Eliminate Distractions to Become More Productive
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2009
by Melanie Roum
Time Management Coaching
Eliminate Distractions to Increase Productivity
Distractions can easily get in the way, keeping you from being as productive as you wish to be. These distractions come in many forms, from chatty co-workers and telephones, to emails and voicemails. Staying focused on your true priorities can be difficult if you don't know what to do.
Here are some strategies you can use to control your distractions:
1. Telephone/cell phone distractions. Unless you're expecting an important call, turn off your ringers and direct your calls to voicemail. Then only check your voicemail once or twice a day. Return phone calls only if necessary. Make good use of text messaging and email if possible.
2. Email interruptions. Unsubscribe from email lists you don't need and set up separate email accounts for business and pleasure. When you're trying to work, you won't find yourself bombarded with jokes, videos, party invites, or Facebook messages. Perhaps you will need to ask co-workers not to send you emails that are not work related.
Reduce the frequency emails are delivered to your inbox or set your email so you only receive emails when you go in and manually retrieve them in batches.
If possible, limit the number of times you are checking your email. Many people choose to check it twice a day. Again, unless you are expecting an email that is urgent, wait to check your inbox until your planned time.
3. Internet Time Waster. If you don't need the internet for your work, stay away from it. You'll save yourself a lot of wasted time. Companies are smart enough to draw you into their websites. It is easy to get lost in the world wide web. Getting caught up in the web also means lost productivity and lost time.
Fully close web browsers so you eliminate the temptation to surf online.
If you want to surf, make a plan on where you want to go. Use a timer.
4. Chatty Co-workers. If you find that co-workers talk too much, try wearing headphones while you work to give the illusion you can't hear them. It might sound silly, but it eliminates being subjected to endless babble. Another thing you can do is learn to end the conversation or become assertive with your needs.
Another option is to post a Do Not Disturb sign outside of your workspace. Hopefully, your co-workers will know that you mean business and honor it. If not, you can remind them that you are available when the sign is absent.
5. Work space clutter. Get rid of any visual clutter. It can lead to feelings of overwhelm and it reduces productivity. Being reminded of unfinished projects or pending work can cause unnecessary stress. This stress can have negative results, like making it more difficult to focus on the task at hand.
Put everything you don't need for your current project into a drawer or box out of sight. You can always sort it out carefully when you're less busy.
Handle papers only once. Create an easy filing system to prevent messy pile ups on your desk space.
The same should be said for computer clutter. Eliminate unneeded computer programs and icons to make your computer more efficient. The quicker you're able to find the file you need, the faster you'll be able to get back on track. Keep the computer updated with virus protection and regular maintenance.
Of course, you still need to set aside time to handle these distractions. You don't want to be so restrictive on yourself that you burn out. After all, everyone benefits from a little guilt-free downtime! It's okay to let your mind wander, browse the web, or do whatever appeals to you, just make sure it doesn't creep into your work time.
Follow these tips every day to make effective use of your time and energy. When you eliminate distractions, you'll find that you can get more done in half the time!
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