If you have a goal to get more things done today, step back and reflect on the environment you work in and ask yourself, “Is this workspace designed to help me focus on the work I have to do?”
Every time you are distracted, the energy you were getting from moving your project forward is halted, and you need to start over. Too many times, you need to gather new strength to pick up where you left off, and you may waste valuable time figuring out exactly where that was.
What to Do About It
Identify one piece of work that deserves about 45 minutes of focused attention. Then, go to a place where you can be alone for that time. It can be a different office or conference room or even the coffee shop. By getting away from your desk, you will not be available for phone calls or to check e-mail (that means stashing your smart phone where you can’t access it!).
Let your co-workers and team members know you will not be available during this short time, because you will be focusing on a particular project. Before starting a work session, think of the people who might interrupt you and use the time before your focus period to ask them for anything they may need from you. You also can mention that you will be unavailable during the next 45 minutes because you will be focusing on a specific piece of work you need to finish.