DON'T GET . . . DID YOU SEE THAT? . . . DISTRACTED

Man, oh man - did that hit the nail right on the head! For me it is always a procrastination thing and I have to actually make a list of tasks/jobs at hand, in order for me to get done. After each task, that is accomplished, I 'reward' myself and take a 5 minute break. Then it is just a case of 'head down' and taking one step at a time, literally! By the end of the day I am quite astounded by the amount of work that I have actually accomplished!

Don't get … did you see that? … distracted
There are ways to overcome your mind's lack of focus
Tessa Silberbauer
02 October 2007 at 11h00

Ever had a dof day? You're not doing anything differently than you're used to and your tasks are normal, but for some reason, you just can't seem to keep your mind pointed where you want it to focus.

Ringing telephones seem louder, it's harder to return to your task after a distraction, thoughts seem reluctant to emerge or ideas slow to coalesce. There are times when our concentration is less than desired, and there are many reasons for this happening. Sometimes all we need to correct the problem is a sharp silent speech. But other times, you might find yourself wondering if you're ever going to get anything productive done by the end of the day. When this happens, and however frustrating it might be, it is important to spend a few minutes looking at what the cause might be.

1. When last did you eat? What did you eat? How much water have you drunk in the past two hours? Our physical health has a profound impact on our ability to focus. Perhaps do a few minutes' light exercise, like walking around or gentle stretches that you can do in your chair. Even something as simple as eye strain can affect your concentration.

2. Maybe what you really need to be doing is something you really don't want to be doing. The topic of procrastinating is for another time, but some of the techniques below can be used to help you get started on whatever it is that you're postponing.

3. Have you worked through a break? When last did you take a breather? Our brain needs rest as much as our muscles do. If these three things don't correct the problem, there are still some tools you can use to remain productive despite your unplanned inattention. It's important to take steps before your frustration adds too much to your distraction levels.

4. There are always small jobs needing attention. If you can, spend a little time doing these until you've returned to your normal levels of focus.

5. Break tasks down into small steps, and concentrate on these.

6. Do one thing for a set time and then move on to the next thing needing attention. After three or so "sets" return to the original task and restart the cycle. You can often get a surprising amount done in this way.

7. Also check if something isn't niggling you subconsciously:

8. Check appointments and plans;

*Is something else bothering you? Of course it's preferable to address a problem immediately, but if you can't, write it down and - very important - assign a specific date and time to it, then return to what you need to be doing right now;

*Check the music. If it's distracting you and you're in a position to do so, try changing the radio station or playlist. If you can't, perhaps you can arrange to negotiate. However, do bear in mind that companies often choose stations for specific reasons. Don't turn this into a big issue: background music can be "tuned out" with practice, and it usually isn't worth making a fuss over.

An inability to pay attention can be both frustrating and disappointing. But it's not necessary to be victimised by it - there are many creative ways to get around the problem.

*Tessa Silberbauer is a Joburg-based life-management trainer. For information, corporate training or private consulting, contact her on 083-310-0955 or e-mail livingskills@webmail.co.za