How I Stay on Task and Manage Distractions

I’m a distractible person.  In fact, I sometimes wonder whether I have attention deficit disorder.  Given my distractibility, I’ve long been experimenting with ways to stay on task.  Here’s the best method I’ve found.

The Sand Timer/Notepad Taskmaster

Materials Needed: (1) A lined notepad, (2) a pen, (3) a sand timer, and (4) a music player with headphones.  Note: I use a three-minute sand timer purchased here (aff) for $1.50.

Here’s what to do . . .

1. Put on Headphones
Play music that helps you concentrate.  Headphones help you focus, keeps out other distractions, and reminds others that you are working.  I’ve found that baroque music or even white noise helps, but the Awakened Mind System (aff) from Dr. Jeffrey Thompson has uncanny and magical powers that keep me focused and insightful (I’ve done a lot of experimenting).

2. Start The Sand Timer 
Start the sand timer and flip repeatedly and make sure the sand stays in continual motion.  The constant need to pay attention to the sand timer and keep it in motion forces your awareness into the present, keeps you from getting lost in thought, and prevents other distractions.

3. Write Down Every Task

• Only allow yourself to do written tasks.  If your written task is "clean up desk," you can’t check that new email that just came in or quickly check the NyTimes.com front page.
• If you need to change tasks, cross out your current task and write down the new task.  So if you’re cleaning up your desk and realize you need to email Stephen ASAP about tonight’s meeting, cross out "clean up desk," and write down "email Stephen."
• Once you’re done with a task, cross it out and move on to the next one.  So after I’ve emailed Stephen, I cross out "call Stephen" and write "clean up desk."

Final Note 
The Sand Timer/Notepad Taskmaster is effective for at least four reasons.  First, it forces you to do only one thing at a time.  Second, it forces you to consciously decide on each task before beginning it. (Because task transitioning requires you cross out tasks and write down new ones, you’re forced to become more purposeful about what you do).  Third, the constant need to pay attention to the sand timer and keep it in motion forces your awareness into the present and keeps you from getting lost in thought. Finally, the headphones and music stimulate your mind, filter out external distractions, and let others know you are trying to work.

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