Unplug + Conquer 💪🏻
Jan 01, 2024
Hey there My Business Bestie 🖤
I thought it might be useful to share one of my favorite hacks for being more productive in my day. This was one was huge for me. I am so easily distracted and this doesn't serve me well at all!
Here’s a SIMPLE tip that might just transform your productivity: The power of 'Off'. Yes, turning off notifications and setting designated times to check your emails and social media can dramatically reduce distractions and boost your focus.
Why switch off? Interruptions from our phones, computers, etc aren't just momentary distractions. They can seriously impact your train of thought, making it harder to get back on track. If you're anything like me, you forget what you were supposed to be doing in the first place! 🤪 The result? Tasks take longer, your productivity decreases and guess what...your stress levels spike!
Here's what you can do today:
- Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications:
- Go into your settings and silence the non-critical apps (which is pretty much everything BTW!). If the thought of missing out sends you in to panic mode, remember this: it's about creating blocks of uninterrupted time, not isolation from the world!
- Set Timers for Email and Social Media:
- Schedule 2-3 times a day for checking emails and social media. Time it too! Yes, with a real timer. You'll be surprised how quickly time flies as scrolling and time spent on answering emails can get out of hand quickly! Maybe mid-morning, post-lunch, and late afternoon?
Now here's the million-dollar question...
Even after I've made some suggestions, well over half of the people who read this won't even try it! I'm not easily offended so I'll let this one pass 😉, but why is it so darn difficult to execute?
The simple act of turning off notifications seems like a no-brainer for boosting productivity, right? But our brains are wired to seek out new information. Each ping or buzz from our devices can trigger a release of dopamine, the same feel-good neurotransmitter that's released when we eat something delicious or get a social media like 👍🏻. Yes, this is similar to how addiction works. I'm 100% convinced I was actually addicted to checking my email.
We also live in a world that values hyper-connectivity. There's an underlying fear of missing out on something important if we're not constantly available. It's like there's this invisible pressure to be on-call 24/7, even if it's just for updates on your best friend's vacation.
Habits are also really hard to break, especially when they're as ingrained as checking our devices! It takes a conscious effort and a plan to go against the grain and prioritize our focus over the constant digital chatter 📱
BUT... once we take that leap, it's amazing how much more we can accomplish. And that, my friend, is the secret sauce to reclaiming our productivity and our peace of mind!
Think of all this as not just minimizing distractions but maximizing life. Imagine what you can do with all that reclaimed time! More creativity, more relaxation, more? Yes, please!
Give these strategies a whirl, and watch your productivity increase. I'd love to hear how it goes, so don't be shy—drop a comment or send a message!
Until next time 🖤
Your Bestie in Business,
Want more quick tips? Don't forget to snag your free copy of "10 Simple Things You Can Do Today to Create More Time." It's packed with practical steps that you can take right now to find more hours in your day. Trust me, your future self will thank you! 🖤
