Distraction-free Productivity
By Jason Womack
womackcompany.com

When it's time to get things done, how do you manage time?

When it comes to super-sizing your productivity, there's a distinct difference between "multi-tasking" and holding a focus-to-finish mindset. I've seen it on the trading floor, in the classroom, even on an airplane; when you focus on something until it's done, it can be easier to get more things done!

What does it take?

In a day, we generally will think of - and receive - more to do than we can do that day. Take a look around as you read this: emails to read, voice mail to listen to, magazines to read, print-outs to review, meetings to plan for, there's a LOT out there! So, when it comes time to be your best, here are things you can do:

1. Think Better
I know there are more and less effective ways to think. For example, when I'm typing the draft of an article, I like to have a piece of note paper off to the right side of my desk. That's where I write down any (unconnected to what I'm doing) ideas I need to think about later. When I'm writing a thank you card, I like to have empty space on my desk. When I'm having a meeting with a client, I like to have access to a white board to I can draw out the ideas we're discussing.

2. Maximize Distractions
Yes, that's right, maximize them. I've seen too many times when people try to minimize their distractions they actually find themselves multi-tasking - or rapidly refocusing - more and more through the day. How do you maximize distractions? Here are two things I can recommend:

a) Less, with more... ask the people around you to interrupt you "in about an hour," with the things they think of between now and then. Instead of interrupting you (in person, via phone or email, with a text) ask them to wait. If it's not a priority, I'd prefer you interrupt me once with three things...than three times with one thing each.

b) Think now, about then... this is a big one. Open your calendar and move the "day" to about 5 days from now. Between now and then, what will you need to have seen, heard and done? Make a list of things to do and to ask people, and see if you can get them done ahead of time. More proaction = Less distraction.

3. Ask for Help:
When it comes to maximum productivity, look for ways you can get some outside assistance and counsel. One of my favorites (and, what I write about in chapter 8 of the book) is to ask really, really busy people how they do it. Sometimes, by asking for feedback and ideas from other people, I see something in a brand new way that really helps me move the mission forward.

Ok, your turn. How do you focus in on and get the right things done?