Are you getting much done these days? Lately it feels like I am checking many things off my list but I don’t feel like I am making forward progress. I scratch off one item and then proceed to write down two more. Mindless chatter is everywhere these days and we must learn to control it if we plan to excel in the 21st century. Technology is here in a big way and our lives are consumed with more communications than ever. We are drowning in digital devices with no end in sight. Focus needs to be our main goal if we plan to be successful in a world of texts, emails, and hand held devices. Focus brings clarity.
I don’t believe in multi-tasking and you shouldn’t either. Your goal should be to do as few things as possible while concentrating energies on few selected important items. We are physically and mentally able to do more than one thing at a time but with each task we add, we reduce our ability to focus on the most important item at hand. Practice doing one thing at a time and putting all your energy into doing only that task. Turn off all distractions and take a deep breath. I know the thought of disconnecting sounds scary at first but you will be amazed with what happens next. Your focus will multiply many folds and you will begin to complete things faster and more efficiently. Over time you will start to crave your alone time.
Here a few small changes I have made and they seem to have really helped me get more accomplished. I say small because they really are. The impact these changes have can be astounding though.
1. Plan your day.
List all the things that you wish to get done down on paper. It really helps to actually hand write your goals. This burns them deep into your sub conscious making the list more tangible. Then take the most important task off that list and do it first. Forget everything else on the list. Doing this one daunting task first helps all the other ones become much easier. Then do the second most important item on your list and so on.
2. Don’t use “dual” screens.
I used to be a big promoter of using two screens to be more productive. Recently I discovered that using only one screen helps me stay more focused. Two screens will just get you into trouble if you are aiming for concentration.
3. Limit the number of browsers you open
We are guilty of this. You start with one and the next thing you know, you have 20 different pages open and you’re getting lost between browser screens. If you are not using the web page then close it. Use only one page at time to majorly increase productivity. Use a password remembering program speed up access in and out of websites like a href=”http://www.roboform.com” target=”_new”>Roboform.
4. Monitor your time on social sites.
hese are huge distractions if not used properly. Designate and limited amount of time per day to be on Twitter, Face, LinkedIn, etc. Your goal here is to be converting leads or meeting new people that can help you get leads. If you are doing anything else then you are simply wasting your time. With all the content that’s available, it’s pretty easy to do.
5. Turn your phone off
while doing your most important tasks. My phone is by far the biggest distraction that I have. It’s also the best business tool available today in my opinion, a true double edged sword. We should not be slaves to our beloved devices. We need to take back control and use it effectively and to our advantage. Practice increasing the time that you are able to stay “off the grid”. Here you will find yourself creating and producing very good quality content. Here is where you will truly shine.
I suggest trying new things and mixing it up, often. Our deepest human desires are to find comfort with repetition in our daily lives, but growth and learning do not happen there. Only when we change up our routine will we find new ways to work. Be a scientist and test often.
About Thomas Moore