Ding, Ping, Chirp, Buzz.

Imagine you sit down at your desk, open your laptop, double click on Microsoft Word to start typing and an email notification appears on screen. Instead of typing your report, you reply to the email, then your spouse texts you, “Will you be picking up the kids tonight?”, then a facebook notification appears.  Now what were you doing? In this heavily distracted world, how is it possible for any person to get their work done in a timely manner and more importantly, to develop their craft and accomplish their goals?

These distractions hinder our ability to think at our optimal level. David Rock, author of the book Your Brain at Work states “even the brain of a Harvard graduate can be turned into that of an eight-year-old simply by being made to do two things at once.” Additionally,  a recent study tested a person’s ability to perform cognitive tasks with their smartphone nearby versus with it in a different room. The research showed people performed far better on the tasks presented to them when their phone was not in the room with them. As more technology has been incorporated into lives, people feel forced to work on multiple tasks at the same time and to always be available. It is even praised in many workplaces.  Our brains have adapted to expect constant interruptions, unfortunately, it hasn’t proven to help people excel, instead it has hindered our ability to think deeply.

I have found the only way I can accomplish challenging tasks is by turning off all forms of communication and closing myself into a room. I recently learned many experts in their fields do just the same. Deep Work, by Cal Newport describes the life of the famed psychiatrist, Carl Jung who retreated to a tower to work in seclusion. It was there that Jung was able to develop a new way of thinking called analytical psychology. Newport also mentions J.K. Rowling and Woody Allen, who have both accomplished many great works by thinking deeply on their artform without distraction. Newport also found business trends where technology is dividing the workplace into two groups: “star performers” and “new machines”. A “star performer” is a master of their craft and can be hired for specific projects, while a “new machine” is a technology that can replace employees, both saving companies money.  To gain an advantage and thrive, it’s increasingly clear you have to set yourself apart and work to become a star performer.

If you’re thinking, “I already work really hard and I don’t have time to work more, we all need to sleep sometime.” I love my sleep too, but here are a few tips on how to restructure the work day to accomplish more:

1. Create a unique space. Select a place that is away from the everyday hustle. Make it your dedicated workspace so your brain becomes conditioned to focus. 
2. Schedule disconnected times.  Pick a few days of the week and certain times of the day that you can block off in your calendar.  Do not schedule meetings, make sure to turn off your phone and email notifications. 
3. Establish a “Stop Doing” list. In a Distracted World, Solitude Is a Competitive Advantage author, Michael Ewrin suggests thinking about what committees or social engagements you can begin to politely decline. Because a “to do” list can feel overwhelming at times, try to create a list of items that you can cut from your schedule.
4. Enlist the help of others. Use services for grocery or meal delivery. If you can afford it,  hire a housecleaner or lawn care service. If you’re a working parent, ask friends or family to watch your kids. 
5. Keep it quiet. Turn off the TV or wear earplugs to remove all noise around you. 

If you’re looking to further yourself in any capacity, prioritize yourself and create a world around you that is free from disruption. It is too easy to go down the rabbit hole of YouTube or get caught up in replying to every email demand. Instead carve time out to begin to set yourself apart from the rest of the world.