How to Focus on Work?
The ability to focus on your work and stay productive during the whole day is a magical skill. As a rule, we all get distracted no matter where we work — at home or at an office. Sometimes we can do nothing with noisy teammates, for example. But we can learn not to distract ourselves from work by following simple rules. Here they are.
One Task at a Time
A couple of years ago, I tried to combine tasks. I thought that was easy. For example, I could start one document and then skip to some other document, or I could be writing a piece of text while listening to a webinar. A bad idea. You think that you will cope with more things. But in fact, both of the tasks are going to be done halfway or with crucial mistakes. Later on, you’ll spend more time making corrections. By the way, I could not even remember what was discussed during the webinar I was trying to listen to. So, do less but better.
No Social Networks
That is the most dangerous thing for your productivity. How often does that happen when you start checking your networks and think that you are going to spend five to ten minutes and … you get back to work after an hour of watching funny videos? No social networks during your working hours. Or you can check them when you have a break.
Create a Plan
Figure out what you are to do today, tomorrow, this week. Plan your actions for the day. For example, you can start with checking emails, then you can interview an SME, then write and edit a piece of text, then a break. In the morning you are to do complex tasks, in the evening — something easy. Do not forget to leave some time for urgent tasks that appear unexpectedly and are to be done right away.
Take Breaks
Everyone needs a break. You can choose a strategy here — take a short break every hour or take it as soon as you complete a task. But getting ready with a task may take more time than an hour. During your break, have a cup of coffee or a glass of water, do some exercise to relax your body or eyes.
No Notifications
We are getting notifications every minute. If you check them all, you’ll have no time to work. Turn them off. You can check them once an hour. I suppose nothing is going to happen if you answer a message in 20–30 minutes. In case of something urgent, I am sure you’re going to get a call.
It is the hardest thing to stay focused all the time. But if you follow these simple rules, you are going to lose less time in vain. Statistics say people lose about two hours every day being distracted. That’s a lot.
