What is the secret to maximizing your productivity? It’s oh so obvious, but at the same time, it bears repeating over and over and over again because of the nature of the world we live in today.
The secret is this: minimize your distractions and you maximize your productivity.
(This is, of course, easier said than done.)
If you’re like me, distractions are just about everywhere you look. They could appear in the form of your inbox, your phone’s constant notifications, your surroundings, or even your dog.
But the truth is, if you want to get as much done as you can in as little time as possible during your working hours, removing distractions is THE WAY TO GO.
While minimizing distractions requires practice and discipline, the rewards are oh so sweet. For when you become ultra-productive, you bestow upon yourself more leisure time! Below is a collection of quick tips to get you started.
1. That pesky inbox 📧
I know it’s hard, but if you are serious about maximizing your productivity, you MUST close your inbox tab while you’re working. This is probably the single biggest thing you can do to see results quickly. Without that constant stream of interruptions, you’ll find yourself slipping into a state of deep work, where the real magic happens.
2. That pesky phone 📲
I know it’s hard. Truly, I do. But once you experience the productivity you’re capable of when your phone is across the room (or better yet, in another room!), you will be hooked. Never forget your phone is masterfully designed to steal your attention at every opportunity, and the reality is you can’t be trusted in its presence! It’s not your fault – you’re a human, and it was engineered to prey upon all of your human tendencies. So take control. Tap into your awesomeness. Put the phone away when you’re working – and I mean really away.
3. That pesky environment 🍕
What can you do to transform your environment into one that supports maximum productivity? First, you can keep your workspace tidy and organized. A tidy environment is always more conducive to productivity. Second, you can remove any objects, items, or papers that attract your attention. I’m a big believer in a minimalist workspace because it leaves one’s mind free to focus on the task at hand.
I dare you to start today
Getting into the habit of applying the above strategies may not come easily. It will undoubtedly require practice and discipline on your part. But when you see how much more you can get done in an hour when your mind can focus only on one thing as opposed to being pulled away once a minute by an email, a phone notification, or something else, you’ll understand just how powerful this way of working is.
Try it today. I dare you 🤗
