Unless you're a Buddhist monk, you experience distractions every once in awhile that reduce your effectiveness in getting your job done.
The world wide web is especially disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and much more. But distractions also include fellow workers, family members, and our own wandering minds. It seems that we dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How can you utilize the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider turning these strategies into daily habits that help you become more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. When we set a time limit, we improve our ability to focus. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work durations to around twenty five or fifty five minutes - with a five to ten minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, cut it down into smaller chunks.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most important parts of any work. If you only have an hour, you're going to have to decide what is most important. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it's completed. Decide how long it will get, and then set the timer.
* When you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer can increase your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. The time flies by, and you will get more done. You are more likely to even find it comforting, since you will be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o Ten minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it's a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to magically go from five minutes to 30 minutes or more, using a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most essential items.
2 . Close anything that can be closed. Anything on your computer that isn't essential for the job at hand must be closed down. If you don't need the web, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if you can.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you're finished. One of the keys to being more effective is eliminating the stuff that make us less efficient.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially implement these practices, there will be periods that you'll have an incredible urge to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you succumb to the urge, take ten seconds and pause. Have a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is basically meaningless, or if you'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The capability to concentrate has been largely lost for most of us. But these easy habits, which anyone can do, can go a long way toward enhancing your concentration and efficiency at any task.
It is likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You can get more done, quicker, by learning to increase your concentration and avoiding stuff that waste your time.
Set these three routines into play beginning today. You'll be impressed by how much more you can get done!
The world wide web is especially disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and much more. But distractions also include fellow workers, family members, and our own wandering minds. It seems that we dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How can you utilize the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider turning these strategies into daily habits that help you become more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. When we set a time limit, we improve our ability to focus. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work durations to around twenty five or fifty five minutes - with a five to ten minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, cut it down into smaller chunks.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most important parts of any work. If you only have an hour, you're going to have to decide what is most important. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it's completed. Decide how long it will get, and then set the timer.
* When you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer can increase your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. The time flies by, and you will get more done. You are more likely to even find it comforting, since you will be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o Ten minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it's a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your own breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to magically go from five minutes to 30 minutes or more, using a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also push you to only check on the most essential items.
2 . Close anything that can be closed. Anything on your computer that isn't essential for the job at hand must be closed down. If you don't need the web, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if you can.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you're finished. One of the keys to being more effective is eliminating the stuff that make us less efficient.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially implement these practices, there will be periods that you'll have an incredible urge to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you succumb to the urge, take ten seconds and pause. Have a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is basically meaningless, or if you'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The capability to concentrate has been largely lost for most of us. But these easy habits, which anyone can do, can go a long way toward enhancing your concentration and efficiency at any task.
It is likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You can get more done, quicker, by learning to increase your concentration and avoiding stuff that waste your time.
Set these three routines into play beginning today. You'll be impressed by how much more you can get done!
About the Author:
Become a person that learns the habits to enhance focus, understanding the importance of improving concentration as elements for a healthy life.
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