Reason #2: A Timer Helps Me Improve Focus

As alluded to in last week's reason, using a timer helps me focus. It is important to set aside times of intentional focus so that you can make progress on a project or give something your undivided attention, especially necessary if it is something where a mistake could be costly. When you need to focus, determine how much time you can give to whatever it is you want to accomplish or make progress on and set a timer.

During that timed session, do nothing but the intended work.

Don’t accept interruptions whether they are in-person, by phone call/text, or via email. If you have a door, shut it, or maybe move to a more isolated space. Our default mode is to be constantly available and respond to whatever the day throws at us. It takes intention to build in time to focus and will likely require a little coordination with and communication to coworkers. If you can carve out time to focus each day, great! Try for 30-60 minutes. If daily seems unreasonable, then try for a session or two each week. You'll be surprised at how much you can get done! You can use a traditional timer. Or you might want to check out the Focus Assist feature in Windows. This feature will stop notifications, including email notifications, during your timed session. From your search bar or in System Settings, search for the word: Focus. From Focus' settings you can explore the different options available.??

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One of my favorite timers (below) is from Time Timer, a company in Cincinnati. In future newsletters, I'll be sharing more about how helpful this timer can be in the workplace. If you'd like to pick one up, you can find it, along with some of my other favorite resources, on our Products page, under My Recommended Tools. Reply to this email with the word mentioned in the text and your name will be placed in the drawing for a Time Timer at the conclusion of the series.