7 Ways To Effectively Avoid Distractions
When starting an activity, it is inevitable not to get distracted on this fast changing world. With all the modern technologies and information available, everything is about speed. Sometimes, these are helpful when used as resources and tools to help you do the task efficiently. Sometimes, these are distractions that are not noticeable unless it affects your output.
When distracted, we blame other things like the movie; you really have to watch it because it’s popular and you need to be updated, or the rain; because it altered your schedule for the day causing you to delay the completion of your work. These are excuses and this what we call procrastination. Say no to procrastination as this affects your productivity.
Now, how to not get distracted from your goals?
First, lay out your day. You need a plan on the things you will do for the day. Making a timetable will help as it will let you see the activities every time and lets you know if what you are doing is linked to the scheduled time. It will make you stick to the schedule and execute the task.
Second, focus your thoughts. Setting your thoughts on the desired goal makes it easier for you to concentrate as you know what your priority is. As your awareness is increased, your actions follow, and do the things that is related in achieving your goal. In line with this, you minimize or better yet eliminate distractions seeing that it’s not fit in fulfilling your goal.
Third, take action and get results. Nothing will come out if you do nothing. Something will sure to come out if you do something. It doesn’t matter if you take one small step at a time. What matters is, you took a step, even that step is small. Results may not be recognizable at first, but once you keep doing it, a visible mark will appear and that is how you make progress and it will show your growth.
Yes, it is easier said than done, but doing it will be beneficial on yourself and work habits. Here are the 7 ways that I find effective in saying no to distractions and I hope you will take advantage of it and make it useful too.
1. Establish one’s Mindset
Setting up your mind that you need to achieve a goal will be your automatic constant reminder throughout the day. It will be a button that will give an annoying sound once you entertain distractions. Focus your thoughts on the activities that you will do for the day to help you achieve your goal.
Be aware of your tasks and do them diligently. Visualizing what you intend to do and following it through will make it more realistic. Disciplining one’s mind to do tasks connected in achieving your goal makes it easier to attain it.
You set clear goals and plans on what to do for the day. Inaction leads you nowhere. Answer questions like; how will you achieve such goal and why achieve a goal, means you take the task seriously and set out steps on how to achieve it.
2. Make a timetable or schedule your day
Before going to bed, write down what you need to do the next day and be specific. Everything needs to be carefully planned before starting your day because not following what you have prepared will make you unorganized resulting to not doing the tasks you should be doing.
A timetable will help you to be methodical and be time conscious as this will keep you track the things you did and the things you will be doing. It is a visual tool that can help you not to divert your attention to things that are not required and increase your awareness to the things that should be done.
It helps when you lay out your day to make you stick to your plan no matter what. This will guide you so that you won’t be led astray to the things that you should do. Make sure to follow what you have written and achieve it. You can do it!
3. Have a separate working space
Have a space just intended for your work. Make sure that your workspace has a good ventilation and comfortable that suits one’s taste and needs. A space where you can work and not be distracted by the external factors.
External factors may be the noise from outside, noises that are not helping you to be productive. Another factor would be the people who will unintentionally disturb you and halters your work in progress. Mobile games, social media, and other things not related to your work is a distraction. Have a working space that keeps distractions to a minimum or even better when eliminated.
4. Be selective on the things you do
Multi-tasking doesn’t make you productive as it divides your energy and attention. Do things that are important in achieving your goal. When you truly understand your goal, you will be selective on the things you will turn your attention to. This will help you not be distracted and doing non-essential tasks.
When you are selective, you will realize that you are committed in achieving your goal. Do not get stuck by doing the not so important stuff. Be conscious enough of the things you are doing.
5. Take a productive break
If you are working for long hours, do not forget to take frequent breaks as this will make you destress the pressure from your work. It will give time for your muscles to relax and brain to breathe. Sometimes, the breaks will give you the idea you are looking for. That “Eureka!” moment.
Maybe you can insert healthy snack time, breathing exercises, taking a walk, or just a bio break.
6. Minimize phone usage and maximize productivity tools
Keep your phone on silent mode and just check it once in a while. If nothing requires your immediate attention, then put your phone down and continue working. It will also be helpful if you block certain websites in your working time to not be tempted to check on these things and distract you on your work.
Set a timer and make impossible deadline to force yourself in completing the task. It is like challenging yourself to do the impossible. In this case, you will be forced to think fast and not slack off. It will help you be more committed and result oriented as you wanted to complete it before the timer stops.
A progress notebook or a list that keeps track of your progress can also help with your productivity as it measures the things that you have done. This is a free country, so whatever works for you go for it.
There are a lot of productivity apps that you can download and try. Choosing one that best suits you will be your decision as you know how you work and what are your weaknesses. The goal is to help you get in the zone but also remind you to chill out.
7. Exercise and eat nutritious foods
Eating nutritious foods will give you longer attention span as you feel full. Eating chips and sugary snacks, on the other hand, will make you feel exhausted, sleepy, and you feel hungry faster. You wanted to concentrate on your work but your gut is growling and your brain is not thinking.
A healthy diet provides food for your brain and body to function properly. When this happens, everything will go smoothly as you don’t need it when your mind is working and concentrating except if it’s meal time. Eating the right food will make you feel better which results to doing your work better.
Exercise will boost your endurance enabling you to tackle more activities with your energy. Exercising will improve muscle strength and cardiovascular system. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Next time you feel blank, maybe you just need to move a muscle or take a deep breath. Who knows?
How to not get distracted from your goals?
- Visualize and plan your day
- Focus your thoughts and follow through
- Take action and be result-oriented
Listed above are the 7 ways that I find effective in avoiding distractions.
As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Take it as a challenge and do some action.
These are the moments when you see who you really are and what are the things you will do when presented with tough moments. When executed perfectly and you crossed that bridge, something powerful inside us awakens. This is the start of growth. It’s knowing yourself better and finding meaningful work.
When you are stuck or meet a difficult task, let not this be an excuse for you to do other things but concentrate the task on hand. This means that you will let your brain go in the gym and do some lifting. Maybe, you need another form of exercise just like stretching or curls up or whatever it is. Just don’t slack off and do unproductive things. Find your focus and be strict on yourself.
