How to Stop Distractions: 10 Ways to Beat Distractions

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Laziness is far from the only reason why we are slow to do our job. Or we don't even do it at all. Various distractions contribute greatly to this. Our article will help you overcome them.

Even if you are very cool at self-control, it can be very difficult for you to focus on work. Especially if you really don't want to. Unfortunately, even the smallest distraction can completely derail productivity. Here are ten tips to get you started, especially when it's vital.

1. Plan your day

Each of us has certain hours when everything is a little easier for us. Schedule your most important tasks so that they happen at this time. I've also found that scheduling the day helps to keep things on track and not to forget. Whether it's a meeting reminder, a deadline, or lunch.

2. Switch to full screen mode

We are not as versatile as we would like. And since it just so happens that you have to work tirelessly, remove all possible distractions. Remove all unnecessary icons from the desktop and open the full screen, for example, a text document in which you are working. After all, the less superfluous before your eyes, the less chances that you will be distracted by something unnecessary.

3. Block or hide all distracting websites and apps

Parental control is not only useful for naughty children. It will also be useful to us, eternally distracted adults. Is it difficult to be offline on Facebook while you work? Remove links from your browser. Or even uninstall the app from your phone. You can also create a separate browser profile for the job. Or, if you need more drastic measures, you can use extensions such as LeechBlock (Firefox) or StayFocus (Chrome) to block sites that distract you.

4. Turn off notifications on your smartphone

There are applications that cannot be removed. For example, Gmail or corporate chat. For such applications, it is worth choosing a mode in the settings when all notifications are completely disabled. Try turning off email notifications. You don't have to check your mail when a new email arrives. At least set a silent ringtone for these apps.

5. Track how you spend your time

Distraction can come in many forms. It's not always a waste of time on Facebook, playing games on your phone, or pictures of kittens, but the essence is always the same. Some tasks are less important than others. And if you're spending more time on them than you should, they should also be considered distractions. If you cannot understand where all your time is spent, use time counters. Such as. It will show you which sites you visited, which apps you used and how much time you lost on each one.

6. Keep distracting colleagues at a distance

Of course, a lot of irritants arise in the real world. If you work in an office, then you probably know how colleagues can be distracted. Just a chat, a lot of questions that can actually wait, and more. Good headphones can show that you are working hard right now. And if that doesn't help, you can say directly that you are busy. Or load them up so they don't have any idea of distracting you next time.

7. Save distractions for later

If you can't stop thinking about the things that distract you, then just put them aside for later. Take a lazy note on your computer or phone. And write down things that distract you in this note. Then you can remember them and come back to them later.

8. Break down your tasks

It's very easy to get distracted or even avoid getting started when the task seems incredibly overwhelming. If you need to motivate yourself to work on a large project, then break the task into several smaller subtasks. It's much easier to force yourself to do a small, specific task. It's easier than jumping headlong into one huge task. "" Is great for this purpose if you have a handy timer.

9. Teach Your Brain to Focus

You can go to great lengths to eliminate distractions. But your brain can still be your worst enemy. So if your brain jumps from thought to thought as you work, you need to learn how to control it. The next tip may sound silly. But try it, it will suddenly help. Place the elastic on your wrist. Whenever distracting thoughts arise, hit yourself with this rubber band. Let your brain develop a habit that you shouldn't be distracted.

10. Don't overdo it: distraction is a necessary part of being productive

Distraction at the wrong time can be detrimental to the completion of a particular task. But this does not mean that we have to be focused 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Distractions are vital to a healthy lifestyle. They also stimulate creative thinking. Research has shown that web browsing at work can help make you more productive at work. But only if you did it at the right time.

So instead of letting your brain get distracted while doing an important task, define in your daily plan a time for your brain to rest. This will not only give you an opportunity to relax, but also increase your productivity. After all, your brain will rush to complete the task in order to get rest as soon as possible.