If you’re in front of a computer most of the day, especially if you’re online, then there are an immeasurable number of things competing for your attention.
Despite the fact that we have technology and tools that help us get more done faster (and even, at time, with less work), I sometimes wonder if we’re actually getting that much more done.
So here’s the question:
What do you do to actually get in the zone for several hours to focus on work?
For me:
- Communication (email, Twitter, Yammer, etc) off
- Music and Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Cleared calendar
- Coffee đŸ™‚
Jason Bradley says
Don’t forget to turn off your RSS feeds either, I’m guessing that was included in etc….
Tom McFarlin says
Truthfully, I don’t have my reader open that much. I normally check it first thing in the morning, over lunch, and then some time in the afternoon.
Michael says
Music, coffee, twitter and scrap paper to doodle on.
Tom McFarlin says
True – I’ve always got a notebook and a pen beside me.
Peter says
What also helps me tremendously is to have a plan. Usually I have a list of todos that all take 30 minutes or less. I tend to make much better progress this way than when I have one larger item.
Tom McFarlin says
Yes .. I actually bought Things for my iPad a few months ago and it’s helped tremendously. For me, that’s been the “killer app” for the device.