 becomes a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work durations to around twenty five or 55 minutes - with a five to ten minute break in between tasks. If a task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most significant parts of any work. If you only have one hour, you're going to have to decide what's most important. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it is accomplished. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer may improve your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You are likely to even find it relaxing, since you will be focused on what you are doing instead of thinking about 20 other stuff.
* Research indicates that the most effective schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o 10 minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, but it is a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to 30 minutes or more, using a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most important things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Anything on your computer that is not necessary for the job at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the internet, shut it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and unplug the phone, if you can.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you are done. One of the keys to being more efficient is eliminating the things that make us less useful.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these habits, there will be moments that you will have an incredible impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the need, take ten seconds and pause. Have 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 achieve something beneficial.
The capability to focus has been largely lost for most of us. However , these simple practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward developing your concentration and efficiency at any job.
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 increase your focus and avoiding things that waste your precious time.
Set these three practices into play starting today. You'll be amazed by how much more you will get done!
About the Author:
Become a person that understands the habits to enhance focus, recognizing the importance of improving concentration as components for a healthy life.
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