"How do you stay FOCUSED long enough to write a novel?” That was a very pointed question from a grade four student in one of my recent end of year classroom flurry of writing workshops.

 Her eyebrows knit in concern as she leaned in to wait for a response. I’m guessing she’s not alone in wondering how to stay focused when there’s so many distractions – and she’s in grade four!

I’ve had my own People Development Practice for twenty years now. And although I started my own business when the first of my two children was born, my productivity strategies have stayed fairly consistent to allow for the ebb and flow of both family and client demands. Here’s a few focus tips I find helpful:  

FOCUS TIPS: 

•  I set a timer for 30-40 minutes to work on a single task and turn off notifications.
•  I pay attention to the day to day work I find energizing and strategize on how to deal with the distractions. If you can't delegate the less fun stuff, you still need to get it done - that's why chocolate was invented:).
•  I block off longer 3-hour increments (with mini breaks) for larger projects then schedule calls and meetings around the larger focus times.
•  I have an Accountability partner (a peer or a paid business coach or mentor) for larger projects because I love to collaborate and I know putting a date in the calendar works to keep momentum. And most important...
•  I leave time for INSPIRATION. 

What do I mean by ‘Leave Time for Inspiration’? Pausing for inspiration is essentially doing something that offers you a different perspective and gives your busy brain a break. If you're always scheduling yourself back-to-back, it's hard to feel inspired or have a light bulb moment.  

It might mean taking a walk in nature; facilitating a workshop with elementary students on something you’re an expert in (I highly recommend this!); driving in silence; taking time to just bounce ideas of someone while going for a walk or stepping out in the sunshine for five minutes in between meetings. Because no matter how experienced we are, we all need to figure out how to focus. 

Wishing You Career Success,