How to Stop Getting Distracted While Working Remotely
*hint: It’s not discipline
The best way to stay focused is not discipline. Discipline is like that friend that always flakes on you. The best way to stay focused is to make focus your only option. What do I mean?
Think of monks. Those guys are pretty disciplined, right? No booze, no sex, no entertainment. Well, guess what, monks don’t hangout at bars, clubs, or movie theaters.
The best way to stay focused is to manage your environment.
“‘Disciplined’ people are better at structuring their lives in a way that does not require heroic willpower and self-control. In other words, they spend less time in tempting situations.”- James Clear
Here are three of the best tips to make your workspace a nesting ground for focus.
1. Work Somewhere Else
A quiet space outside your house allows you to start fresh. Your mind probably goes into relaxation mode in your room because that’s where you sleep and relax. But, at somewhere like a library, you can slip into focus mode. Everyone is either studying or reading which reminds you to focus.
If possible, try out a new workspace and see if it helps you focus. Here are some great places to work.
- Coffee shops
- Libraries
- Computer centers
- College Campus
- Shared Work Spaces
- Anywhere quiet with free wifi
*bonus challenge*
Work at new a place every couple of weeks. The novelty of your workspace will trigger dopamine, which is a key component in motivation.
2. Audit Your Workspace
If you can’t leave your home, audit your current workspace to fuel productivity. It’s ideal to have one room dedicated to work, but if not, you can set up a corner to work and follow this advice. Take anything distracting out of the room. Things like remotes and phones can go in a kitchen drawer or somewhere out of sight.
Have these items:
- A desk
- An office chair
- A laptop
- A notebook
- Pens and pencils
- Water Bottle
Make sure you have all these items before you begin to work.
Exclude these items:
- Phones
- Remotes
- Games
- Rubix Cubes
- Anything inherently distracting
Only keep things you need for work in your workspace.
But, if you’re working on a laptop there is still a high chance you will become distracted. Which is why you should install…
3. Website Blockers
If you’re like me, then you might sneakily pull up youtube while working. I’ll just watch this one video real quick. Yeah right. If you’re struggling to stay on task while working on your computer then download Block Site. It’s a chrome extension that allows you to block distracting websites while you work.
Here’s your action plan:
- Buy a desk, office chair, and a laptop.
- Set up a space to work in your house.
- Audit your workspace.
- Download Block Site.
- Find a library near you.
- Get to Work!
