Distractibility

Distractions can drive almost all of us crazy. Some of us far more than others, and that means taking extra steps to minimize the impact of distractions, either by masking or preventing them.

For a start, I need some kind of low-level stimulation to stay focused. How that works is slightly complicated, but it’s a pretty hard-and-fast rule for me. For example, if I’m driving, the radio is probably playing. From experience, I know that it’s safer for me to drive that way, because my focus is higher.

Also, like most humans, I take a while to get into the “zone”. Also known as hyperfocusing on one topic while ignoring almost everything else. It’s a great state of mind and I try to spend as much of my working day there as possible. My productivity is in a different league.

1. Background music. I’m partial to Amazon Prime, but a phone with a few playlists works as well. The music needs to be familiar, rather than new tunes. Motivational music is great for motivating me to get started, but not so much to keep working.
2. Noise generators. I like myNoise, depending on mood. When I’m hyperfocusing, I use this much more frequently than music.
3. Regular routines. I don’t want to spend extra time in the morning focusing on unimportant details. Grind the morning coffee beans the night before, set out tomorrow’s clothes, organize and pack a backpack, and put a few items on a paper planner’s todo list.
4. Todo lists. On the phone. Lists for daily routines, groceries, errands to run, and phone calls to make. I keep a few on paper, specific to the day.
5. A planning system. A Google calendar is great for appointment reminders and due dates. I also recommend a paper planner, with a page for each day. I’ll mark blocks out time until my day is full, including known breaks. At the end of my day, my written list of things I did and didn’t complete is in front of me.
6. Escape from firefighting mode. This can be difficult. I try to set aside short breaks from the action when I will not handle problems unless they’re emergencies, even if it’s the beginning or end of the day. It’s vital to burnout prevention. Almost every job has parts that need to be done but tend to be set aside when fires are being fought.
7. Sleep. Learn how much makes you feel most well-rested and stick to that. Your overall day will be much more productive if you’re in the sweet spot, not just doing the minimal required amount to make it through the week. The sustainable amount is the amount that will work for you, if you sleep the same length of time every night.
8. Eat well. Hungry people are rarely energetic. Some become grouchy. My diet is plant-based (I’m vegan), which is far healthier than when I consumed animal products. For example, I stopped feeling tired an hour after lunch.
9. Stay healthy. Probably obvious, but work to maintain your health. Few of us stay healthy continuously. Even minor health complaints get in the way far less if I’ve slept well and exercised (especially cardio exercise).
10. Work from home. Sometimes. My work at home is often better than the office. I still recommend going to the office several times a week. But office environments can be highly distracting, with high levels of noise and interruptions from coworkers. I need some time to myself to just get things done.