2020 is a year that will go down in the books as one of the most stressful, unprecedented and challenging of our generation. Should I mention that we are only in the beginning of summer? (Maybe that’s not needed…) All kidding, if it’s possible, aside, 2020 is a tough year for everyone. We’re toggling through sheltering in place, phased reopening of our businesses, economic instability and civil unrest. It’s enough to make even the most focused overachiever lose their place. From the news cycles to social media gone wild to general feelings of worry and anxiety about the future, our health and finances – we have a lot, collectively, going on. Now, let’s add virtual school, canceled summer camps and extended work-from-home arrangements, and things get really interesting, really fast!
If you are feeling like it’s hard to get things done or your focus is not as chiseled as it was pre-2020, you are not alone. Distractions abound during these intense and unsettled times, making it the perfect time to talk about productivity. Let’s explore the basics and maybe a few things you’ve never even considered to help you drown out at least some of the noise and get you working at optimal levels.
Top Tips To Get Your Focus Back To 20/20 in 2020
1. Get Back To Basics
I can’t tell you how many companies have sent me emails with a word-for-word recap of updates from the CDC or major news outlets. My email inbox on any given day is overloaded, but during this time period, it’s even more intense. The companies that take the time to send me thoughtful, unique information that I haven’t seen anywhere else are showing me that they care about me as a customer or a part of their audience.
Set Your Space – When working from home, it’s very easy to start working on the living room couch or in bed. A better way to stay focused and productive is to set up a dedicated space. This is the place you would go to each workday to mimic a traditional workspace.
Update Your Hardware – If you have outdated tools like laptops, printers or underperforming Wi-Fi, you may need to do some updating. While it may seem like an outlay of funds, the investment can make your workday more productive, optimized and, certainly, less frustrating.
Block Out “Do Not Disturb Zones” – You can get so much done during a short period of time with no interruptions. From the tempting cell phone apps to the household chores to distractions from family members, interruptions are seemingly endless. If you block out times that cellphones get turned off, doors to your home office are tightly closed (maybe locked), emails are not checked – tasks are sure to be crossed off your to-do list in no time.
Prioritize Priorities First – Don’t put the most important things off. Sometimes, it’s our tendency to go for the easiest task first, but a better practice is to do the tougher things first. By starting your day working on the things that are on tight deadlines or require the most brainpower, your day will be more productive.
2. Use Technology To Succeed
Of course, we’re all using tools like Zoom and Google Meet to connect during the pandemic period. These tools are great meeting tools, but there are many other technology tools that you can tap into for optimized productivity. Here are some of my faves:
Stayfocusd – Stayfocusd is a browser extension that can turn off social media to keep you less distracted when you have work to do.
Asana – Asana is a task management tool that helps team sync up on projects and works perfectly for teams of one as well. There is a freemium model and a paid option that is more robust.
Slack – Slack is a communication tool that will allow you to get the answer to a quick question, share updates and collaborate with your team or vendors.
Fantastical - An iPhone app that enables you to plan your day using voice recognition. The reminders and clear week view ensure you stick to your plans.
Toggl – If you bill clients for your time, this free time-tracking software can help you log your hours and make invoicing so much faster.
3. Set Boundaries (And Stick To Them)
When working from home, your work life can turn into a flowing workday that never ends. Working after hours and weekends may seem like a great way to get more done, but it can actually have the opposite impact. You may simply end up burning out and producing less than your best output.
Xandra Marketing understands the challenges that business leaders are facing during these times. When focus and productivity waiver, it can prevent you from succeeding. Xandra can help you refocus on your goals and create the roadmap to achieve them.
