Coping with Distractions

20 Jan Coping with Distractions

Last week, I had a terrible time staying focused. Not able to work on a single task for long, I worried that I was not going to be able to complete the work I had set out to finish.

The cubicles in the CETL are wide open which makes it great for collaborating with colleagues. However, it also means anyone can yell over at you at any moment and disrupt your train of thought. What can also be problematic is that we have two groups in the same area usually working on completely separate projects. It is quite common to hear two or three different conversations all taking place at once.

According to an article in BusinessWeek, workplace distractions cost U.S. businesses some $650 billion dollars a year. In fact, the same article states that work-related distractions are so common that 46% of business leaders arrive at work early in search of solitude.

Yes, distractions are everywhere, and are particularly noticeable when we require high concentration or we are on a deadline. As faculty, I’m sure you deal with your own set of distractions; emails, phone calls, students dropping in unannounced, or a colleague stopping by to say hello. In fact, some faculty members frequently work in the CETL to get away from their own office distractions.

In an effort not to repeat the same struggles as last week, I researched some useful coping strategies for dealing with distractions when you need to concentrate.

Focus on your personal work environment.

A messy desk can offer many distractions such as reminding you of other work that needs to be completed. Clean and organize your desk by removing post-it notes from your computer monitor. File away random papers. Utilize task lists in Outlook or Google Docs. Display pictures on your desk that help you relax, such as a scenic view or your children smiling. Soothing pictures can help you refocus or relax after a sudden or unwanted distraction. Adjust your chair, keyboard, and monitor so that you are more comfortable when you work. These strategies will help you take control of your work space and not let it control you.

Manage your personal distractions.

Personal distractions can be personal issues, negative in nature and stress-inducing, that we sometimes bring with us to work. These issues often lead to constant worrying. I have struggled with worrying in the past. I tend to worry about personal issues and I worry more because I know I am distracted. It is a difficult cycle to break. A recent Mindtools article I read suggests writing down your worries and frustrations so that they are not in your mind and scheduling a time to deal with those issues. During a work break, take a walk or find a quiet spot to think. I’ve always found it helpful to write down my frustrations, read them back to myself, and then tear them up. It obviously does not solve the issue, but the act of ripping the paper, the symbolism, helps me free my mind so I can work.

Minimize your external distractions.

When you need to concentrate, it’s important to shut off the outside world and all the distractions that come with it. Close your email client and turn off your office and cell phone ringer. The new web browsers are great because they allow you to open multiple tabs within one window. However, behind each tab is a distraction waiting to happen. Close any unnecessary tabs, especially social media or news sites that update frequently and provide ample distractions. If you have an office, close your door. If you work in a cubicle, buy a good set of noise-cancelling headphones and play relaxing music. If any of your colleagues ask you a question, politely ask them to wait until you reach a stopping point. The Mindtools article I referenced earlier suggests that constant questions from colleagues (or in a faculty member’s case, students) may be an indication that they are lacking information from you. To reduce these distractions, write down that information or create manuals or frequently asked questions. It is a much smaller distraction to point someone to a reference than it is to constantly answer the same question.

Distractions are a big part of my day. In fact, it took me two days to write this blog post because I was pulled repeatedly into meetings or interrupted by ongoing conversations, email, phone calls, or other tasks. I’m also a frequent interrupter, something I will work on moving forward. To learn more about improving your concentration, working through work distractions, or dealing with personal issues at work, visit the wonderful resources I found below. A colleague suggested that I also share an article on being a good cubicle citizen. Share it with your more disruptive office neighbors. If you have any suggestions or resources for coping with distractions, please share them.

Mindtools – Improving Your Concentration

BusinessWeek – Why You Can’t Get Any Work Done

About.com – Personal Issues at Work

Co-Workers and Cubicles: Tips for Being a Good Neighbor

Image from FlickrCC user Mrs. Gemstone