In an age of constant connectivity, your environment can be the biggest threat to your productivity. We build our workspaces for communication and quick access, but they are turning out to be the natural enemies of sustained, focused work. Therefore, to get more done at work, we must be deliberate about minimizing the physical noise so that the work at hand can take centre stage.
The Phone
Even when it is silent, its presence calls for your attention. To focus, place the phone in your bag and leave it in another room (make sure you are in a safe space). If it must be close to you at all, allow only essential contacts through. Also, when working in a browser, use a site blocker to prevent straying.
Your Eyes
Your mind is always scanning. Every loose paper or blinking light seeks our attention. To save your precious energy for focused work, clear your workspace at the end of each day so that the next morning always greets you with a clean and fresh space to work, not clutter. Also, make use of soft lighting to create ambience. If you have any say in the painting, choose calmer colours. These help your mind to settle more easily into what you’re supposed to do – work.
Surrounding Sound
Believe me when I say that what you listen to, in addition to what you see, can distract you. Some claim they do their best work with loud music. However, that can easily distract you from work. So, select soft music instead – white noise or gentle instrumental music. A good pair of headphones does more than reduce noise – it quietly tells others that you don’t wish to be disturbed.
Conclusion
As you practice over time, you no longer need to try so hard to concentrate. Your environment will guide you. Under the right conditions, focus no longer feels forced; it becomes the most natural thing to do.
