#ProdChat – 02/15/2017 – How to Remove Distractions for Greater Productivity
On February 15, 2017, #ProdChat discussed the topic, How to Remove Distractions for Greater Productivity. Focus is one of our greatest assets in life and work; how do we manage this for our benefit, to ourselves and our loved ones? Watch the slideshow to see what the productivity enthusiasts on #ProdChat had to say about “How to Remove Distractions for Greater Productivity.” Enjoy!
Questions:
- How much time do you estimate distraction currently eats away from your productivity?
- What are some regular distractions you face, and how do you overcome them?
- How do you schedule your time so you can avoid distractions?
- How do you use self-tracking to reflect and limit future distractions? What tools do you use?
- Are there places you find yourself more, or less, distracted? How do you design your workspace to limit distraction?
- How do visual distractions affect your productivity? How do you combat it?
- How do deal with ambient noise and other sound-based distractions?
- Have you tried mindfulness exercises (such as meditation) to increase your focus? Experiences?
- What happens when other people (coworkers, family and children, etc.) are the distractions?
- What will you do in the next week to focus more to get more done?
Raw transcript:
| User | Tweet | Time |
| rsidneysmith | Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly chat for productivity enthusiasts! https://t.co/C40vBakDrB https://t.co/zgmrnVvpGg | Thu Feb 16 00:59:00 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Hello @rsidneysmith #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 00:59:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Today on #ProdChat we’re discussing “How to Remove Distractions for Greater #Productivity” Join us! https://t.co/Fzr2fGGXqm | Thu Feb 16 01:00:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Hey there, Frank! How’re you today? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:00:25 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @rsidneysmith Doing well. Thanks. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:00:50 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | Finished today’s prodpod episode just in time #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:01:05 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Oh, that’s right. Ray, you are doing one per day for a while. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:01:30 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | So, let’s start! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchatThu Feb 16 01:02:00 +0000 2017 | |
| JKatzaman | Joining #ProdChat from Maryland, distracting myself to talk about removing distractions. | Thu Feb 16 01:02:04 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | I’m in! #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:02:08 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck That’s right! 30-day podcasting challenge for myself! It’s HARD! LOL #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:02:20 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Today on #ProdChat we’re discussing “How to Remove Distractions for Greater #Productivity” Join us! https://t.co/Fzr2fGGX… | Thu Feb 16 01:02:24 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman G’day, Jim! How’re you today? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:02:32 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Frank Buck from Alabama. I write and speak on organization and time management. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:02:39 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony Hiya, Tony! Glad you are listening to #ProdPod! Another one drops tomorrow! :) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:02:55 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | @rsidneysmith Doing good, Ray. And you? #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:03:06 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @ProSourcePrint Good day, Jeff! Glad you can be here! Great conversation methinks today! ;) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:03:19 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman I’m having one of those hyper(active)-productive days, so I’m doing great! LOL #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:03:38 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | Greets to all and good day! Sonia Harris tweeting from Northern Virginia (USA)! #ProdChat |
Thu Feb 16 01:03:44 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith perfect that the 100th episode was today. Looking forward to it. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:03:58 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | Evernote and GTD enthusiast from WI. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:04:10 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Intro: Hi, #productivity enthusiasts! Host: #prodchat, https://t.co/WPfpS6mNQq, @gtddc, @gtdnyc. Productivity, Tech & Management Consultant. | Thu Feb 16 01:04:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | What’s a #productivity success you’ve had this or last week? #prodchat https://t.co/6FssOwNxci | Thu Feb 16 01:05:00 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | UNT Advertising student joining #prodchat from Frisco, TX. | Thu Feb 16 01:05:28 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony Yes, I can’t believe it’s the 100th episode…and #/people who have listened to #ProdPod over the years is humbling. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:05:45 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | #Productivity success is working on a book study people can do on my book to renew school admin certification in Alabama. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:06:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Please add #prodchat to tweets. Questions will come as Q1, Q2, Q3. Answer A1, A2, A3, for readability! https://t.co/tRDrOIIIPG | Thu Feb 16 01:06:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @Aly_Flint Welcome, Aly! First time on #prodchat? How’re you today? | Thu Feb 16 01:06:36 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia Good day, Sonia! Great to see you could make this #prodchat! :)) How’re you? | Thu Feb 16 01:06:54 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | It’s been a pretty quiet week for me. #ProdChat Lots of routine work; it’s been kind of nice to slow it down for a week. | Thu Feb 16 01:07:31 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | We’ll be starting Q1 in just a couple minutes. #prodchat https://t.co/3hdYAbIYem | Thu Feb 16 01:08:01 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith I can imagine. It’s a great milestone #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:08:08 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | #Productivity Success: Finished the syllabus for my upcoming Evernote for Business online course! w00t! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:08:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony Yes, and I’ll be shooting past 125 in just under a month’s time is also kinda mind-boggling for me. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:08:44 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony But, I think the #productivity challenge was exactly the energy I needed to get back to podcasting #ProdPod again. