You start the day with the best of intentions. But even though you’re committed to remaining focused, staying on task, and getting as much work done as possible distractions can creep in and sabotage your productivity. The solution to getting more done is simple: Remove distractions to increase productivity.
With social media, smartphones, people, and even pets seemingly conspiring against you, keeping the distractions at bay can be challenging. The good news is that it's totally possible to remove distractions to increase productivity. And it's not as complicated as you may think.
So how can you remove the distractions from your day? Well, it requires planning. determination, and the willingness to make some simple changes to how, when, and where you work.
If you're ready to gain back some much needed time and better productivity, you're going to love these simple changes you can make.
10 Ways To Remove Distraction to Increase Productivity
1. Turn Off Notifications on Your Phone
Who can resist the “ping” of a smartphone notification? Ah, dopamine! It's definitely not easy — especially when you've created the habit of reacting to everything that rings, dings, chimes, and buzzes.
To reduce the likelihood of being disrupted by your notifications, simply turn them off. Then you'll stay in control of when and how long you spend with those things.
Make sure to turn off social media and email notifications to reduce temptation.Click To TweetYou should also consider putting your phone on silent when you work and returning phone calls at set times during the day. This way you don't break your concentration every time the phone rings.
2. Block Unnecessary Apps
While it’s nice to think you can resist the allure of YouTube, Facebook, or email while using your computer, most of us don’t have this level of willpower. If you’re serious about avoiding distractions, consider an app like Cold Turkey. Block apps, websites, browsers — even your entire computer if you like!
3. Have Set Times for Checking Email and Social Media
If you’re not quite ready to go “cold turkey”, at least have set times when you’ll let yourself check email and social media. Obsessively checking throughout the day will seriously hinder your ability to focus, meaning you end up working more while getting far less done.
4. Plan Your Tasks for the Day
Have a plan in place for what you hope to get done for the day. If you’re really determined to increase your productivity, you can even decide on certain times when specific tasks should be done. Use an app like Todoist to plan out your day and track your progress.
5. Tidy Up
A messy desk or workspace can be a major distraction. It can make it harder to find what you need, and can serve as a visual — and even emotional — distraction.
At the end of the day, dedicate a few minutes to tidying up so you can start the next day with a clean slate!
At the end of the day, dedicate a few minutes to tidying up so you can start the next day with a clean slate!Click To Tweet6. Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Do you get easily distracted by noises in your environment? Then noise-canceling headphones can be your best friend. Invest in a good set of noise-cancelling headphones that you can use to drown out the sounds of kids, pets or coffee shop chatter. They may not be cheap, but I guarantee they’ll pay for themselves via increased productivity!
7. Work Outside Your Home
If you work from home, you know how hard it can be to avoid distractions in this work environment. Kids, laundry, dishes, phone calls…each are competing for your time and attention.
Consider working outside your home a few times a week — in a coffee shop or shared workspace — and see if this reduces your distractions and boosts your productivity!
Consider working outside your home a few times a week – in a coffee shop or shared workspace – and see if this reduces your distractions and boosts your productivity!Click To Tweet8. Track Your Time
You might be surprised at how much or how little time you actually spend on certain tasks. Using a time-tracking app like Toggl lays it all out for you in black and white, meaning you’ll know exactly how much time you’re wasting.
9. Stop All the Multitasking
As solo entrepreneurs, we’re used to “doing it all”, all the time. And while this is an admirable ability in some ways, it can also seriously hinder your ability to really focus on one task. Rather than trying to get three tasks done at once, your time is definitely better spent giving 100% focus to just one task. Once you’re done, you can then give 100% to the next task.
Rather than trying to get three tasks done at once, your time is probably better spent giving 100% focus to just one task – and once you’re done, you can then give 100% to the next task.Click To Tweet10. Reward Yourself
Staying focused is hard work, so don’t forget to reward yourself. Make sure to build in times during the day when you get some “me” time. This might mean going for a quick walk, having a cup of coffee, or calling up a friend just to chat. Whatever helps you relax and recharge.
There are Many Ways You Can Get Rid of Distractions for Better Productivity
It’s unrealistic to think that you can avoid all distractions. Life and business are unpredictable, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
However, if you can plan ahead, you can remove many common distractions, thereby improving your focus, increasing your productivity, and working more effectively.
Which strategies above are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below.
UPDATED on January 3, 2022
