{"id":72,"date":"2007-07-22T05:35:45","date_gmt":"2007-07-22T12:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lyndonantcliff.com\/time-management\/the-ultimate-guide-to-keeping-focussed\/"},"modified":"2007-07-22T05:35:45","modified_gmt":"2007-07-22T12:35:45","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-keeping-focussed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lyndonantcliff.com\/marketing\/time-management\/the-ultimate-guide-to-keeping-focussed\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate guide to keeping focussed"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is it about focus that is so important?<\/strong> Why must we be so concerned if focus is something we lack?<\/p>\n

I know that I am more successful at a task when I focus<\/strong>. Concentrating like a laser beam on the task in hand increases the chances of completing the task. Probably more than any one thing.<\/p>\n

If we want to improve our ability to complete tasks<\/strong> we must improve our focus.<\/p>\n

What is it that causes a lack of focus?
\nRarely is it the initial motivation. In fact the initial driving force behind your goal can sometimes blast through any lack focus if it is strong<\/strong> enough. But mostly, after a short period we get distracted, something else catches our eye, we feel we need to check out email, you know the drill.<\/p>\n

For me the basis of distraction is the thought that there is still more possibilities for options out that. Even though I have decided on one task I have an irrational feeling to gather as much information as humanly possible. Coupled with the seeminglyinfinite knowledge base that is the Internet makes it an eternal distraction. I have to learn that when I gain enough knowledge to complete the task the research should be over.<\/p>\n

What can you do to stop being distracted<\/strong> by infinite information fatigue?<\/p>\n

I have to plug out. I take a piece of paper and a pen and sit away with from the computer and the Internet. I sometimes take the time to go to a Coffee bar and get acappuccino. Fermentation of current research needs to take place for the ideas to reach fruition.<\/p>\n

I used to get distracted a lot from the computer games, if I could only get paid for playing Civilisation or Age of Empires. I solved that problem by simply de-installing them and hiding the CDs. Drastic action, but it has worked.<\/p>\n

Be ruthless with your bookmarks.
\nRegularly go through your bookmarks and get rid of all high time suckage<\/strong> websites.<\/p>\n

Place a time limit on your research time.
\nWhen developing an information project like a blog post or an ebook research can be never ending. Think how profitable the task<\/strong> is and create specific time slots to gather information.<\/p>\n

Create your workspace
\nTo work without disturbance gives you no chance to use it as an excuse not to work<\/strong>. Have you notice that after 15 mins of hard work you actually get into a mode of focused work that feels like you are a super hero and can achieve anything. This feeling is a result of the power of focus and it’s important to run whilst in this mode. Make sure when working on an important project you give the required quiet time you need.<\/p>\n

Focus is the biggest problem facing knowledge workers today.
\nDistraction is the evil cousin of focus and should be negated<\/p>\n

Here is what distracts me<\/p>\n