Minimize Distractions and Focus
Sometimes I have a hard time focusing while writing a post or coming up with a good idea.
I have to set some rules (bleh) to make sure I can accomplish getting anything done but at the same time not drive myself crazy while my time is being sucked up into the writing, researching, and never-ending task of duties and things I need….ok ok…(Susan take a breath)
So now my rituals come into play, otherwise I would be sitting up later at night than I already do….
- Close MyBlogLog, Affiliate Performance Reporting, Stats and Feeds – when any of these are up, I end up being distracted by checking for things like a new contact request, refreshing stats or feeds.
- Close AIM – Having my instant messenger up is like me screaming to be interrupted. I’ll get a friend or my husband wanting to share a new funny cat video. It’s hard to ignore the window when it’s blinking with a new message, read me read me!
- Turn off the TV – I TIVO everything…and I like to multi-task. It’s a bad habit, but I like to multi-task by watching my recorded program while working, which can end up hurting my work progress….
- Turn off the Music – If I’m trying to concentrate hard enough, usually I start writing the lyrics..and that isn’t productive!
- Sign out of Gmail – This one is hard one to do, I check my main email account constantly and if anything new comes in, I clear it out. If I can, I try to close it to avoid checking in.
- Turning off cell or placing it on silent – This one I’m good at. I hate the sound of the phone…sometimes I want to chuck my cell phone across the room.
- Take a break and play games – A lot of times I find it re-energizing to sign on to my City Of Heroes account to play with other gamers. It’s a nice break from “real life”.
- Take a break to Exercise – It’s amazing how lifting some weights, doing situps or going for a walk can do for the body and mind
- Take a break to take a drive – I love to get into my car and zone out for awhile. Some great ideas come out this way!
Many bloggers have a routine in place to finish posts – it’s a demanding job…good thing it can be rewarding.
Yeah I definitely am the same way. I love to blog and develop sites, but I just get distracted to easy. If it’s not IM, it’s email or RSS Feeds, or whatever else comes up. I really have to focus and consciously block everything else out and do the work.
I’m living with my parents right now, but was actually thinking of getting my own place so I can simply concentrate more on my college work and my blog: less distractions + less hassles + more free time = more work done. Oh, yeah, one more point – turn off MySpace with its annoying flashing ads! Actually, getting AdBlock with FireFox and my ban-list may be one of the best options. Another good reason to keep reading the 73rd :)
[...] limiting distractions while blogging and keeping focus on the blog itself, Susan mentioned turning off your TV, music, Gmail, AIM all many other useful points that may benefit you [...]
Minimizing distractions is a must. I can get so easily distracted just in the researching of new posts. That’s a great list. I’m horrible for checking stats.
Some days (like right now) I want to blog, but have so many other things going on that I can’t seem to clear my mind enough to focus 8O too bad somedays we can’t just minimize “life” for a few hours in order to get some work done :)
Signing out of aim, not listening to music, and not checking my stats and email(s) are the big ones for me. However, I tend to keep my email up because for Cal Poly email is the primary source of contact for professors and students. If the professors forgets to tell you an assignment in class and emails it to you, you’re responsible for completing that assignment whether or not you read your email. :(
I couldn’t go for a drive and zone out because gas is way too expensive :D I do like it when I’m walking to class…I have all the time to think then. It’s very peaceful and keeps my mind off the many things I have to accomplish before the day’s end.
Working from home presents a lot more distractions – mine is simply the TV and I make sure I switch it off when I’m doing serious stuff. I also like to multi-task so that can actually hit productivity. :)
This is great advice. I especially like number 1. I’m driven by numbers and I would say stat tracking is a huge distraction.
Some good tips in there. I generally will keep my music on as I find it pretty relaxing, but the list overall makes sense.