You've likely asked a friend or family member how they're doing, or whats been going on in their life, and gotten the response, "Been really busy!"
In all honesty, you've probably answered that questions similarly.
Here's the problem.
That's likely not the case.
We love to shine the "Busy" Badge to those around us.
It’s a sense of pride and accomplishment to tell people you are always doing work--grinding, as the kids call it. Before I go any further, this is not a knock on hard work, its quite the opposite! I have had my share of blue collar, dirty hands jobs. I loved all of them, so this is in no way an article to disparage the idea of working hard.
What I want to do is bring you some awareness to your situation. With few exceptions, you’re likely not as busy as you want to believe you are. Case in point, if you’re reading this during the work day (and fancy reporting metrics tell me exactly who does,) you’re not working. This isn’t a trap, but take a second and monitor how many times you break your focus and let your mind wander away from the task at hand. My bet is a LOT.
The popular phrase, “Time is the most valuable resource,” has a great intention but is missing a key element.
You see, our most valuable resource isn’t time— its ATTENTION.
The reason we know this is because every single one of us has the exact same amount of time in a day, without exception. Where you put your attention during the day is what separates the successful people from the rest. Work on giving your full, devoted attention to a single task. Keep it there until the task is complete, then move on.
The other badge of honor we like to wear is that of multitasker.
I’ll stop you right there, it doesn’t exist. There isn’t any example you can give that will lead me to believe you can put high quality effort and execution into two things at one time. The nature of our brains is such that even listening to music with lyrics while working can cause your mind to wander instead of stay focused.
What can you do to improve your attention?
First, if you’re working on a project, assignment, work issue, and the like— set a timer.
Yep, like the one on your phone. Set it for a designated amount of time, anywhere from thirty to seventy-five minutes, and get to work. Focus solely on the task at hand. To make this easier, put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, and shut down your email. These things are manufactured distractors, designed to pull your attention away. Set up your environment for success.
Second, batch similar items together in chunks during the day. For example, give your self an hour to respond to all emails, texts, and even phone calls. These items are similar in nature, so you can batch them together.
The point of these exercises is to create awareness of where you are putting your attention during the day.
If you’re going to the gym to train, GO TO THE GYM TO TRAIN. Don’t let your phone pull away from your focus. The time you spend in the gym or working on your health is one of the most important things you can do in a day.
If you’re not healthy or fit, you aren’t much service to others. Give your attention to it and focus on your mind, your body, and getting the job done.
Practice these things, and become aware of how you’re actually spending your time throughout the day. If you get good at being devoted and focused, you will accomplish more, quicker, with a lot higher quality.
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