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:09:19 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q1: How much time do you estimate distraction currently eats away from your productivity? #prodchat https://t.co/SXvz8zCBe5 | Thu Feb 16 01:10:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @Aly_Flint Awesome! Well, welcome again, and enjoy the #prodchat! I’m sure you’ll learn and teach us a few things along the way! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:11:00 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | @rsidneysmith This is my first #prodchat! As a student, I am continually looking for ways to increase my productivity. | Thu Feb 16 01:11:15 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith for sure and excited to you go for 30 in 30 #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:11:30 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A1: It varies. When there is no deadline, the self-inflicted distractions kick in more. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:11:37 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony Thank you! :)) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:18 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | Q1 Distractions eat away at my productivity as much as I let it. If determined to get something done, I can put other stuff aside. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:27 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A1 hmm depends but I would say about 15 mins per hour. Can’t really calculate a number. #ProdChat https://t.co/4ePQvUwgcb | Thu Feb 16 01:12:32 +0000 2017 |
| MariahFerber | I would estimate for every hour of homework I attempt to get done distraction eliminates at least 15 minutes of my productivity. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:35 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A1: Depends on whether we’re talking work or home. Work is better, 10-15%. Home…probably closer to 50%. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:48 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | @rsidneysmith Thanks Ray; doing ok. Glad to join in. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:49 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith you’re welcome. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:12:52 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A1: I’m sure that ~10% of my time is probably distraction, from tracking my time. Always room for improvement. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:13:05 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q1: How much time do you estimate distraction currently eats away from your productivity? #prodchat https://t.co/SXvz8zCB… | Thu Feb 16 01:13:51 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @MariahFerber Welcome to #prodchat, Mariah! | Thu Feb 16 01:14:21 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q2: What are some regular distractions you face, and how do you overcome them? #prodchat https://t.co/OkXpUwxHiD | Thu Feb 16 01:15:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox Yeah, I think we definitely need to think in categorical terms if you’re more focused at work than home. Good point! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:15:20 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @MariahFerber sounds like we are in the same boat. #ProdChat https://t.co/8jRo45NKMK | Thu Feb 16 01:15:55 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | A1: It depends on the task I am trying to accomplish and degree of motivation. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:15:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A2: When I go to check work Facebook Groups, there’s that chance to accidentally see personal FB stuff. Ugggggh! LOL #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:15:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A2: Twitter. Twitter. Twitter. (I have 13+ Twitter accounts for work and other organizations I help.) Such a rabbit hole! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:16:31 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2: External distractions for me tends to be phone calls, #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:16:42 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A2 The most common distractions are email, TV and making small talk. Any of the above can be turned off or avoided as need be. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:16:56 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A1) Hmm, not sure. Radio & TV can be a distraction but I’ll adjust the noise level. I usually need some kind of noise in the bkgrd!#ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:17:07 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A2a: My biggest distractions at work occur when I’m at my desk. My goal is to be at my desk as little as possible. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:17:34 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A2a: My biggest distractions at work occur when I’m at my desk. My goal is to be at my desk as little as possible. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:17:34 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2: Internal distrac. would be the interesting things I find online while I am researching the thing I originally needed to know #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:17:40 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q2: What are some regular distractions you face, and how do you overcome them? #prodchat https://t.co/OkXpUwxHiD | Thu Feb 16 01:17:50 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A2 social media even though it’s part of work, articles that pop up that I want to read and YouTube opens a can of… https://t.co/4YI2WkTNCY | Thu Feb 16 01:17:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A2: Another that plagues many: small tasks that derail working on a larger project, because a small task leads to another, and on. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:17:59 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2: During my days as a school principal, drop-in visitors posed the biggest distraction. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:18:19 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A2b: I make ‘me use voicemail/email as much as I can. I deal with that on my own schedule. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:18:26 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A2) Regular distractions include my calendar alerts or reminders and social media notifications on devices. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:18:57 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia I usu. get more done when the radio/music is on in the background, as long as it’s not too involved (ie, politics). #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:18:57 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia But, I can totally see TV. I’d constantly be distracted if I had video playing. I sometimes will listen to YT videos. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:19:39 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @DrFrankBuck Amen to that. