Staying Productive in a World of Distractions
February 23, 2022
Distractions come in all forms. Distractions like our devices, laundry, or cleaning can prevent us from staying on track at work. Those who work from home might find distractions even harder to avoid. So, what can we do to keep on track and productive? We've shared a few ideas to help you stay focused and successful while working.
Timeboxing
Did you have block scheduling in high school? Where there were four classes a day for a blocked amount of time? That's similar to timeboxing, albeit it's for professionals. Instead of creating a to-do list and checking off the items, you block off a certain amount of time on your calendar for specific tasks or projects. This method can be more beneficial than a to-do list because you can no longer choose the easiest task first. Timeboxing does require planning and estimating how long each assignment or project will take to complete and then mapping it out in your calendar based on its due date. Creating a event on your sharable work calendar (i.e., Outlook) will also let your colleagues know that you are unavailable therefore limiting interruption.
Prioritize
What project is important? Which project is time-sensitive? Is there a task that can wait? Asking yourself these questions can help you prioritize your work. After deciding how your priorities rank, you will need to organize them to stay on track. Using a color-coding, numbering, or ABC system will help you organize and visualize your priorities. Once you understand your priorities and rankings, you can focus on staying productive.
Saying No
Say no to certain requests so you can stay productive, organized, and on track. Of course, you can't turn down every request that comes your way, so be sure to differentiate between essential and non-essential ones. Try to avoid requests unrelated to your job, your team, or ones that won't impact your results. Identifying relevant and informative meetings, as opposed to discussions that could otherwise be an email, is also essential to stay productive.
Analysts Can Help
Staying productive in a busy world can be tricky, so staying organized and motivated can help you stay on track. Is your job simply asking too much? Contact one of our highly skilled IT recruiters to help you identify a company that values your time and abilities.
