It’s simple, really. Easy to come by, easy to use And essential for better focus at work.
I don’t know what’s in the air, but all of a sudden things are mad-hectic. Speaking to some friends, seems like it’s pretty common at this time of year because we’re all flat OUT.
For me it’s very important that whatever tasks I have I give them one hundred per cent so I can be sure I’m handing in my best work. At the same time though, I’m a big believer in sticking to standard work hours, not logging endless days chained to my desk. Work smarter, not harder and all that.
In order to gel those two priorities, keeping focused while I’m at work is essential.
Sometimes though, I catch this happening: I’m at my desk typing away merrily when I remember I was going to find that article about whatever. So I open my web browser, where my homepage is set to a local news site. Woo, that story looks interesting, what’s it about? I’ll just have a quick look.
Four articles and two other tangents later, I’m trying to remember what I was looking for. I can’t, so I close my browser and get back to typing. Oh that’s right, internet open again. Or maybe I do remember during that browsing session, but because I’ve been down an internet rabbit hole I can’t remember where I was up to on the original task. Not only am I losing the time needed to mentally switch between tasks, there are extra moments spent casting around for what I’m meant to be switching back to.
Given that we’re all trying to deal with about four million things on any given day, I’m sure I’m not alone.
Enter: The Weapon.
So what do I use to keep better focus at work? It’s super low-tech and super easy to use.
Yep, a simple to-do list. Every time something pops into my head, I jot it down so I
don’t forget, and keep on with what I’m working on. Because I love stationery I even have two! (Both from Kikki K, of course). The smaller one is for non-work tasks and it has an adhesive strip on the back, which I love because at the end of the work day I just stick the list in my diary or inside my wallet so I have it handy when I get home. The two in the picture aren’t available anymore but something like this will work really well.
I know there are a ton of really useful apps out there that you can use to manage your to-do list, but this low-tech version is, for me, much faster for that initial step. I keep it right next to my keyboard so it takes literally seconds to scrawl out a word or two. Later, if I want to, I can unearth my phone, unlock it, open the app, and find the right spot to record the to-do, with alarms and what not.
It’s also incredibly satisfying to draw a big tick and cross out completed tasks!
Oh yes, post-its are my trick too! I have to jot things down to get it out of my head and not forget it. I also like to write down just three things to do the night before for the next day – and just heard Rachel say that in the last audio too!
Yes I’ve heard that’s a good one! Or right before you leave your office for the day. Might add that to the repertoire
Can totally relate Tahlia. I find myself doing the same thing – my constant fight with the internet. It is my biggest distraction! I love a list and find the oversized jumbo post-it notes stuck up next to my desk is the best way to keep me on task. Thanks for sharing… this is great x
Thanks Claire 🙂
Yes I love keeping to do list too. It helps keep me on track so much. I also get heaps of satisfaction from ticking of completed items! My biggest trick for maintaining focus while working is the self-control app for mac. You can either set it to block certain sites or only allow you on certain sites for a set amount of time. It has been a lifesaver for me.
Ooooh I’ve heard that’s good! Thanks Chloe 🙂
I’ll have to share this with Shaun. He loves a list and was talking about this the other day 🙂
He does! Pretty sure he’d take list-keeping to a whole other level than mine though 🙂
Oh I love a good “To Do” list. It’s hard to choose what I love more actually – Kikki K, or a ‘To Do’ list. [HUGE stationery fan]. Thanks Tahlia. 🙂
Haha same!
Reminded me of the children’s book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!” Yes, I have internet ADD as well. Well, it’s not JUST to the internet, I’m afraid. I like digital to do lists, personally, but at least it gives my scattered brain some purpose! Squirrel!
Mine’s not just limited to the internet either I’m afraid! What do you use for to-do lists?