focus

Four simple ways to reduce distraction and increase productivity

Four simple ways to reduce distraction and increase productivity

On a scale of 1-5, how well do you get (and stay) focused at work?

To what degree do you find it difficult to stay mentally focused on any one task for extended periods of time?  When was the last time you can point to that you were able to “get in the zone” and be truly productive for an extended period of time?  You know.  Those moments when you look up at the clock after working on a project for a while and say to yourself, “Wow!  I can’t believe it.  Two hours have gone by and feels like five minutes.”

As I began my morning scripture reading, affirmations, and reflection the other day, I realized how challenged I am.  I literally had to reread one particular passage 5-7 times before I could truly focus on the message.  I’ll bet you can relate.

Thoughts of what I needed to do, appointments I anticipated, and responsibilities I needed to take care of kept me bombarding my mind.  It felt like I was experiencing the phenomena that author John Ortberg describes as “the monkeys are jumping around in the trees”.  Ha!  You know what I’m saying?  And that was BEFORE I started my workday.

It’s no secret that we are growing increasingly distracted with the rise of social media, the always-on mentality of email and cell phone communication, and the hurried paces of our lives. 

But do we stop to consider the actual cost of distraction and how to protect ourselves against it?  

When Focus Is Essential

When Focus Is Essential

Consider this lesson from the jeweler's loupe…


I'm sure you've seen a jeweler's loupe before. A loupe is a handheld monocular device that allows the jeweler to inspect a jewel with greater clarity and precision due to the magnification it provides. A jeweler may look into a 10x loupe to judge the quality of the gem and look into a 30x loupe to inspect tiny cracks, blemishes, and imperfections.


Whichever magnification the jeweler chooses, one thing remains consistent -- a jeweler gets an up-close, focused, and undistracted view of the jewel. Every other visible facet of the outside world is filtered out, and the jeweler's attention can be focused and fixed on the subject at hand. The jeweler can set, repair, or improve upon the gem with that perspective.


Can you imagine if you had that same kind of focus on your goals?

Where your focus goes, your energy flows

Where your focus goes, your energy flows

I believe that gratitude is a choice.

It is one that we must make daily. This choice reflects where we will choose to put our focus and energy.

Do we build our lives around that which is worthy of celebration, praise, and, well, the good stuff of life? Or do we choose to focus on the challenges?