Increase Daily Productivity by 20%

Are you frequently interrupted, struggling to maintain focus, or feeling like you're not operating at your peak performance? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then I encourage you to keep reading.

There is valuable insight to be gained by examining our bodies' ultradian rhythms. Our bodies are naturally wired to sustain high levels of focus for approximately 90 minutes before benefiting from a brief recharge of energy. So, to increase your productivity, it's advisable to plan your work periods in 90-minute segments and incorporate short breaks in-between. Even if you feel like you don't necessarily need a break, taking a 20-minute rest can significantly enhance your energy levels and enable you to resume your tasks with heightened focus and improved efficiency.

Distractions are Like Icebergs

Distractions act as hidden icebergs during your focus periods. They not only consume the time spent on the distraction itself, but also cause a greater hidden loss of time as you recover and refocus to the level of concentration you had prior to the interruption. Studies indicate that even a single 10-minute interruption can take an additional 15 to 20 minutes to regain focus on the original task. This delay can be attributed to lingering emotions associated with the distraction, such as worry, unresolved issues, or frustration over the interruption. Resolving interruptions promptly will make it easier for you to refocus and minimize the impact.

While it may be impossible to eliminate all distractions, there are certain ones that you can control. Activities like checking email, text messaging, phone calls, and web browsing can be grouped together and allocated to your 20-minute recharge breaks between your 90-minute focus periods. Although you cannot completely avoid all distractions, you can effectively manage your response to minimize their disruptive effects.

It's crucial to bear in mind that significant changes don't happen overnight. Our instinctive response to distractions has been ingrained in us since early humans roamed the earth. For thousands of years, we've been conditioned to react to every external sound, constantly seeking food or remaining alert to potential danger. Today, when we hear the notification sound of a new email, our primal instincts kick in, leading us to respond in search of good news or out of fear of impending doom.

However, committing to one small change each day, such as deferring email checks or refraining from cell phone usage for 90 minutes, can gradually establish a sustainable framework for improved productivity. Consistent daily progress with small changes will lead to long-term improvements.