Hey everyone, as you will hear in this episode, I was still not feeling very well when I recorded this episode. Here is a “good enough” rendition of my shownotes. It’s not exactly what I would want to put out for you, but I work hard to move forward and accept imperfection. Hey everyone, as you will hear in this episode, I was still not feeling very well when I recorded this episode. Here is a “good enough” rendition of my shownotes. It’s not exactly what I would want to put out for you, but I work hard to move forward and accept imperfection.
Here are some of the key points I discuss in this episode:
Staying Focused while during work
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Breaks can be hard requires attention shifting and working memory
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Hyperfocus is often paradoxical to productivity because it drains us
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Not feeling well can really tax your working memory
(Cues and reminders) helps create clarity
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When taking a break, write down the last thing that you just did, and the next thing you are planning on doing. Leaving yourself crumbs, What you’re going to do next, and what you just did.
Pomodoro
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25 minute focus then take a break
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I can get though about 6 Pomodoro’s on a good day, before I get into hyperfocus.
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Strategically use and place timers.
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Premium version allow you to set goals and alerts.
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Being intentional requires taking data and getting feedback.
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Know your distractions.
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I’m personally distracted by auditory distractions.
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Hearing everything and processing nothing
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Shiny Object Syndrome
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Tips: Sounds masks, White noise machine, earplugs. I use the Marpac Duel Speed Sound Conditioner both in my office and at home. H
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Create affiliate link to sound machine.
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Communicate with others to not interrupt you.
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Visual distractions: do math
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Science fair trifold boards – block out distractions
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Put a mirror in front of you, to catch you getting distracted
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Use a parking lot: sticky note
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Distracted Reading: Active Reading, writing in the margins, keeps you engaged
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Do you do better by listening? Is what you are reading available in an audio format?
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The key is to know yourself.
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Declutter your desk.
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Turn off ringers & notifications.
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Autosilent App
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Use Voicemail.
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I put a sticky note on my computer to remind myself what I am working on.
2 thoughts on “12: Lets Focus”
I just recently found your podcast, and I’m working through your backlog until I get to your new content. I’m really enjoying it and finding it very helpful.
Something that helps me focus, and this seems kind of counter-intuitive, is having the TV on. I put on one of a few shows that I like, but have been through so many times I know the dialog by heart. I find that this is just shiny enough to keep the part of my brain that likes distractions busy, but doesn’t impede on the tasks I am trying to get done. It doesn’t work for some things that require intense thought (such as trying to learn new concepts), but if I’m trying to get chores done or do something that I already have a process for, it provides just enough stimulation to not get in the way of what I’m doing.
You’re doing a great job, and I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got coming 😀
Thanks for your comment.