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:19:49 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A2.2) I overcome those actions by turning the notifications off until I’m ready to “hear” them again. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:19:51 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q3: How do you schedule your time so you can avoid distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/PaUcPPh8hc | Thu Feb 16 01:20:00 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @Aly_Flint: A1: It depends on the task I am trying to accomplish and degree of motivation. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:20:13 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | @rsidneysmith Ouch! Really? #ProdChat https://t.co/p21XAZs0X6 | Thu Feb 16 01:20:40 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia I put my phone into Night/Sleep mode for periods of my day so those notifications go away for a temp. period. #idea #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:20:44 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | A2: My classes require me to stay current on news and social media, but this can be distracting from other tasks. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:20:58 +0000 2017 |
| MariahFerber | A2: My biggest distractions are ones I put in my own way such as texting and playing with my cat because I tend to procrastinate. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:21:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia Ah, you’re on it! Hopefully that helps someone else! :) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:21:06 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A3: I plan my day the night before, and if I truly jump on my #1 first thing in the morning, I am usually OK. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:21:15 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia Yes, I just have to block time out when I’m on Twitter and when I’m not. Period. Otherwise, I could spend all day. A3. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:21:45 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | A3: Checklists help me stay on top of everything – when I get distracted, I refer back to my list. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:23:15 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A3: I use the Unschedule framework pretty effectively as part of my #GTD Weekly Review. See: https://t.co/QVt6W75xOU #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:23:19 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A3 Since I get to work earlier than most others, I try to get projects out of the way first thing. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:23:21 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A3: Biggest thing for me is to start early so my desk time occurs before everyone else is in for the day. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:23:37 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A3 having a calendar, post it’s and having @trello & google drive open helps #Prodchat https://t.co/psEBGJZjww | Thu Feb 16 01:23:41 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @Aly_Flint Great idea. Helps you re-focus. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:23:46 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | A3: I also take a moment each morning to mentally lay out what I need to accomplish by the end of the day. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:24:38 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q4: How do you use self-tracking to reflect and limit future distractions? What tools do you use? #prodchat https://t.co/yBXf9uuFWr | Thu Feb 16 01:25:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @MariahFerber You should definitely check out the Unschedule by Dr. Neil Fiore. Great tool for procrastinating less. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:25:11 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | @rsidneysmith Oh yes, besides the weather report (which I’d be awaiting), the news IS more distracting. #ProdChat https://t.co/cqBYYBbppF | Thu Feb 16 01:25:24 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | i just use my digital task list to keep me focused. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:25:59 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Great idea! I plan work for the next day usu. 6pm, and the rest of my personal parts of my next day before bed. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:26:19 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q3: How do you schedule your time so you can avoid distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/PaUcPPh8hc | Thu Feb 16 01:26:32 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q4: How do you use self-tracking to reflect and limit future distractions? What tools do you use? #prodchat https://t.co/… | Thu Feb 16 01:26:36 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @harrisonia Especially CSPAN when crazy callers get on the line! LOL. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:26:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman My favorite is when I get my task list done before anyone else shows up to the office! *high five* #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:27:13 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | Q4: Having a checklist gives me a tangible indicator of the degree of progress I have made towards my goals each day. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:27:23 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @MariahFerber post it notes pretty much cover my screen. It’s my passive aggressive way of keeping myself on top of things. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:27:42 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A4: I’m a huge self-tracker (Quantified Self, anyone?). I track all of my work hours daily using @toggl and my invoicing software. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:28:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A4: Tracking all my time keeps me honest since I’m going to review the reports in my Weekly Review. #gtd #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:28:35 +0000 2017 |
| MariahFerber | I use a checklist for things I need to accomplish each day as well as a weekly checklist! #prodchat https://t.co/Ky4iZjGDKs | Thu Feb 16 01:28:49 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A4: For many years, I tracked all of this in an Excel workbook, that then became a Google Sheets workbook. But, @toggl now! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:29:24 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @MariahFerber Do you do this in a software? Or a written on paper checklist? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:29:50 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @MariahFerber and @Aly_Flint What do you use to keep your checklists? Any particular software? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:29:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q5: Are there places you find yourself more, or less, distracted? How do you design your workspace to limit distrac… https://t.co/Y5Fp9m5M9J | Thu Feb 16 01:30:02 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @Aly_Flint How do you track this checklist? Paper? Digital? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:30:07 +0000 2017 |
