Regardless of where you work interruptions will occur and have the capacity to zap, or dampen, your focus. How quickly after an interruption can you regroup and get back to what you were working on? Much depends on the type of focus buster you just experienced. Would you be surprised to learn that we interrupt ourselves as much as we get interrupted by external sources? It’s true.
A study conducted by Mark, Gonzalez, Harris summarized that an average task would be worked on for 11 minutes before an interruption kicks in. Often 25 minutes passed before the original task was continued. Back working on the original task, 8 minutes would pass until the same level of focus was regained before the initial interruption; leaving only 3 minutes until the next anticipated interruption. It takes effort to re-orient to the task. There’s a cognitive cost.
Identifying the Interruptions
Things that tap into our focus and take us away from work come in all shapes and sizes. After reading this list which one(s) frequently derail your focus in a single business day?
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Not having a daily to-do list
- Having no organization to how you work
- Social media
- TV
- Your surroundings
I’m guessing you could identify at least two from this list, if not more.
Regaining Focus
- Work in chunks. Group similar tasks together and work on these during a set time of the day. For example, say 4 clients need the same type of service completed. Begin with client A’s project then repeat working in this area for clients B, C, and D even if client A has other projects to be completed. By working in this area you won’t need to stop and come back later when you’re ready for client B. You’ll be maximizing your momentum and most likely working with the same software and applications continuously.
- Reward your efforts. Take breaks throughout the day to step away from your desk, keep hydrated, and refresh your mind. A break of 5-10 minutes can make a noticeable difference. Even stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air will be a great reward. Perhaps take a 10 minute break to connect with friends on social media or pick up your Kindle. Afraid you’ll extend your break too long? Set a timer and enjoy your reward.
- Music. Choose your genre and indulge. Studies suggest that working to music activates brain waves, lowers blood pressure, and boosts productivity.
- Under the radar. If the surrounding noises and conversations are distracting reach for your ear buds or headsets. Temporarily shut off instant messaging and Skype while you work through the morning.
Improving Your Focus Stamina
If you find your focus waning and the distractions increasing then it’s time to practice strengthening your stamina. Like working out? Not exactly but it does come with some exercises that will aid you in sticking with a task and promotes feeling great about getting more accomplished daily.
- Begin with reading more. If you enjoy reading but don’t always make the time, this step will speak to you. Studies suggest that daily continuous reading of 30-60 minutes in length will strengthen your mind’s ability to focus solely on one task. Think of it as exercise for your mind. This exercise can be pleasure reading of a fictional story or business reading to sharpen a skill you’ve wanted to learn. The topic isn’t as important as reading for a specific amount of time.
- Commit to working uninterrupted for a set amount of time. Start off with 30 minutes of uninterrupted time and do this for a week. At the end of the week you should see measurably more accomplished. Then increase the time by 5-10 minutes until you’re working in 1 hour (minimum) intervals.
- Notice lazy work rhythms. We have natural recurring segments in our day that we are working at our peak and at our lows. Avoid scheduling tedious, detail oriented tasks during your natural low, draggy time of the day. For some that may be working hardest in the mornings. Others lag in the morning and find their mojo by mid-afternoon.