Anyone who has difficulty staying on task will tell you that they usually feel like they
are always trying to get started, and hardly ever finish things. They have trouble with
having enough time to get everything done, whether they are at home or at work. If this
is your plight, then I have great news!
There are a few very simple ways to regain your focus and stay on task. In fact, some of
these strategies are so easy that you may question their true effectiveness. However, the
simplest of strategies often yield the best results. You will also become more productive
in the process.
1. Keep a list. Write a daily task list on a calendar for your whole day or week.
Creating a list in your mind is not just as effective. You're will likely waste precious
time just trying to remember what else you need to do. Rank each item in the order of
importance and start with number one. You will be sure to finish jobs that need to be
done right away! When you take the time to create a list, you're giving yourself a visual
confirmation of what's next. When you have a list to refer to, there's no arguing what
comes next and you won't have any excuse to stray from your plan.
2. Schedule available times for meetings and events. Set up specific times when
people can come in and interrupt your work. Let your co-workers and family know what
works for you and strive to stick to it as much as possible. For example, it's often
helpful if your co-workers know they need to leave you alone for an hour or so in the
morning. After this time, they can come in and ask questions or get advice from you as
needed. I recommend using a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your closed door.
3. Use headphones or earplugs to block out noise. If you have trouble focusing on
your work because of the noise around you, wear a pair of noise-canceling headphones. If
you don't want any sound at all, get some earplugs.
4. Check email and voicemail only a few times a day. If you interrupt your workday
by checking your email often, you will probably get side tracked. Set specific times when
you check email. If you are concerned about the feelings of your callers, use an
automated reply that explains when you check email or voicemail and when they should
expect a response from you.
5. Do not use Twitter, Facebook, or Yahoo Instant Messenger during scheduled task
times. You cannot build momentum with your tasks when you are constantly interrupting the
flow of your work with these communication tools. Instead, use them only during breaks.
6. Get a comfortable chair. Having a comfortable chair makes a huge difference in
how you think, feel, and perform. Your productivity will certainly improve. Being
uncomfortable is a distraction that many people don't notice unless they are in pain.
If a new chair is out of the question, get a fluffy chair cushion. Be sure you have good
back support.
7. Organize your workspace. When your desk is clean and tidy, it's much easier to
stay focused on the task at hand. Why? Because you don't have to wade through the stacks
and paper to find what you need. Even seeing the piles of clutter in your peripheral
vision may increase your internal tension! Keep only what you need for your current task
and put everything else away.
As you put these simple ideas into practice, you'll experience a huge difference in your
productivity and - more importantly - your happiness, when you apply even just a few of
these time-saving techniques. You'll be able to get more done faster than ever, leaving
you with time for more important things, like family and recreation!
