Combat Distraction


How often do you multi-task?
All the time, it's the only way I get things done. Sometimes, I try not to but sometimes I can't help it. Never, I just can't do more than one thing at a time.

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Combat Distraction
By: Tama Swan, Associate Editor
Issue: 2009nov

Working from home is convenient, until all of those conveniences add up to a day full of distractions and little productivity. Here are five of the biggest home-office time eaters and how you can cut them off at the pass.

Phone Calls
Only take work calls, saving personal calls until after hours or when you’re on a break. If you can, let work calls go to voicemail and screen them later. You may find a good portion of these don’t even need discussion and can be handled via e-mail.

E-mail
You probably can’t afford to shut down your e-mail entirely, but try turning off new mail alerts and increasing the time lapses between automatic mail checks. Or set your inbox to flag messages sent directly to you, as opposed to a group.

The Door
If pretending no one is home isn’t an option, inform the person you’re about to take part in a meeting. Consistently being firm with visitors will help drive home the message.

Family
Ideally, your home office has a door you can close when busy. If not, try posting a stop sign or wearing headphones when you’re working to indicate that you don’t want to be interrupted.

Household Interruptions
Resist the temptation to do chores or run errands during the work day. If you must squeeze them in, schedule time for them so they remain somewhat separate from work.

Source: www.webworkerdaily.com

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