Hey there. It’s no secret that staying focused and getting things done can be challenging when constantly interrupted or distracted.
Whether it’s notifications on your phone, coworkers dropping by your desk, a child needing a snack, a pet wanting a cuddle, or your tendency to procrastinate ;-), it can sometimes be difficult to stay on track and make progress on your tasks.
However, with some planning and effort, it is possible to finish tasks despite constant distractions and interruptions.
Here are some strategies you can try to help you stay focused and get things done when you’ve gone off track.
- Create a schedule and stick to it. One of the most effective ways to stay focused and avoid distractions is to set aside dedicated time for your tasks. Whether it’s a firm start time for your working day, a to-do list for the day or a more detailed schedule for the week, having a clear plan of what you need to do and when you’ll do it can help you stay on track.To make your schedule even more effective, try to minimise or eliminate any other commitments or distractions during these dedicated work times. For example, turn off your phone or log out of social media while you’re working.Most importantly, remember to schedule tasks directly connected to your bigger goals. Any progress you make, even a small step forward, as long as it’s towards your ultimate goal, will be more rewarding than checking off some small insignificant task.
- Minimise distractions. In addition to creating a schedule, take steps to minimise distractions as much as possible. This might mean closing unnecessary tabs or apps on your computer, putting your phone on silent, turning off notifications and unhooking from social media platforms long enough to get some deep work done. Also, be sure to have a quiet work environment. If you have a busy household (hello, school holidays), consider using noise-cancelling headphones or finding a private room or space where you can focus.
- Break tasks into smaller chunks. Any worthy project will have a bunch of tasks associated with it. Whether you’re running a webinar, an in-store promotion, onboarding a new team member or writing a book!Large, complex tasks and projects can be intimidating and overwhelming, making it hard to stay focused. Try breaking your tasks into smaller chunks to make it easier to stay on track. This will allow you to make progress on a task without feeling overwhelmed or overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task. Plus, as you complete each smaller chunk, you’ll be able to see progress and feel a sense of accomplishment, which can help you stay motivated and focused.Remember, not every task has equal weight or priority. So, map out all your tasks related to projects ahead of time so that you know when to tackle which tasks and when.
- Use a timer. I love this hack. And it’s one we use at our “Make It Happen” events inside the HerBusiness Network. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on your task until the timer goes off, then take a short break before starting the next 25-minute work session. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you stay focused and avoid burnout by giving you regular breaks to rest and recharge. Our members LOVE the progress they make when we run these co-working sessions throughout the year.
- Take breaks. It can sound counterintuitive, but while it’s important to stay focused and get things done, it’s also important to give yourself regular breaks to rest and recharge. Taking breaks can help you stay fresh, focused, and productive, so don’t be afraid to step away from your work for a few minutes every hour or so. This is especially true if you’ve been putting in super long hours or you’re just easing back into your work pace after a break.Scheduling some downtime between bit projects is also essential if you want to avoid feeling burned out. Pause. Regroup. Reflect and dive into the next important project, but only after you’ve had time to celebrate your progress.Be sure to use your breaks in a way that supports you. So, a walk around the block, a healthy something to drink, connecting with someone you love… anything that nourishes you. I avoid checking social media or other distracting activities during my breaks and instead use the time to stretch, get some fresh air, or do something else to help me feel refreshed and energised.
- Prioritise your tasks. With so many distractions and interruptions vying for your attention, it’s important to prioritise your tasks so you can focus on the most important ones first.When we don’t prioritise, it can be hard to differentiate what is urgent from what is important. Everything is screaming out for our attention simultaneously, and that can be overwhelming,
That’s why inside of HerBusiness, we follow the HerBusiness Strategic Planning Framework, a structure that allows you to identify what matters most and where to put your attention and help you avoid wasting time on tasks that aren’t as important.
Request a free copy of our Strategic Planning Framework below.
