How to Fight Distractions

30 Nov How to Fight Distractions

I don’t think we need all the recent studies and data to tell us or prove to us that as humans we are easily distracted I think this is something we have all come to realize, but did you know there are way to fight distractions and improve your overall productivity. Seeing as the holiday season is amongst us, which could easily be the most distracting time of the year, what better time to look into the best ways to fight distractions! 

1. This one may seem easy but not everyone does it, turn the distractions you can control off. It seems simple and for some scary but making this little change even for short periods of time can help your production double. So if your phone ringer is on, turn it off while working on a big project. If your message notifications are turned on while working from your computer, turn them off. These are the little things that will go a long way.
2. Get comfortable. Set yourself up or success by working an environment that feels comfortable. Maybe it’s the temperature or maybe it’s a particular chair whatever it may be that you need to feel comfortable make it happen.
3. Make a game of it. Set a timer and then aim to finish your task within that time frame. Having the added pressure of trying to beat the clock will help you stay focused and on track. This can also be true with deadlines, create a faster more specific deadline for yourself. This will push you to make more precise and focused efforts. 
4. Set intentions and create a list. Set at least three specific intentions on what needs to get accomplished, or write them down on a list. Having this visual in front of you will be a constant reminder so when your brain starts to wonder it will see the list and refocus. 
5. Try the 45/15 method. This method is when you push towards your goal for 45 minutes and then take a 15 minute break. This allows your brain to stay focused and pause for creativity. This may not work for everyone but this can be a create way to begin to train your brain to stay focused for longer periods of time. 
6. Make sure you aren’t bored. If you are easily distracted it could very well be because you are just bored, try to give yourself more challenging tasks or ask for them.
7. Try to find and then ride momentum. If you are in the grove of something and gaining momentum don’t stop always push through. We all know that finding a good momentum can be hard so when you feel you have it try to keep it as long as you can. 

These are some of the ways you can work to fight distractions during this busy holiday season! It is important to remember that the way you end 2022 is how you begin 2023, so finish this year strong so you can kick off 2023 with a bang.