Conquer Distractions

3 Mins

So how do you minimize distractions? 
There are a few ways:

Turn off your notifications

Even if you don’t plan on answering that email or instant message, the mere act of reading the notification can distract you from your work. When you’re working, turn off your notifications so that you can give your whole concentration to the task at hand.

Block off time to concentrate

Block off time on your calendar every day to concentrate on what you need to do. This is time that can’t be used for meetings, calls, or any of the other small things on your schedule that break up your work day — and your concentration.

Try working from a different place

Working at your desk can come with lots of interruptions: co-workers popping by to chat about the weekend, managers popping by to check in on work. Simply working in a different part of the office can minimize the chances you’ll be interrupted. If you have the option, you can even try to work from home.

Time for a quiz.

Your friend, Kelsey, really needs to concentrate on finishing a task at work but wants to keep her email notifications on to “make sure she doesn’t miss anything.” Why should she turn off her email notifications?

Quiz 1 of 1

Your friend, Kelsey, really needs to concentrate on finishing a task at work but wants to keep her email notifications on to “make sure she doesn’t miss anything.” Why should she turn off her email notifications?

a
If she gets an email, she might feel like she has to answer it, which will take time from the work she's doing.
b
Notifications could break her concentration.
c
Notifications make her devices run too slow to get work done quickly.
d
Notifications take her out of a business mindset.

Answer B: Notifications could break her concentration.

Even if Kelsey doesn't plan on answering the emails, merely noticing the notifications can break her concentration.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

The next time you need to concentrate on work, turn off your notifications. Notice how much more productive you are!

Lesson complete

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