| prodchat | RT @DrFrankBuck: @MariahFerber and @Aly_Flint What do you use to keep your checklists? Any particular software? #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:30:19 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Ray and I are thinking along the same line #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:30:30 +0000 2017 |
| prodchat | @DrFrankBuck @MariahFerber @Aly_Flint What Frank said! LOL #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:30:41 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: I have to do “deep work” in my office with the door closed. Same with training/coaching calls with clients. I need quiet. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:31:23 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: For all other work, I really enjoy being among people to work, even at a café or coworking space. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:31:47 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: I have several computers and devices on stands surrounding me at my desktop (for testing purposes mostly), but also so… #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:32:34 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A5 I also can work with my door closed, but it’s not like distractions come to me. It’s usually the opposite. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:32:42 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: …I can have different contexts (Work, Client Stuff, Personal, etc.). #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:32:57 +0000 2017 |
| prodbookgrp | Did you miss a #productivity book club discussion and want to listen to it? Catch up here: https://t.co/RzMPV84Dn2… https://t.co/3GE73IsGja | Thu Feb 16 01:33:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Did you miss a #productivity book club discussion and want to listen to it? Catch up here: https://t.co/yz1SnjAQm1… https://t.co/F7HkTZEyxW | Thu Feb 16 01:33:00 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A4 started using the 30/30 task manager app. Still pretty new and also learning how to use @todoist #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:33:12 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @MariahFerber Great! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:33:22 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A5) In my workspace, I enjoy my door! I do “need” to face the door, which I’ll adjust depending on traffic outside it. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:33:24 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A5: My software suite is cloud based so I can use any internet connected device. I prefer sunny locations to do my reporting. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:33:44 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A5 for me as long as I have headphones and don’t have too many tabs open that helps. Also coffee is a huge plus.… https://t.co/wbeH5SkoY6 | Thu Feb 16 01:34:23 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q6: How do visual distractions affect your productivity? How do you combat it? #prodchat https://t.co/JoVDXZCn09 | Thu Feb 16 01:35:01 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @OmnipoTony I had those headphones back in the day. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:36:03 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox Ditto! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:36:04 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A6: I try to avoid having anything that blinks near me when I work (voicemail, mobile phone) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:36:22 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @xianfox were those noise canceling? #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:37:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A6: Unless it’s a video on screen, I’m not actually plagued by visual distractions. I can focus through many visual distractions. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:37:40 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @OmnipoTony Only if you turned the volume way, way up. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:38:01 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | RT @rsidneysmith: Q6: How do visual distractions affect your productivity? How do you combat it? #prodchat https://t.co/JoVDXZCn09 | Thu Feb 16 01:38:03 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Although, I agree, Frank, I like to have all those notifications silenced when I’m doing “deep work.” #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:38:07 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A2 – Late to #prodchat – I have the Google Chrome Facebook Feed Eradicator. Keeps me from mindlessly scrolling TOO much @rsidneysmith | Thu Feb 16 01:39:24 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A6 staying away from YouTube helps. Once I start with one video it can lead to 20. Just speaking from experience… https://t.co/Pc43iABoG0 | Thu Feb 16 01:39:26 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A6: I like to get away from things I have direct responsibility for. Away from my desk and in a coffee shop is great. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:39:32 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @xianfox ah that makes sense. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:39:40 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A5.2) “Studying” at the library was.not.productive: was too distracting b/c of people walking by & secluded areas were too quiet! #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:39:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy Welcome, Jennifer! Great to have you back! :) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:39:49 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q7: How do deal with ambient noise and other sound-based distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/QB8jNAEQxB | Thu Feb 16 01:40:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy That’s amazing! I’ll definitely have to look at that Chrome extension! Thanks! :)) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:40:14 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | @OmnipoTony Yes, same here! LOL #ProdChat https://t.co/R1sUKwgzUb | Thu Feb 16 01:40:32 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A7: I am really good at tuning out background noise. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:40:46 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q6: How do visual distractions affect your productivity? How do you combat it? #prodchat https://t.co/JoVDXZCn09 | Thu Feb 16 01:40:58 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A6 There always seems to be a “squirrel” running around that’ll distract me if I let it. #prodchat https://t.co/rN3638kNKD | Thu Feb 16 01:41:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: Where visual distractions aren’t a big deal for me, I’m really tossed off by sound very easily. Light sleeper, too! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:41:21 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: I have to use noise-cancelling headphones when traveling because the noise is distressing. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:41:50 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rsidneysmith – It shows quotes instead! #prodchat “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” ~ Confucius |
