Quick and Easy Productivity Hacks

Photo by Matt Ragland on Unsplash

I believe we all know how to be productive. I also believe that these days we have so many distractions that we sometimes forget how. Here are a few quick things you can do to boost your focus and productivity right now:

1. Turn off all notifications on your phone and computer or laptop. Really. Those emails from Michaels and Pottery Barn can wait to be read. So can the texts from your cousin with his favorite meme of the day. Also, put your work phone on “do not disturb” while you’re trying to focus, and put your cell phone on silent.
2. If you can, close the door to your office.
3. Use a website blocker so you won’t be tempted to “go look at this real quick.” Do a search and you’ll find several to choose from. They are available for both your phone and computer/laptop.
4. Schedule a time to read and answer your emails. Set aside an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. You might not need the entire hour, but make sure that you DO NOT check your email outside of the scheduled time.
5. Schedule a time to accept and return phone calls. You can also schedule this twice a day at whatever times are convenient for you. If not making or taking calls, remember to put your phone back in “do not disturb” mode.

Obviously, this is a very simplified list, but it will get you started. Give one (or all) of these a try and send an email to lisa@lisasealey.com and let me know how it went.