Distractions are not only events or activities that come along out of the blue to take our focus off work. When you're tired stressed or bored you may subconsciously look for them to take a break. Instead plan for moments when you're likely to feel this way to remain as productive as possible.
The problem with distractions is that they aren't always unwanted, so it's harder to ignore them when they crop up.
If you regularly have to apply yourself to lengthy tasks then you're sure to find your concentration wavering at some point. Social networking sites have proven to be the bane of some companies as their workforce logs on to distraction itself from stress or boredom. Other workers may find themselves in deep conversation with colleagues when they know they ought to be cracking on with the tasks at hand.
The secret to beating the temptation to give in to distractions is to avoid getting into the mental state where you'd enjoy them or actively look for them. In addition, if you do find yourself navigating to websites when you really should be adding figures to a database, for example, there are ways and means to getting back on track.
Get your priorities right
This is absolutely imperative if you want to avoid procrastinating. If you start the day unsure of your daily goals, stress levels will rise as deadlines become apparent. Make one-or-two lists - no more as this task will serve as its own distraction! Commit to completing assignments in the order you have placed them.
Maintaining your focus
You may find this harder depending on your mood and the time of day. If you're tired and have a long day ahead, plan your working hours around this mindset. Schedule regular breaks and stick to them. Eat balanced means and limit caffeine and sugary snacks to ward off tiredness later in the day.
Take control of your emails
Many office workers have a love/hate relationship with their email. Sending messages via the web is quicker, meaning responding takes less time from your busy day. However, it's also popular and if you're unlucky enough to receive 1000s of emails a day then you could potentially spend hours reading and categorising them. Set up scheduled time slots where you delete, categorise and reply to messages.
Keep your desktops tidy
Files are an effective way of storing information and if you commit to putting data in the correct place you won't be distracted when it comes to finding it. This is true for both paper files and the online variety.
Plan for repetitive tasks
Arriving in the office full of energy is a great plus, but if you immediately begin tackling repetitive tasks you're likely to lose your energy quicker. Instead, if you have some time-consuming filing to do for example, leave it until your mood suits the task and tackle more stimulating work when you're feeling mentally active.
Limiting chatter
Many workers choose to chatter when they feel under-stimulated or looking to escape momentarily from a stressful task. It's important to build good working relationships with your fellow colleagues but try and keep long conversations to scheduled breaks. This way you won't become overly distracted by office gossip. Also, don't be afraid to steer conversations towards the task you're tackling, as colleagues could have some useful insights.
Learn the opposite of yes
Some employees don't like saying 'no', as they believe it reflects on their enthusiasm and commitment to their role. Of course this is not the case and if you do not politely decline some work ventures you'll likely become stressed. If in doubt, talk to your immediate manager to calmly explain your situation.
Get the latest software
There are programmes to help you make some work-related tasks more efficient. Online calendars assist you in planning your day, while also revealing your colleagues' schedules. Email applications see you being able to organise and sort your inbox with ease.
Plan for distractions
This tip relates to planning some 'downtime' - in moderation! As mentioned earlier, regular breaks are recommended, but if you're suffering terrible concentration problems make the most of your time. For example, you could factor in some fun, easy tasks into your day and use scheduled breaks to meet with friends or play sports.
You have permission to publish this article for free providing the "About the Author" box is included in its entirety.
Do not post/reprint this article in any site or publication that contains hate, violence, porn, warez, or supports illegal activity.
Do not use this article in violation of the US CAN-SPAM Act. If sent by email, this article must be delivered to opt-in subscribers only.
If you publish this article in a format that supports linking, please ensure that all URLs and email addresses are active links, without the rel='nofollow' tag.
Software Training London Ltd. owns this article. Please respect the author's copyright and above publication guidelines.
If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this article.
Crown Prosecution Service Casework Assistant Emilia Baxter
"Everything was good. Ran smoothly and have better understanding of topics"
Crown Prosecution Service Admin Officer Ellie Codd
"I always enjoy courses with STL and found Robert really well presented and enjoyable to work with. He was very welcoming and I enjoyed the training a lot. He covered everything on the course objectives and really wanted everyone to find a benefit from the course"
Fresh Egg Digital Marketing HR Manager Lucy Bunn
"Really like the way the trainer had evidently researched Fresh Egg and made examples relevant to us. Made us more engagaed and the training seem more relevant because we could see exactly how it fitted."
