You’re no stranger to this. That wild, crazy NBA nut case colleague of yours who has to keep tab of everything that happens in basketball in his smart phone. What about the junior exec on your right who has to answer all his calls through his speaker phone! These distractions can go on and on throughout the day. They’re big distractions … big and serious enough to get you climbing walls, right? Right. But don’t climb walls. Stay cool. You can do something about it.
Distractions like these are what prevent us from accomplishing as much work as we should. After all, a University of California research did find out that an employee gets to spend only about eleven (11) minuteson a task before getting interrupted by one thing or another, or abandoning this to switch to another task at hand. And, once this flow of work gets disrupted, it’ll take about twenty three (23) minutes to get your bearings and get back on track.
Here’s what productivity experts suggest you do:
1) Literally stand up. There’s usually this guy who’d drop by your desk purportedly simply to ask a quick question but before you know it, he’s giving you a rundown on the results of the latest U.S. presidential candidates’ survey and why Donald Trump shouldn’t be leading Americans. With the twenty three minutes you’ll need to get back on track, you’ll find yourself cramming before the day is out. Stand up! The experts say. It’s easier to cut a conversation short when you’re standing than it is when this guy gets cozy and comfortable.
2) Put up that “Don’t Disturb!” sign. This will speak volumes to those who’d just like to chat with you. And, get rid of those candy and cookie jars in your cabinet. They’re a sure invitation to interruptions.
3) Take control of your time. If your distractions are work-related such as emails or unscheduled meetings, get into the habit of listing down things to be taken up with certain people and do it in one sweep. This will avoid back and forth email exchanges and frequent drop-ins.
4) Recognize you also create your own distractions. Not all disruptions happen because of your co-workers. Half the time we do it ourselves. Our addiction to Instagram, for instance, Facebook or our smart phones. These can easily get you off track. Be aware of these. Control and keep them to a minimum level.
5) Go single tasking. Experts say it’s the better way to go. It not only helps you to get more things done. It tends to make you sharper and smarter as it motivates you to attend to your priorities. Plus, it brings down your stress level.
Keep these suggestions at the back of your mind. The next time a disruptive situation crops up, you’ll know what to do without climbing walls!
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