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How to Concentrate:
Be Like a Postage
Stamp and Stick To It!
by Laura Stack,
The Productivity Pro®, Inc.
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Nowadays, so many things compete
for your attention in the workplace that it can be hard to concentrate
on what's important. If you need to improve your ability to stay
on target and focus on the task at hand, implement the tips outlined
below.
1 Set up your office for maximum
productivity and minimum distractions. You need privacy to concentrate and discuss sensitive
issues. Don't just take what you're given; reorganize it into
a configuration that works best for you.
2. Avoid wasting time by daydreaming. Daydreaming can be a real productivity
bandit -- but as long as you don't use it to procrastinate, it
can be very helpful. Harness its creative powers, and use it
for thinking time that can lead to productive ideas.
3. Remember things more easily. Busy people need good memory skills
to help them remember details. Sharpening your memory can be
as simple as using good memory tools: always writing things down,
keeping running lists, leaving yourself voicemails, etc.
4. Focus on priority projects
without getting distracted.
Be like a postage stamp: stick to one thing until it gets to
its intended destination. Learn to juggle multiple tasks and
projects effectively, but don't flit around from one item to
another without completing anything.
5. Focus on one thing at a
time. Don't "multi-task"
or attempt to do too many things at once. Start by focusing one
on item instead. Don't interrupt yourself, and prioritize your
tasks so you know what needs to be done first.
6. Make lists and record everything
you need to do. To keep
from dropping the ball, capture every thought using either paper
or electronic methods. This pulls what you need to do out of
your memory and relieves your brain of the burden of repeatedly
thinking about everything you need to remember.
7. Read quickly and maintain
concentration. Learn
to benefit from new reading techniques designed to boost productivity,
and toss whatever's boring or useless to you. Getting through
your reading more quickly frees up time for other priorities.
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