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There are three main types of distractions which can divert your attention, impacting your ability to get started on a task. Here's an overview to help you understand and overcome each of them. There are three main types of distractions which can divert your attention, impacting your ability to get started on a task. Here's an overview to help you understand and overcome each of them.
First, other people can interrupt you. Phone calls, people stopping in to chat, others asking for your time or help may seem to be unavoidable. Phone calls are easy, just don't answer it or at least use an answering machine to screen your calls. The most effective strategy to alleviate this, however, is to unplug the phone or move to an area where you won't even hear it. To discourage the other, more direct interruptions, try these tips. If you're in an office area, close your door and put a big sign on it that says something like: "Do Not Disturb - I need to focus until 3:00." Most people will respect this as long as you're letting them know (hence, the sign). A merely closed door will allow people to knock or peek in and even if it just takes a minute, it is an interruption and you will need to take time to refocus. Schedule "Do Not Interrupt" time when you need to work on tasks that need your full attention. Mark this on your calendar and let other people know about it. Communicating this is the most important part to assure this strategy is effective. If others don't know they shouldn't interrupt, they will. That will leave you frustrated and them confused simply because they didn't know.
The next type of distraction is environmental. Assess your surroundings and do what you must to create an atmosphere conducive to concentration and getting things done. Make sure papers and books are organized, your desktop is clear, and you have easy access to what you will need. Put other tasks out of your sight so you're not distracted by thoughts that you need to do that, too. If you work at home, make sure you have a spot designated for this. Set it up as you would a normal office space. Make sure it is somehow separated from the rest of your house or the cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc. that you need to do will be staring in your face. The occasional "Oh, I'll just put a load of laundry in . . ." will break your concentration. Out of site, out of mind.
The final type of distraction is internal. This includes daydreaming, thinking about what you will fix for dinner tonight, or worrying about everything else you need to do. Planning and writing things down is the best cure for this. Keep a master list of everything you need to do and add things as soon as you think of them. You won't need to interrupt your focus on tasks any longer because you know you've captured it on paper and you won't forget it. This works well for daydreaming, too. This list would include things like what you're going to be doing this weekend, activities you're planning for your next vacation, things you want to do someday. Get it out of your head and on paper so you can deal with it later.
About the Author
Donna Birk is a writer, trainer, coach, and Licensed Social Worker. She founded and operates "People Builders," an organization devoted to helping people grow. Get a FREE goal setting guide and FREE E-zine at her website: http://www.youcangetitdone.com