If you want to improve your concentration at work, then you need to learn how to remove distractions. A simple text message, noisy copier, or email alert can break your focus and cause you to lose valuable time.
In this episode of our Everyday Productivity video series, you’ll learn strategies designed to protect your time and make you more productive at work. For me, it all began with an unpleasant visit to the doctor.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How to improve your concentration at work?
- How to remove distractions from your workday?
- Why are some restaurants more successful than others?
- How to concentrate when you need to finish important work?
Video Transcript
You need to concentrate at work but it’s getting harder and harder. There are those times when you need to perform at your best. But you feel like you can’t because there are so many distractions around.
And that’s a factor in today’s workplace, so how can you remove some of this, let’s call it, overstimulation?
I’m reminded of a time, when I had to get an MRI. In order to have a scan, I had to be placed in a very tight tube for about 20 minutes.
Soon as I went into the tube, I became extremely claustrophobic. I hit the panic button right away. Got pulled out.
Nurse listened to my concerns. She said, “You’ve got to get this scan done. But this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to put a paper towel over your eyes. So, even if you open your eyes while you’re the tube, you won’t be able to see it.”
Suddenly, I slid back in the tube and knowing that I couldn’t see how cramped things were. Well then I was fine. I could get through it. I didn’t have that feeling of claustrophobia. So, by removing something, I was able to get through the experience.
So think about your workspace. Can you remove some distractions? Maybe you close out your e-mail, you put do not disturb on your door, or on your phone. You put your cell phone away. You stop paying attention to social media.
For some people, it’s about getting away from their desk for a little while. Maybe there’s an empty conference room, where you can go for a while, where people won’t necessarily know where you are or if they see you in there don’t know, hey, you’re working really hard on something and shouldn’t be bothered.
See if you can figure out what are those little distractions that can be controlled. And then eliminate them for a while. You need to be able to focus. And sometimes that means taking something away.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Everyday Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away.
Got a productivity problem? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. Sometimes that means learning how to improve your concentration at work To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
