Mitigating Distractions
Every day, there seems to be more to do and less time to do it. You may experience the same. In my nerdy little world, I have two “to-do” lists. One is about client needs and daily objectives. The second “to-do” list regards my business development and contract processes. They’re always both open on one of my four computer screens. The lists seem to grow but the time to get everything done remains the same.
The question becomes how do I remove distractions, concentrate, and be efficient with my most valuable resource: my time?
I don’t work from home. I’m not saying it’s for everybody, but I cannot “dial in” if I’m sitting in my basement office. If given the choice, I’d rather be a husband and a dad than a consultant, no matter how much I love consulting and helping my clients.
The “To-Do” lists. While sometimes a little overwhelming, having them with due dates and necessary next steps or actions allows me to be more efficient. It’s not much different than using a fundraising CRM for next steps with prospects and donors, I’m just dealing with clients. Without the “to-do” list, I can guarantee you I’d be forgetting things on a regular basis.
Marking Time. I find myself watching the clock more regularly when trying to accomplish a task. It’s kind of a silently hidden timeframe to accomplish the goal or task. It helps me to focus my attention on what needs to be done because I love a goal and achieving it.
Sleep. It seems so elemental but unfortunately, it’s not until later in life that you realize how critical sleep is. I find myself getting into bed after putting the kids to sleep before 9 PM each night. Now, I lay in bed and watch a show or just chat with my wife each evening. But I find myself going to sleep before 11 PM and not having to get up until 7 AM. That regularity of eight hours makes a big difference the next day.
Breaks. I’m becoming more habitual about taking at least one walk, and most days two, around the office complex. This break, while listening to a podcast or music, allows me the opportunity to refocus when I get back to my desk. I am absolutely more productive for the next 90 minutes after that break.
We all find distractions in our daily life. Working alone much of the time, I don’t have other staff members popping their head into my office for official or unofficial conversations—but I do have clients that call with the need to chat. We all have the need to create more focus to be more efficient. The only advice I have is to consider your environment and how you can create the best possible working situation to restrict distractions.
