Many things can cause interruptions when we are working on a task. We often look at others as the source of these interruptions-- such as phone calls or questions from an employee. But as Denise Landers writes, "there is another one to add to that list. We interrupt ourselves frequently."
Whether the source of the interruption is internal or external, interruptions are a huge time waster. It can take as long as 20 minutes to regain focus, during which time another interruption can occur.
External sources can be difficult to control, though not impossible. We can shut the door, turn off the phone, etc. to reduce or eliminate these causes.
Internal sources-- such as boredom, procrastination, or simply habit-- can also be difficult to control. Landers suggests setting aside a small amount of time each day to focus on one project. "It may seem strange at first, she writes, "and you will find your mind wandering or your hand edging toward the email inbox. Fight the urge."
That might seem like a simplistic suggestion. But the fact is, keeping focus does require effort, and we are the only one who can exert that effort. Like many tasks that are difficult, it may be a struggle at first but will get easier in time.
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2 comments:
staying focused is one difficult thing to maintain for a long while. i read somewhere that only 20% of all activities you conduct in a day end up having benefits to you. i would follow your suggestion and add that if you lay down activities to accomplysh in a day,you will succeed as far as your objectives allow you.
Your are probably referring to Pareto's Principle, also known as the 80/ 20 Rule. It basically says that 20% of your effort gets you 80% of your results. I don't think that it is literally true, but I do think we can easily spend a lot of time accomplishing nothing.
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