Method for avoid distractions and boredom

[horacioemilio]

Hi,

in my work I have to carry out different projects daily. My main problem is that I can not concentrate or work more than 10-20 minutes on the same things. Otherwise it becomes bored for me or I procrastinate.

So I found useful the following method. Suppose that I have to work on 3 projects a day. Let's called them P1, P2 and P3.

I divide my day in 7 work sessions (S1, S2, ... S7). And give one hour to each one. Between sessions, I rest or disconnect (walking, chat, coffee) during an average 10 minutes. Morning before lunch I work 3 sessions and after lunch for 4.

On each work session I can not work on a single project all time, so what I do is to use 10 minutes intervals and on each of them I work 100 % concentrated on a project. So I work on TWO (no more) projects on each session.

first 10 min: P1
next 10 min: P2
next 10 min: P1
....


So one possible day schedule for me would like for instance:


9-10, S1: mix P1+P2

10.10-11.10, S2: mix P1 + P3

11.20-12.20, S3: P2 + P3

lunch

13.30-14-30, S4: P1 + P2
.... and so

And if I have to start in some moment at 11.20 but I do at 11.30, then I move all the timing of the rest of the tasks.

There are more details (you can ask me about if you are interested) but these are the basics.


What is your opinion ? Do you use some similar system ? What would you change and what not ?

Thanks in advance

[ken nubo]

Hi horacioemilio,

Sounds interesting.

A method that worked for me was sitting my ass down and just DO IT -- even if I had to work on it 3-5 hours straight without break.

Just good old discipline, that's all.

[Jim11]

The tasks I have to do are usually too complex to keep switching from one to another.
I'm sure it's very inefficient to do this in many jobs.

Honestly, if you can't concentrate on your work for more than 10 minutes then maybe you should be trying to get a new job... that sounds pretty boring.

I like getting involved in detailed tasks and TRY to lose track of time and get a bit of flow going. If I had to switch every 10 minutes I would go nuts

If your job is really boring and that seems to help you then maybe it's not a bad idea to have something to think about (your system) instead of the work.

[bf1983]

I like it.

Here's some off the wall suggestions from me;

- deep breathing
- fresh air
- lots of water
- laugh
- change where your eyes focus every so often
- stand up
- jump around
- listen to classical music

they all work for me at any rate!

Brian

[Jonathan Mead]

I agree with all of Brian's suggestions. Also, what helps for me is writing things down and committing to an action-list. I'll make the commitment to myself to complete all of my actions for the day by the end of the day. That usually helps.

[TomSprewer]

One of my early mentors teached me the following method:

- work 50 minutes WITHOUT interruuption (no MSN, no facebook, no myspace, no phones or emails)

- take a 10 minute break

Repeat the process until the work is done.

It's working great for me.

All the best,

-Tom

[bf1983]

Jonathan - good point, yes I like to have one MAIN item that is my priority for the day and make sure I get that crossed off then everything else is a bonus.

Tom - yes, does that 50 minutes include any posting on forums?

[horacioemilio]

and you don't use any global planification ?

Originally Posted by TomSprewer

One of my early mentors teached me the following method:

- work 50 minutes WITHOUT interruuption (no MSN, no facebook, no myspace, no phones or emails)

- take a 10 minute break

Repeat the process until the work is done.

It's working great for me.

All the best,

-Tom

[AnonymousOne]

Personally I've always found exercise breaks to be the most helpful. Five minutes of calisthenics and I'm happy to sit down and get back to work.

There probably isn't a one-size-fits-all method. Whatever works.

[Freelancer]

What works for me:
- Cut out telivision
- Cut out habitual forum checking

And a special one just for myself:
- Don't read great fantasy novels unless I have enough time to finish it completely in one shot. My one weakness is I can't stop reading (even for menial tasks o0) once I start lol.



Anyway I gracefully land back on the forum for my 20ish days of being gone (didn't actually keep track of it exactly). Oh lord how great this day will count.
It feels good to be back and it feels good to have completed the challenge. Now I must get back to work. I'll post a progress update soon.

[horacioemilio]

what do you mean?

Originally Posted by horacioemilio

and you don't use any global planification ?

[horacioemilio]

that's a good method, i know!

Originally Posted by ken nubo

Hi horacioemilio,

Sounds interesting.

A method that worked for me was sitting my ass down and just DO IT -- even if I had to work on it 3-5 hours straight without break.

Just good old discipline, that's all.

[SimonaRich]

If you want to increase your attention span you should stop watching TV and start meditating. Your attention span will increase significantly.

[shivraj]

In my humble opinion,

What's important is interest in the work.. You can watch movie of 2 hrs without taking any break...

[Hanselich]

As mentioned above - just start working. Try to breathe in for a couple of times before start, try to visualize working with enthusiasm and just start working. On my opinion the most important part is to start a task. Some say extensive planning is just a way of procrastination.

Good Luck

[MartinP]

@Hanselich

What you wrote reminded me of a suggestion my friend made, which was to tell yourself (and make yourself) enjoy what you are doing, no matter what it is.

So lets say you're doing some hard study on a topic that is really boring. You make yourself enjoy the studying, and enjoy learning about the topic.

It may sound silly, and it requires some effort, but it actually really works. And it's fun!