How to Minimize Daily Distractions and Increase Productivity

Published: July 7, 2021, 8 a.m.

Every day, we are all faced with more distractions than ever, making time management seem more critical than ever before. But today\u2019s guest would argue otherwise. On this episode of the Digital Enterprise Society podcast, Thom Singer is joined by attention management expert Maura Thomas. Maura teaches people how to focus their attention, not manage their time, because attention management is the new path to productivity. If you\u2019ve ever struggled to stay focused and get the important work done, you won\u2019t want to miss the insights and advice of this conversation.

\xa0

On today\u2019s podcast, you will learn:

The key difference about attention management

  • Productivity means achieving a significant result over a period of time.
  • Time management is not the problem \u2014 we always have the same amount of time to get things done.
  • You cannot solve a distraction problem with a time solution.
  • Attention management is the new path to productivity.

\xa0

Where to start focusing your attention

  • Technology has created a habit of distraction in every part of your life.
  • Increasing control over your technology is essential to overcoming these distractions.
  • The consequences of being distracted limit our access to the full range of our talent and minimizes our patience.
  • Focusing on the big to-do items will create a greater sense of accomplishment.

\xa0

Improving attention management in the workplace

  • Constantly checking email and other communication channels is the greatest distraction in the workplace.
  • Tracking improvement in attention management requires finding measurable ways to quantify productivity.
  • Managing email and other overwhelming communication is the key to managing productivity.
  • Communication clutter is robbing us of moments of downtime and dreaming.

\xa0

4 ways to improve your approach to email

  • Filter your email so that you are only processing the essentials.
  • Remember that email is work that requires your time and attention, and treat it as such.
  • Do not \u2018reply all\u2019 whenever possible.
  • Control your attention by minimizing the time that you attend to your email and other notifications.

\xa0

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

\xa0

Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series