Many of us think the ability to multitask is an exceptional quality.
It is, but the problem is, not everybody can do it well. And not everyone can dodge distractions.
Maximizing productivity by minimizing distractions is perhaps one of the biggest challenges of any multi-tasker. We oftentimes welcome distractions by considering them as so-called “short breaks”, unaware that this contributes to decreased productivity.
As busy internet marketers or entrepreneurs, many things demand our time, but we know we can’t always squeeze everything into one day.
Maximizing productivity means working efficiently so let us look at some of the ways that we can focus more, and do more:
- The To-do Clutter: Don’t put off what can be done today!
Got a lot of post-its and papers tacked on the board in front of you? More often than not, our list of to-do’s increased because we failed to focus and get things done. Focus on a few important tasks for the day. Any distraction that is not related to any of those tasks should be set aside or ignored. - Music: It doesn’t have to be super loud to be inspiring
When we listen to songs we are very familiar with, our mind constantly shifts and before we know it, we’re just singing or daydreaming! If you must work with music in the background, maximizing productivity would mean turning it off when you’re finishing an important task, or turning the volume lower for the not so important ones. - Fatigue and Hunger: Get enough sleep and eat on time
Obviously, maximizing productivity cannot be expected from a hungry, tired or stressed person. The solution? Get plenty of sleep, and don’t skip meals! It will do you good, and help you avoid stomach ulcers and dark under eye circles. Plus, you get to work faster because your mind is sharper. - Social media: Separate work from personal interaction
We love the social networks, but it has been found that its accessibility in workplaces is the leading cause of decreased productivity! If you’re handling a Facebook or Twitter account for the company, that’s fine. But if you keep checking your home feed and replying instantly, a huge chunk of valuable work time is wasted. To solve this, check your personal accounts at home, or after work.
Minimizing or eliminating distractions is indeed the key to maximizing productivity. Focus on the few important tasks at hand, and you’ll realize that less is truly more!
Do you often find yourself distracted while working? What are your common distractions and how do you deal with them? Leave a comment below or share this post with friends if you liked it. Thank you!
To Your Success,
Elmar Sandyck
September 21st, 2010 at 4:50 am
Great tips, Elmar! I spend most of my day online and it can really be easy to get distracted especially if you’re just at home! Do you also have difficulty focusing at times? What’s the most effective way for you to get back on track and not be swayed by distractions?
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May 5th, 2011 at 10:20 am
I find it very easy to get distracted mainly because the most of my work is done on the internet so it is very easy for your mind to wander, I tend to ensure I plan my day to ensure I stay on track.
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June 9th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
That’s why I always do my tasks after I have has enough sleep and have eaten my meal on time.
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