Focus on One Thing

We are living in a world full of distractions and distractions normally are things that bring instant joy. This is why we switch between what we are supposed to be doing and get distracted by anything else.

Focus on just one thing and get it done.

Here is a list of things that help me to focus on the most important task and get things done:

Block focus time

Add to your calendar block of hours where you want to be purely focused on work. This will allow your team to understand that you are not going to be available during those hours.

Disable notifications

During this time, update your slack status and disable notifications. Close your email and any other application that can interrupt you during your focus time.

Define your next step

Figure out what's the most important thing that needs to be done for moving forward in your weekly goals.

Save it for later

Having a place where you can quickly add something for later is essential. You don't want to forget anything that comes up to your mind while you are focused on your main task. And you don't want to switch the context to send a message to your colleague or start to work on a small refactor of your code. Save it for later. 

I am using Things, a great app for Mac that allows me to save into my inbox anything, the only thing I have to do is to press a combination of keys and it will automatically show a window where I can type and save for later.

Do the work

As simply as DO THE WORK. Work on what you have to do, now you are free of distractions, and you don't have any excuses.

Have you found useful any of the shared advice? Feel free to tweet about this post and share any other tips that you use to find your focus time.