Focusing on Success

In the current world of instant information and constant interruptions we often find it hard to get things accomplished. If you are following the Focusing on Success program, you are writing down your daily action items and starting your day working on #1 and moving through the list. The problem comes when there are interruptions, phone calls, urgent emails, daily tasks, and all the plethora of distractions that fill your day and you lose your focus. How do you keep on track?

The best way to keep things on track is to focus on each task, one at a time and avoid all interruptions. I know, this is easier said than done. However, if you follow the process through, you will know when to allow interruptions and when to avoid them. The key is to understand how this interruption fits into the grand scheme of things and if you should allow it.

When you are working on an action item you should avoid checking email, answering phones, or allowing interruptions. As we all know, some things will be unavoidable but if you follow some simple steps these can all be managed. There are some great interruption management techniques in the book The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. Below are some ways to manage some of the most common interruptions:

Email:

• Turn off new email notifications so you don't check constantly
• Set specific times to handle email, maybe twice a day; scan for important items more frequently (don't want the boss mad at you)
• If you get an important email decide what actions need to happen immediately and what can wait.

Phone Calls:

• My best advice - let the call go to voicemail
• When a call comes in that you must answer, keep it short

In-Person Interruptions

• If someone drops by unexpected, take a few seconds to explain you are busy and suggest a time for them to stop back
• Close the office door - I know it's not good with the "open door" policy but it's more effective - just set times for open doors

Media / News

• Unless your job requires it, avoid it

Daily Tasks

• Block out certain periods of time to complete your tasks
• Set the time based on completion of certain action items - after I complete this post, I will run to the cleaners to pick up my clothes

There are many ways to help deal with the constant interruptions that we are faced with and we will discuss many more in future posts.

The point to remember here is, once you have followed the processes in Focusing on Success, you will have a clear understanding of what interruptions you will let knock you off track. Obviously, there will be many interruptions that require your immediate attention. The secret is knowing which ones they are and which ones to let go. When you have your focused dialed in, these decisions will be second nature.

Oh, I almost forgot the most important lesson. DO NOT MULTI-TASK. PERIOD.

Cheers to Success!
Tony