Focus right now is a big issue for me. Mind like water? Yeah, whatever. The golden oldie – getting in the zone – is still where it’s at. There is nothing quite like being so focused on what you’re doing that tasks just fly off your to-do list. There is a lot written about getting focused (check out my own tips), but I’ve found the most effective strategy involves cutting out distractions. While typing up this post for instance, it took me twice as long to do because I let the following three distractions break my focus:
- Music
As a connoisseur of the heavier genres in the artform of music, I must confess it’s not exactly suitable when I need to focus. Even if it doesn’t feel this way, your brain is processing those lyrics and melodies regardless of whether you’re paying attention or not. - A messy desk
Hmm, that book looks like an interesting read. I really should deal with that pile of paperwork. I think my plant needs watering. I wonder what my desk will look like if I put the letter tray over there… - Browser tabs
The good old browser tab is invaluable. I open every link in a new tab. If I think of something to do while I’m browsing I’ll open another tab for it. It’s not unusual to have several tabs open at one time. It’s great for multi-tasking, but not so good when I need to focus on what I’m doing.
Of course that’s just me. What about you? What breaks your focus when you’re trying to get things done? And most importantly, how have you tried to resolve it? As ever, I look forward to your feedback!
April 29, 2009 at 07:36PM
My focus tends to wonder if I am at a crossroads in a project or I need to make a decision on a next step. Instead of wondering about what decisions to make, I usually do a brain dump and a mind map of my possible next actions and anything else I have on my mind. It’s a good way of visualizing your options and determining what the best course of action would be, rather than just thinking about it. It also lets me put down any distraction I might have in my mind so that I can consult my mind map later.
April 29, 2009 at 09:38PM
Thanks for the comment Matthew. I often have a similar problem when I’m not 100% clear on where I’m going with a project and agree that doing a brain dump to try and get a grip of the situation is crucial.
April 30, 2009 at 12:55AM
Listening to the sound of water flow helps me get into a mind like water. I use an iPhone app called White Noise to do that. It never fails.
May 1, 2009 at 09:19AM
You can’t get rid of distractions, there is always something. Try working in an open office and see how quickly you realize that you don’t have your own space to control. But in many ways that can give you the energy you sometimes need to get things done. For instance, you might want to look busy for peer pressure and the easiest way to look busy is to be busy. There have been loads of studies where office workers have worked harder and been more productive when someone is looking in from the outside (doing painting, cleaning windows). That should be a major distraction shouldn’t it?
I try to focus on the “why” of doing something when I get stuck or majorly distracted. I can then decide whether the distraction is more important to me or if I should try to block it out.
I often read comments that you should only do the things you like and then you’ll have endless commitment to it. I disagree – I get more satisfaction when I give commitment to something that has to be done when I don’t want to do it. It helps me grow as a person and gives me an edge, especially if I’m willing to do the things that others won’t.
May 2, 2009 at 11:37AM
As I have no own office getting into the zone is not so easy. Normally I use a pair of good Bluetooth headphones, switch on some music (for me, even the heavier stuff works quite well, as long as I don’t max out the volume) and start my tasks. Most of my colleagues now know that when I’m using my headphones, it’s normally a good idea to interrupt only when it’s real important stuff.