Chris Bailey decided to spend a year after finishing university looking for various ways to become as productive as possible.
He underwent a series of practical tests, for example including using a mobile phone just one hour a day for three months or a 90-hour working week for one month. He published his findings online and in a book and become a lecturer and expert consultant in the field of productivity.
Chris Bailey has simple advice for all of us who are getting constantly distracted by incoming messages on our computers and mobile phones: Buy another mobile phone, tablet or notebook you will use exclusively for "distracting" purposes.
A meaningful investment
The advice may seem pointless, but it works very well. Delete social networks from your computer and phone and turn off notifications for new e-mails. Install all these distracting accounts in the new phone or tablet but turn off the sounds alerts of new messages. In order to be able to focus even more, place the new device far from immediate reach at work.
Chris Bailey describes how, after a few weeks, he learned to think differently depending on the device he used. When working on his computer, he knows that he shouldn't get distracted by unproductive applications and websites. When he needs a rest, he checks new messages on the tablet he bought for this purpose.
Of course, this isn't a tactic that could work for everyone. Not everyone works on a computer, and not everyone can afford to buy a new device. However, if you have problems concentrating on your work during the day, this investment can really pay off. In addition, mobile devices can be bought quite cheaply today.
Have you ever tried this technique? What do you think about it?
-kk-