Having Trouble Getting Started? Try These Techniques.
I have been going through a bit of a slump lately. After one wildly productive week, last week I got almost nothing done. This week, I need to turn things around. My biggest problem is focus. I am very easily distracted, and my mind wanders easily. So I spent some time this morning digging up some great focusing techniques that we can use while working.
The most obvious technique, of course, is to work in a quiet room with very few distractions. As a mom, I realize that a quiet, peaceful room to work in is almost impossible, especially if your children aren’t in school yet (or if it is during a school vacation). Although we can work before and after the kids go to sleep, most moms I know need to work during the day, too, if only for a couple hours. So how do we stay focused between the dozen distractions of our daily lives?
1. Use an Outline
Many of us may have left this technique behind in school, along with the musty textbooks and useless math skills. Take it out, brush it off, and put it back to use. Make a general outline of what you want to cover in your blog post or article, and then research to fill in the blanks. Having a set idea of what you want to say will make research easier (you won’t get bogged down by unnecessary facts) and give you a place to start back at if you are interrupted. Writing will also be a lot easier, and go a lot faster, because your thoughts are already gathered. You just need to turn your notes into writing.
2. List Your Goals
This is one of my favorite focus techniques. Each week, I have a certain number of expenses that I am responsible for. This week, for example, I know I need $80 for a bill, $50 towards groceries, and $20 for an ebook, $150 total. Next to my laptop, I have a list of these three expenses, with the amount of money needed, listed in tens ($10, $20, $30, and so on.) As I complete each $10 article, I cross $10 off of one of the columns. This lets me track my goals, and gives me a sense of accomplishment at the same time, which helps me stay focused.
3. Just Five More Minutes
Tired? Bored? Really just want to quit? Keep going for just five minutes more. Five minutes, with no sidetracking, can be enough to get you back into the swing of things. It’s easier to focus if you know that it is only for a short amount of time, and then you get to do everything else that is calling for your attention.
4.Set a Deadline
Most writing assignments have a deadline built in. You have to have enough focus to get the assignment done on time. But some companies, WiseGeek, for example, or your own blogs, do not have set deadlines. It’s easy for these projects to be set aside for other tasks, like washing the dishes or chatting on Twitter. Set goals and deadlines for yourself. Treat them as seriously as you would any other deadline.
5. Close Down Non-Essential Programs
Once you’ve gotten all of your notes together, close down your internet browser. Turn off the instant messenger. Once you have taken all of the distractions out of the way, you’ll be able to focus easier on your writing. If you get halfway through the article, and decide that you are missing some facts, just make some blanks places(____________), and keep going. Once everything is writting, go back in and fill in the blanks.
6. Bribe Yourself
I’m all about this focus technique. If I can finish two articles by noon, I get a special treat. Or I get time off to hang out with my daughter and husband until after lunch. Most days, I go with “If I get X articles done by 5, I get the rest of the night off.” You can use anything that will inspire you to get work done. Here are a few more:
- If I earn an extra $20 this week, I can buy a new book/movie.
- As soon as I get this article completed, I get a nap/cookie/cup of coffee/to go for a walk.
- If I finish all of my articles by Thursday night, I get Friday off.
- We’ll have pizza for supper on Saturday if I earn an extra $50 this week.
7. Create a Trigger
Does Pavlov ring a bell? Train yourself by creating a trigger for your focused writing time. You can use anything that makes sense to you. Maybe a few stretches before sitting down, or something as simple as cupping your hands around your eyes for a few minutes, and staring at the screen for a few moments. It might even be reviewing your to-do list. Whichever activity you choose, if it is done every time you sit down to work, will eventually signal to your brain that it is time to start focusing.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Practice focusing. Use these techniques, and any others that work for you, repeatedly. Every day. It takes a while for something to become a habit. Keep at it. Eventually, you’ll be able to concentrate on your work, regardless of what other activities are going on around you.
I’m going to be putting some of these focus techniques in place today. What focus techniques do you use?