We all want to be productive, manage our time more effectively and get things done. Let’s look at some way to get rid of distractions and clear the way for productivity.
Setup for Productivity Success
1. Starting at the end of your day.
- Set aside time to do your backups, virus scans and updates at the end of the day. Now you will not have them popping up when you are trying to meet a deadline.
- Declutter your desk. Put projects away into folders and folders into a step-file or in a drawer. When you come in the next morning, your slate (and your desk) will be clean.
- Take a good look at your desk. Do you really NEED everything that’s on it? Put non-essentials into drawers.
- I use to have many “fun” things on my desk. Clean off everything except what you really need and while your desk might not be as fun anymore, it’s a much more productive place.
2. Don’t be so readily and easily available.
- Turned off email notifications for both your computer and phone. Anyone with an urgent need to reach you has AT LEAST one other way to do so.
- Turn off chat/IM notifications when you need to focus, as well. (I know some employers don’t allow this and require their team to be available via IM during work hours, but if you CAN do this, it will help).
- Turn off your mobile devices, or at least set them to not constantly “ping” you with notifications from social media sites.
3. Be the Master of Your Email.
- Make folders, color code your email or use tools to keep your inbox decluttered. If you have a task that comes into your email that you can do in 5 minute or less, do it right away and then it will be done.
- Have a couple of times a day to sort your inbox and prioritize. You might also consider having a trusted assistant help manage your email so you only deal with what really needs YOUR attention.
- Consider outsourcing tasks that don’t need you to be solved. Hiring a VA just a few hours a week can save you countless hours of frustration and overwhelm.
Finally, realize that it may take some time for you to train yourself to not get sidetracked and distracted. You can clear the way to productivity, one task at a time. I assure you that it CAN be done. Start your day with a pledge to minimize distractions for a productive day each and every day! (Then you’ll have more time to play!)
What have you done in your business to reduce distractions? Share below so we can can all learn and improve.
