Tips To Conquering Distractions

Have you ever had one of those days where you got absolutely nothing done because you were completely distracted? 

Does it seem like some days are more productive than others?  Why is that? 

I used to wonder that all the time.  I started to pay attention to why it was happening and made the appropriate changes to combat distractions.  Here are tips to get you started:

1. Hunger:  before you sit down to work, make sure you have eaten.  Don’t bring your food to your desk.  You will concentrate on that instead of the work at hand.  Additionally, one spill = BIG clean up distraction
2. Clutter:  keep a clean work area!  The more papers thrown around your work area will get you thinking of all the other things that just need to be done.  If you clear your desk and focus on just one item at a time, you will be much more productive.
3. EMAIL:  Limit yourself to checking it 3 times a day only.  If you are constantly checking your email, your diverting your attention from the project that should be holding your attention.
4. Phones:  Shut them off!  If you are really serious about completing something without getting distracted turn your phone off.  The calls can wait.
5. Chatter Boxes:  Every office has one.  They spend more time socializing and eating up your time than anything else.  Consider putting a sign up saying you are under a deadline and cannot be disturbed
6. Block Sound:  Consider investing in headsets that block sound if you are easily distracted by noise

What tips work for you?  Don’t keep them a secret – let us know!