Sitting on the internet
It takes us an average of 15 minutes to focus and fully immerse ourselves in something. If we get distracted from our work to read the news, go on social media, or watch a video, we have to tune out again for 15 minutes. The more often we get distracted like this, the more productivity suffers.
Strive for perfectionism
Many people fall into a stupor when they need to start something, believing that their idea or work falls short of perfection. But how can you create something if you never start and give your ideas a chance to take shape? The need to avoid perfectionism was perfectly articulated by writer Jodi Picoult: “A badly written page can be edited, a blank page cannot.”
Go to meetings
Meetings absorb a lot of working time, so if possible, try to refuse them. If something really important is discussed, warn everyone in advance that you will stick to the appointed schedule. When there’s a clear time limit, it’s easier for everyone to focus.
Respond to emails as soon as they arrive
Don’t let emails constantly distract you. Check your inbox at the same specific time, and set up notifications for emails from your most important clients. You can also set up an autoresponder to let you know when you can check your email and respond to emails.
Take a nap in the morning
Sleep is divided into several cycles, the last of which prepares us to be awake and active upon waking. That’s why we sometimes wake up earlier than our alarm clock.
But if we decide to take a nap and go back to sleep, we lose that feeling of alertness and wake up tired and lethargic. This state can last for hours. So no matter how sleep-deprived you feel after the alarm clock rings, force yourself out of bed if you want your morning to be productive.
