Managing Your Success

Is your work/study environment conducive to getting things done?

You know the scenario. You sit down to get some work done and you start getting pulled in every direction - kids, your phone, your lack of focus that draws you to social media, daydreaming or stressing about trying to get things done. Think about it. When you try to work on a task, but you are bombarded with interruptions, it takes 2-3 times longer to get it done, if it gets done at all. Visit the resources here to learn strategies to manage those distractions and create a workable space and environment to be productive. Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Turn off your push notifications and alerts - When you are working, only keep essential notifications on (though most are not essential). These are your biggest temptation and distraction. You hear the sound and your immediate instinct is to check it.

2. Use this philosophy with your phone 'out of sight is out of mind' - Oftentimes it is not enough to put your phone on silent or vibrate.  Ideally, physically remove it from your tempted hands - place it in another room. 

3. Close all unnecessary programs but also open all necessary programs​ - When you start a task, close any unnecessary sites such as email, social media, YouTube, etc. They are distractions that time your focus and attention. However, you should open all of the sites you need to complete the task. For example, when working on a research paper, have Word open and the DSC Library site. You will write on Word and do your research on the Library site databases. You are likely to be tempted to look at other sites while searching for the file you need or getting to the site you need to do your work. It is easy to get off track. 

4. Set ground rules - Your friends and family are great; however, they are also major sources of distractions. Even your pets command your attention!! Clearly communicate to everyone that you need to complete a task, that you need quiet, uninterrupted time to do so specifically define the chunks of time you want to work. If at all possible, most will respect your wishes and minimize contact and communication with you at those times. The key is communicating and being assertive enough to say 'no', no matter how tempting it is.