5 Ways to Ensure Concentration at Work (or home!)

Today I want to talk about a problem that many of us are facing: an inability to concentrate at work due to the draw and convenience of technology. The truth is, many of us pretend that is it okay to be off track at work, but in reality, I am convicted that it is truly a dishonest practice. When hired, our managers entrusted us to use the company's resources well and honestly--you're not allowed to take 3 hole punches from the office, no matter how badly your child needs one for a school project. 

Similarly, our hiring managers entrusted us with another valuable resource: their time. In short, they are paying you, hopefully a good price, to do what you do. So when you are wasting time looking up party supplies on Pinterest or cyber-stalking the new wedding photos of that girl you had biology with in 9th grade, you are stealing not only minutes and hours of your company's time, but you are dishonestly taking your pay check for the day. 

I am as guilty of this as the next person, but I believe that we were created to be honest employees who deserve the respect and pay-check given to them. We are supposed to be a light for others--and I believe this light is supposed to shine with integrity and self-control in the office, as much as, in other aspects of our lives.  

So, I'm going to give you 5 easy ways to take control of your attention span at work so that you do not have to slam your computer shut when your boss walks in. (She knows what you're doing anyway!)

1. 60 MINUTES TECHNOLOGY FREE.

Set a timer on your phone for 60 minutes, then turn that sucker on airplane mode, and get cracking. It will take about 10 minutes for you to remember that you do not have access to anything other than your current work, but then I promise, you'll hit a sweet spot and kick work butt for the next 50 minutes. You will be surprise how much you will get done in this uninterrupted time. This means no texts, no scrolling through social media, no emails (unless that is what you are working on), and no Internet sites unrelated to your topic. When the timer goes off, grab your phone, head to the water cooler, take a few moments, and then get right back at it with another 60 minutes. 

2. DO NOT TRY TO MULTITASK. 

Women, let's face it, we excel at juggling tasks, but for the sake of your work, research has shown it is best to do each task one at a time. This allows your brain to concentrate and thoroughly work through each item as it is presented, instead of bouncing from one thing to the next.  You will accomplish tasks quicker and get around to those tasks you have been putting off. 

3. CHECK YOUR EMAIL 3 TIMES A DAY. 

I have found that is it best if I check my email for the first time 2 hours after I get to the office. This gives me two solid hours of getting my daily tasks out of the way before I respond to the requests of others. My timeline is typically: 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. This works so that important emails can still be answered before lunch and so that when it is quitting time, I am not leaving the office with emails looming opened or over my head. With my email closed for the majority of the day, I am able to accomplish tasks quicker and spend less time following up with emails at home. 

4. UNINSTALL "MESSAGES" FROM YOUR DESKTOP.

I understand, my husband is cute and funny AND I love daily updates on my dog. Maybe for you it is a husband or kids that are preoccupying your mind--but whatever it is, you boss is paying you to be present at work. Uninstalling Messages or whatever app you are using from your desktop, removes the temptation to send a quick text that turns into a lengthy conversation. We all know that if we text via our laptops, we are less likely to be caught off task--but we also know we are much more likely to stay off task. Uninstall and check your messages on your phone every 60 minutes as mentioned above. 

5. LISTEN TO MUSIC WITHOUT WORDS. 

My best friend did a research project about this in 10th grade, so I know that this has to be true: people who listen to classical music or music without lyrics are more likely to succeed at their tasks than people who do not listen to music or sing along. Why? Easy--when we are singing along, our brain is multitasking and we are not able to focus as well. Not so sure you are into classical music--that's okay! Pandora and Spotify are full of options set up to fit your mood, but also fit the "no-lyrics"rule. 

A huge component of life coaching is setting weekly action steps to accomplish a larger goal. If increasing your effectiveness at a project is one of your larger goals, try a few of the tips listed above or come up with 2-3 personal action steps you can take this week to increase your concentration. Talk with a coach about how to create SMART action steps that work for you!