Unless you are a Buddhist monk, you come across distractions every now and then which reduce your efficiency in getting your work done.
The internet is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions include co-workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The question is how to defeat this habit. How can you make use of the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Try transforming these techniques into daily habits that help you be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we increase our ability to focus. It almost becomes a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work periods to around twenty five or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most important areas of any work. If you only have one hour, you are going to have to decide what's most significant. This is much better than deciding to just work on something until it's done. Decide how long it should get, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer may enhance your capability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You're likely to even find it comforting, since you'll be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about twenty other things.
* Research indicates that the most effective schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o 10 minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it is a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to 30 minutes or more, utilizing a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also force you to only check on the most essential stuff.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your computer which is not necessary for the job at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the internet, shut it off. That includes all your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if you can.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more effective is removing the things that make us less effective.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these practices, there will be instances that you'll have an amazing impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the urge, take ten seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is basically useless, or if you would rather accomplish something worthwhile.
The ability to concentrate has been largely lost for many of us. But these simple habits, which anyone can do, can go far toward developing your concentration and effectiveness at any task.
It's likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You may get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your concentration and avoiding stuff that waste your precious time.
Put these three habits into play starting today. You'll be amazed by how much more you can get done!
The internet is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions include co-workers, family, and our own wandering minds. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away 5 minutes at a time.
The question is how to defeat this habit. How can you make use of the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Try transforming these techniques into daily habits that help you be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we increase our ability to focus. It almost becomes a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you should use a timer and limit your work periods to around twenty five or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task will require longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most important areas of any work. If you only have one hour, you are going to have to decide what's most significant. This is much better than deciding to just work on something until it's done. Decide how long it should get, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer may enhance your capability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You're likely to even find it comforting, since you'll be focused on what you're doing rather than thinking about twenty other things.
* Research indicates that the most effective schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o 10 minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o Thirty minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at the office, but it is a great time to get up, walk around, and get a drink. ) o Repeat
* Time your breaks. If you decide to check your email or perhaps do one of those other tasks that seem to instantly go from 5 minutes to 30 minutes or more, utilizing a timer will serve as a reminder. It will also force you to only check on the most essential stuff.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your computer which is not necessary for the job at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the internet, shut it off. That includes all your email, notifications, online games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if you can.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more effective is removing the things that make us less effective.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these practices, there will be instances that you'll have an amazing impulse to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the urge, take ten seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to spend your time on something that is basically useless, or if you would rather accomplish something worthwhile.
The ability to concentrate has been largely lost for many of us. But these simple habits, which anyone can do, can go far toward developing your concentration and effectiveness at any task.
It's likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You may get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your concentration and avoiding stuff that waste your precious time.
Put these three habits into play starting today. You'll be amazed by how much more you can get done!
About the Author:
Become an individual that understands the habits to enhance focus, understanding the importance of improving concentration as components for a healthy life.
No comments:
Post a Comment