5 Tips To Improve Focus and Get The Important Things Done
𝟭. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁.
Take some time at the start of the day to identify the 1 thing that is most important.
Ask yourself if you can only get 1 thing done, what would it be. Start with that.
If you get it done, you can move on to the next most important.
Be ruthless.
What on your list is nice to do, but not important? Cross it off.
We think everything matters equally, but that is a recipe for unproductive behaviour.
𝟮. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆.
Create an environment that makes it easy to stay focused.
Gather your tools, supplies (water, coffee) and set office hours so you’re not disturbed.
Does your environment tell your subconscious mind that it’s work time? Are you in a dedicated workspace or are you in the kitchen?
Give yourself permission to create a space that means work. Close your door if you can, or If you’re in an open plan office, book a conference room for a couple of hours when you have to get something done. Spoiler alert! that email can wait…
𝟯. 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀
Get rid of as much distraction as you can. Put your phone on airplane mode or do not disturb.
Close all browsers you don’t need, turn off email notifications, put on some noise cancelling headphones.
Keep a blank piece of paper and a pen handy to jot down any thoughts that pop into your head so you can forget about them until later.
𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀
We tend to lose focus over time.
Scheduling in short restorative breaks throughout your day improves your overall performance. It gives your brain a chance to rest and recharge.
A five-minute walk, meditation or conversation with a friend is all that is necessary to refuel.
𝟱. 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘆𝗺
We all have a natural circadian rythym. Become aware of your natural energy cycle and use this to your advantage. Schedule your most difficult tasks for times when your energy levels are high.
For most people, this is first thing in the morning.
You can complete lower cognitive tasks like filing, scheduling or returning calls when your energy levels are lower.
And depending on your situation, find times that work best for you.
The 9-5 day is a global paradigm that we’ve held onto since the industrial revolution and the institution of the “8-hour day”. But if it doesn’t apply to you, don’t let it dictate your schedule.