Focusing on Focus
Hello readers!
We are back from our summer break… Hope you didn’t miss us too much!
This past week I have been running through some different ideas of what to post here, and as work often goes… my work has gotten in the way of work and the blog ideas have been getting pushed further and further back.
Even when I finally do have a moment or two to sit and think, I suddenly find myself sitting in a black hole of creativity. I can’t seem to think of anything, and have nothing but my desk and a blank page staring up at me to keep me company.
Now, I am sure this never happens to you.
Okay maybe I may have some sarcasm there. We all have these moments. So how do we stay focused and creative at work?
Here are some thoughts I found, as well some of my personal favorites to get back on your feet when you have lost focus and are looking for that jump start to get going again.
Write a list: At the beginning of each day write down the tasks that you need to accomplish. There is something about taking the time to write a list and having it on your desk the rest of the day that can motivate focus. I personally write my tasks on a post- it note and place it on the side of my computer monitor. When I finish the task, I can throw away the post- it note. My goal each day is to start the morning with no post- it notes from the day before.
Do The Tough Stuff First: Mark Twain once said “If you eat a frog first thing in the morning that will probably be the worst thing you do all day.” Brian Tracy (TTN Speaker) has taken this quote and transformed it into a way of completing your daily tasks. Once I make my list I look for the thing I want to do least… and do it! That way I don’t have it hanging over my head, and dragging my attention away from other projects.
Close Your Email: I cannot tell you how many times I have been in the middle of a big project, only to be sidetracked by an email I thought might be important…only to find it is Spam. For short periods of time I have started to close my email. It allows for un-interrupted work on projects, and I have found that I am able to actually answer my emails on a timelier schedule.
Invest In A Pair Of Headphones: Very often when working on a project with a deadline I will start playing my favorite tunes, and put on my headphones. Doing so, I have found I can block outside distractions around me, as well as tap into a creative resource.
