Unless you are some sort of a Buddhist monk, you experience distractions every now and then which minimize your effectiveness in getting your work done.
The internet is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and much more. But distractions also include co-workers, family members, and our own wandering thoughts. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How do you make use of the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider turning these methods into daily practices that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. If we set a time limit, we improve our ability to concentrate. It almost turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you need to 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 is going to take longer than fifty five minutes, cut it down into smaller chunks.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most essential parts of any work. If you only have 60 minutes, you're going to have to decide what's most essential. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it's done. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* If you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer may boost your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you will get more done. You are likely to even find it relaxing, since you'll be focused on what you are doing instead of thinking about 20 other stuff.
* Research has shown that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o Ten minute break o 50 more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, but it's a good time to stand 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 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 important stuff.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your desktop which is not necessary for the task at hand must be closed down. If you don't need the internet, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if possible.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you're finished. One of the keys to being more efficient is removing the things that make us less productive.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these habits, there will be instances 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. 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'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The ability to concentrate has been largely lost for many of us. However , these simple habits, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and effectiveness at any job.
It's likely to be challenging at the beginning, but you can do it. You may get more done, quicker, by learning to increase your focus and staying away from the things that waste your time.
Put these three routines into play starting today. You'll be impressed by just how much more you can get done!
The internet is particularly disrupting with email, messages, status updates, and much more. But distractions also include co-workers, family members, and our own wandering thoughts. It seems that all of us dawdle our lives away five minutes at a time.
The big question is how to defeat this tendency. How do you make use of the Web constructively without falling victim to its distractive features?
Consider turning these methods into daily practices that allow you to be more efficient and effective:
1 . Use time limits. If we set a time limit, we improve our ability to concentrate. It almost turns into a game of 'beat the clock'. Ideally, you need to 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 is going to take longer than fifty five minutes, cut it down into smaller chunks.
* Having a time limit also pushes you to do the most essential parts of any work. If you only have 60 minutes, you're going to have to decide what's most essential. This is a lot better than deciding to simply work on something until it's done. Determine how long it should take, and then set the timer.
* If you have any sort of attention challenge, using a timer may boost your ability to keep your mind on the task at hand. Time flies by, and you will get more done. You are likely to even find it relaxing, since you'll be focused on what you are doing instead of thinking about 20 other stuff.
* Research has shown that the most productive schedule for many people is:
o 50 minutes of work o Ten minute break o 50 more minutes of work o 30 minute break (You may not be able to get away with a 30-minute break at work, but it's a good time to stand 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 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 important stuff.
2 . Close everything that can be closed. Everything on your desktop which is not necessary for the task at hand must be closed down. If you don't need the internet, turn it off. That includes all of your email, notifications, games, and blogs. Close your door and disconnect the phone, if possible.
* Nothing is going anywhere - it will all still be there when you're finished. One of the keys to being more efficient is removing the things that make us less productive.
3. Insert a pause, as needed. When you initially apply these habits, there will be instances 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. 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'd rather achieve something beneficial.
The ability to concentrate has been largely lost for many of us. However , these simple habits, which anyone can do, can go far toward improving your concentration and effectiveness at any job.
It's likely to be challenging at the beginning, but you can do it. You may get more done, quicker, by learning to increase your focus and staying away from the things that waste your time.
Put these three routines into play starting today. You'll be impressed by just how much more you can get done!
About the Author:
Become an individual that understands the habits to enhance focus, realizing the importance of improving concentration as ingredients for a healthy life.
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