Unless you're a Buddhist monk, you face distractions from time to time that minimize your efficiency in getting your job done.
The world wide web is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions include fellow workers, family, and our own wandering thoughts. It seems that we dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The question is how to beat this habit. How do you make use of the Internet constructively without falling victim to its distractive qualities?
Try transforming these methods into everyday habits that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we increase our ability to concentrate. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you need to use a timer and limit your work times to around 25 or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task is going to take longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also forces you to do the most significant areas of any work. If you only have an hour, you are going to have to decide what's most essential. This is much better than deciding to simply work on something until it is completed. Decide how long it will take, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer can improve your capability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You are likely to even find it comforting, since you will be focused on what you're doing instead of thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o Fifty minutes of work o Ten minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, 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 do one of those other tasks that seem to magically go from 5 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 things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your computer which isn't essential for the task at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the web, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, games, and blogs. Close your door and unplug the phone, if you can.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more effective is removing the items that make us less productive.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you first implement these habits, there will be periods that you will have an incredible urge to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the urge, take 10 seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to waste your time on something that is largely meaningless, or if you'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The capability to focus has been largely lost for many of us. But these simple practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and effectiveness at any task.
It is likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You may get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your focus and avoiding things that waste your precious time.
Put these three practices into play beginning today. You'll be impressed by how much more you will get done!
The world wide web is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and more. But distractions include fellow workers, family, and our own wandering thoughts. It seems that we dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The question is how to beat this habit. How do you make use of the Internet constructively without falling victim to its distractive qualities?
Try transforming these methods into everyday habits that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. Whenever we set a time limit, we increase our ability to concentrate. It turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you need to use a timer and limit your work times to around 25 or 55 minutes - with a 5-10 minute break in between tasks. If the task is going to take longer than 55 minutes, break it down into smaller parts.
* Having a time limit also forces you to do the most significant areas of any work. If you only have an hour, you are going to have to decide what's most essential. This is much better than deciding to simply work on something until it is completed. Decide how long it will take, and then set the timer.
* In case you have any kind of attention challenge, using a timer can improve your capability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you'll get more done. You are likely to even find it comforting, since you will be focused on what you're doing instead of thinking about 20 other things.
* Research indicates that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o Fifty minutes of work o Ten minute break o Fifty more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You might not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, 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 do one of those other tasks that seem to magically go from 5 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 things.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your computer which isn't essential for the task at hand should be closed down. If you do not need the web, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, games, and blogs. Close your door and unplug the phone, if you can.
* Nothing goes anywhere - it will all still be there when you are finished. One of the keys to being more effective is removing the items that make us less productive.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you first implement these habits, there will be periods that you will have an incredible urge to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter.
* Before you give in to the urge, take 10 seconds and pause. Take a long, deep breath and ask yourself if you really want to waste your time on something that is largely meaningless, or if you'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The capability to focus has been largely lost for many of us. But these simple practices, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and effectiveness at any task.
It is likely to be difficult at first, but you can do it. You may get more done, in less time, by learning to improve your focus and avoiding things that waste your precious time.
Put these three practices into play beginning today. You'll be impressed by how much more you will get done!
About the Author:
Become someone that learns the habits to enhance focus, recognizing the importance of improving concentration as elements for a healthy life.
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