Distractions and Interruptions Are Killing Your Productivity: Here Are 10 Proven Ways to Beat Them 📵
Issue #41 : Beat distractions & interruptions, tip for creative thinking, path to success.
💡 Here are 3-tips to help you learn, grow, and be inspired this week!
Learn: Beat the distractions & interruptions.
Growth Tip: Tip for creative thinking.
Inspiration: Path to success.
⏱️ Reading time: ~3 mins
🎓 Learn
Last week, I shared about two types of Focus: Hyperfocus (For productivity) and Scatterfocus (For creativity).
Did you try these focus modes? How did it go?
Focus is the key to unlocking enormous productivity and creativity.
But let’s be honest!
Focus, in general, is very challenging in a world full of interruptions and distractions. On average, we work for only 40 seconds when working on a computer before either being interrupted or distracted.
It takes, on average, 22 minutes to resume working after an external distraction or interruption.
That’s an insane amount of time wasted!
What are Distractions and Interruptions?
Interruptions happen to us. Distractions are caused by us.
Here are a few tips to beat distractions and interruptions to stay longer in your hyperfocus productive zone:
#1
Distractions are much easier to deal with in advance than when they pop up. Think about all your common distractions and put a guardrail on.
#2
If you know that you are tempted to visit few websites (like YouTube) when you are in focused mode, try this free Chrome extension that will prevent you from getting into a rabbit hole.
#3
Research has found Pomodoro timer and technique are very effective in staying focused. Try it.
#4
Intention = awareness = greater resistance to distractions.
Write down your Intention on a piece of paper or whiteboard near you before you enter into a deep work mode.
#5
Turn off all phone and computer notifications. You can use Airplane mode on your phone and DND mode on your computer.
#6
Avoid Multitasking when you are doing deep, focused work.
#7
Clear all the digital clutter on your computer. Minimize, Close, or Hide all the windows that are not necessary for your focused task. (Specially Slack and Email)
#8
Visit the restroom, fill your water bottle, get your food, etc., before you enter into hyperfocus mode.
#9
Your mind will come up with a few new ideas, and you will be tempted to jump right into it. These new ideas will distract you from your current focus. Have a notepad/papar+pen on easy access and write these ideas down to deal with them later.
#10
You can use an app like RescueTime, which will help you implement most of these tips in one place. I have been using it for a year, and it’s very helpful.
Key takeaway: If you are aware and strategic about all the daily interruptions and distractions, you can eliminate and avoid them. By implementing these strategies, you can overcome distractions, maintain focus, and unlock your productivity potential.
🚀 Grow
Last week, I was more intentional in allowing my mind to wander and rest so I could enter into Scatterfocus more often.
Usually, When I go for a walk, I would listen to a good audiobook or podcast during the entire walk. But this week, I listened to them only on my way out but on my way back; I intentionally didn’t listen to anything but allowed my mind to process and connect the concepts I learned from the audiobook/podcast. I got some really good new creative ideas and have also been able to come up with a few solutions to problems I have been working on.
This week, I wanted to share this tip with you to help you enter into Scatterfocus to be more creative and generate new ideas.
At this time, Thinking is much more valuable than Doing.
🤩 Inspiration
Expectations may disappoint you, but preparation will help you succeed! Approach any problem or goal with an open mind.
👋 Anil
May the growth be with you! 🪴
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