STOP these Common Focus Blockers and 10x Productivity!

I read some alarming stats the other day!

On average, an office worker will pick up their phones more than 1500 times per week, amounting to 3 hours and 16 minutes a day, and check their email inbox 30 times every hour!

How crazy is that!

There is no denying that workplace productivity is a key element in any successful business.

With the rise of new technology, social media platforms, and the general demand for attention, I began to notice some distracting habits creep in that were sabotaging my focus, leading to poor performance and outcomes.

In today's newsletter, I want to share the importance of focus at work and explore how making 2 lists 10X'ed my focus and productivity!

Let's face it: the modern workplace is filled with distractions. From the constant ping of emails, Slack notifications and the lure of social media, it can be difficult to maintain focus on the task at hand.

Just so we are on the same page when I say focus, I mean;

The ability to concentrate on one task or thought while blocking out other distractions.

I believe it's a vital skill for our lives and our careers for a few reasons;

• First, focus allows us to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. When we can hone in on one thing at a time, we can accomplish more in less time.
• Second, focus enhances our problem-solving abilities. By giving our full attention to a problem, we're better equipped to find the right solutions.
• Lastly, focus helps us learn and retain information. When we're thoroughly engaged in what we're doing, we're more likely to remember it later.

On a personal level, I have found that having more focus can reduce my stress, improve my mental well-being, and boost my self-confidence.

I believe we can enhance our overall quality of life by developing our ability to stay focused.

WHY?

Because, in my opinion, focus is not just about getting things done; it's about getting the RIGHT things done. Without focus, we risk spreading ourselves too thin and not accomplishing what we want to achieve.

Before I really looked into the importance of focus, I used busy as a badge of honour. I would say,

"I have had such a busy day",

But when I sat down with my journal at night, I realised I hadn't actually achieved that much.

I was not focused on the right activities or prioritising tasks. If an email pinged, I would read it, and it would take me 20 minutes or more to get back to the task.

Can you relate?

Working on my focus helped me seek clarity and prioritise tasks, ensuring that what needs to get done gets done!

The first step I took was writing out a STOP doing list. On this list were all the things that pulled my attention and did not lead to any benefits personally or professionally.

On the list was the following;

• Checking social media platforms multiple times a day.
• Constantly refreshing my emails.
• Multitasking. (For example, being on the phone with a teammate and responding to an email.)
• Unnecessary meetings. What could have been a 5-minute call, turns into a 30-minute conversation.
• Lack of planning and preparation
• Overworking and not prioritising rest and recharging
• Picking up my phone whenever it would ring to unknown numbers
• Scrolling on Linkedin.

I highly recommend you create your own STOP-doing list; it honestly helped me realise just how much time I wasted in my day.

I also know that once I am aware of something, I have the power to change it, so upon writing this list, I sat back and thought...

"What are some habits I want to START?"

What would be the habits that would take my life, career and business to the next level, improve my focus and increase my productivity, leading to better outcomes AND more time for the activities I enjoy?

So the next step was creating a START doing list.

On that list was the following;

• Plan out the day the night before, and focus on the #1 priority and outcome I want to achieve that day.
• Schedule everything and organise the calendar accordingly.
• Turn off all distractions, no tabs open, no notifications pinging throughout the day.
• Go for a walk after each meal (I found my mind was clearer, and it forced me to move more daily)
• Meditate every morning and journal every night (my life, energy and focus improved significantly from this)
• Mindfeed. Every day, listen to educational podcasts and read development books.
• Turn off my phone and laptop by 8 pm

Everything on the list is what I strive for each week, but I know that I am not perfect, so I do not beat myself up if something slips now and then.

I have an attitude that as long as I am making progress and being just 1% better each week, then I will achieve the outcomes I want and, in doing so, live up to my true potential.

For me, improving focus has been a journey without a destination.

It's about making small, consistent changes to habits and work environment that add up over time.

Don't be disheartened if you don't see immediate results and those old habits creep back in; it happens to me, too!

Keep identifying your distractions, implementing strategies to combat them, and refining your approach as needed.?

I promise that with persistence and determination, you can improve your focus, enhance your productivity, and find greater satisfaction in your work.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter.?

I'd love to hear what you are going to put on your STOP and START-do lists.

Comment below.?

Until next time

Georgie X

If you are looking for more career and life hacks, check out the Career Confidence Podcast.

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