6 Simple Ways to Prevent Yourself from Getting Distracted
From cell phones to email notifications, it’s harder than ever to get (and stay) in a work flow state, distraction free. Like you, I battle with these challenges on a regular basis too. Fortunately, I’ve found some ways to combat distractions and boost my productivity. Here’s 6 ways to prevent yourself from getting distracted.
Schedule According to Energy Levels
Scheduling tasks according to your energy levels, will significantly help you in completing them. If you find that your energy and focus begins to tank in the afternoon, then I wouldn’t schedule a task that requires lots of energy and focus during that time. Instead, I’d personally schedule trivial tasks like replying to emails, phone meetings, organizing etc. Many people create a list and complete it in that exact order; without ensuring that they’ll have the energy and focus to actually do them. This is why it’s so important to schedule your tasks according to the level of energy and focus needed.
Choose an Anchor Task
Choosing an anchor task (your one main priority), will greatly help to keep you focused and limit distractions. Although you’ll likely plan to work on other tasks as well, this anchor task is a non-negotiable that must get done. What makes anchor tasks work so well is, it sets the tone for your day and keeps you in control of your time. Additionally, it guides your behavior by forcing you to schedule and organize your time around that one responsibility.
Turn On Do Not Disturb
I utilize the do no disturb feature on my phone to stop all distractions and interruptions. At 9:30PM, which is typically when I go to bed, my phone automatically goes into do not disturb mode. It does not come out of that mode until 5:30AM the next morning. I personally don’t check any text messages, email, alerts etc. until I’ve finished my morning routine and workout. However, if you have a problem with being distracted then you should plan for your phone to stay on do not disturb for much longer. It’s much easier to focus on your work distraction free, while a majority of people are still sleeping. So utilize that do not disturb feature and take advantage of your early mornings!
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Work in Full Screen Mode
Working in full screen is a great way to avoid distractions and keep your focus. When you have a visual cue from seeing other applications, it’ll be easy to click on it. Additionally, if you have other applications still running in the background, there’s a possibility that one can alert you. Utilizing full screen mode will combat this and you won’t see those icons nor their alert notifications. This works greatly to get and keep you in a flow state that boosts your productivity and work ethic.
Put Your Email on the Back-burner
Email can be one of the biggest distractions of all… if you let it. This is why I choose not to check my inbox until noon or later. I spend my mornings being productive, focusing on me and my important tasks for the day. Once those things are completed then I open my inbox and reply to others. I do this because I know that once I open my email, I’m now on someone else’s time/agenda. Additionally, I’m no longer completing the high level tasks that are important to me. I understand that most people can’t even fathom the thought of not opening their inbox until noon. If that’s the case, can you at least challenge yourself not to check it until you’ve finished your important morning task? Maybe that’s 9:30AM or 11AM; whichever the case, you’ll realize that the world doesn’t end just because you didn’t reply to an email right away!
Prepare in Advance
I get my hardest, most important task completed first thing in the morning (the gym). For me, going to the gym first thing in the morning works best because the day hasn’t gotten a hold of me yet. I can quickly and distraction free get my workout done, drink my protein shake and complete my morning routine without any interruptions. So to prepare in advance for this, I take 10 – 15 minutes at night to pack my gym bag, make my protein shake and take out my workout clothes. This helps me streamline my morning routine the next day and move more quickly and efficiently.
Distractions are all around us on a regular basis and it can be difficult to avoid them all. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself getting distracted every now and again. The key here is to practice on a consistent basis and set yourself up for success by implementing prevention. For example, before I begin writing my blog posts I turn my phone on silent and disable all notifications. You’ll find that the more you practice, the quicker you’ll manage distractions and interruptions. What’s your tips for preventing yourself from becoming distracted? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time ASSASSINS. . . Stay Disciplined!
Let’s be friends!
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