Thu Feb 16 01:42:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: And, I frequently use ear plugs if I’m doing concentrated work in my office with the door closed. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:42:13 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A7: I’m pretty good at tuning noise out. If it gets too bad, I usually pick up and move somewhere quieter. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:42:18 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A6) For visual distractions, it depends on the speed, noise level, and distance from me. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:42:19 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy Ha! That’s clever! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:42:50 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q7: How do deal with ambient noise and other sound-based distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/QB8jNAEQxB | Thu Feb 16 01:43:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman I love that movie! Hehe. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:43:15 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A7 The passing crowd in the hallway isn’t that much of a crowd. Again, I can close the door, and the TV has mute and off settings. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:44:02 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: Although, if I’m doing moderate to low challenge tasks at a café, or coworking space, noise isn’t an issue. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:44:08 +0000 2017 |
| MariahFerber | I am distracted more by visual distractions than noises. I usually set myself up facing a blank wall to minimize the distractions. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:44:22 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: I also use @BrainfmApp extensively to help me focus! Such a great tool! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:44:39 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A7 – A friend introduced me to Coffivity a while back. It’s coffee house noise. Supposed to help you think #prodchat https://t.co/8LvX4sFpsa | Thu Feb 16 01:44:44 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q8: Have you tried mindfulness exercises (such as meditation) to increase your focus? Experiences? #prodchat https://t.co/BSAOrdl2ds | Thu Feb 16 01:45:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy Yes, Coffitvity is a great app! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:45:27 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: A7: I also use @BrainfmApp extensively to help me focus! Such a great tool! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:45:33 +0000 2017 |
| prodbookgrp | Join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion! https://t.co/n14akGjZH4 #prodchat https://t.co/giMeFhyWGi | Thu Feb 16 01:47:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion! https://t.co/wQRfxIkzyT #prodchat https://t.co/VQvh4CRcZS | Thu Feb 16 01:47:00 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | @rsidneysmith Yes, I LOVE getting work done at @panerabread and @Starbucks! Work followed by food reward (or meal)!… https://t.co/zsOnKAG6q9 | Thu Feb 16 01:47:22 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | 18yrs. Mindfulness practice is to your brain as fitness, sleep, & good nutrition is to your body. #prodchat”}” data-sheets-numberformat=”[null,1]”>A8: I’ve been an advocate for >18yrs. Mindfulness practice is to your brain as fitness, sleep, & good nutrition is to your body. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:47:23 +0000 2017 |
| MariahFerber | I always feel ready to take on the world after a hot yoga session. It improves my focus, motivation, and mood! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:47:42 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q8: Have you tried mindfulness exercises (such as meditation) to increase your focus? Experiences? #prodchat https://t.co… | Thu Feb 16 01:47:46 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A8 I haven’t but I still have the @Headspace app #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:49:08 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A8 In a competing chat they’re talking about the difference between mindfulness and meditation. It boggles the mind. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:49:17 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A8: I try to keep prayer in my morning prep routine somewhere. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:49:30 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A8: Secular and spiritual mindfulness practices exist, and for every type of mind. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:49:34 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q9: What happens when other people (coworkers, family and children, etc.) are the distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/zprvPv8D1Y | Thu Feb 16 01:50:00 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A9 – I work from home. Yesterday evening, the girls were baking a cake. I was interrupted SO many times! I have no good answer #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:50:50 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A9: many times the best thing to do is give into the distraction. They need info to move forward. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:51:20 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A9 I’m lucky that most of the rest of the office keep to themselves. I’m the distraction culprit. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:51:45 +0000 2017 |
| Vitto_Rio | RT @rsidneysmith: Q8: Have you tried mindfulness exercises (such as meditation) to increase your focus? Experiences? #prodchat https://t.co… | Thu Feb 16 01:51:49 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman Yes, meditation tends to be an umbrella term. I like mindfulness practice/exercise, as more secular terms. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:52:07 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A9: Family is my biggest “distraction” but they’re why I do all this in the 1st place, so I put them 1st but appropriately engaged #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:52:40 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy That just means you should have probably been having some fun with the girls! ;-) #TimeForFun #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:52:41 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A9 put on the headphones. #prodchat https://t.co/MFjLOFnrVa | Thu Feb 16 01:53:03 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rsidneysmith They are high schoolers who know how to bake cakes and weren’t helping each other! lol #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:53:20 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | @DrFrankBuck @MariahFerber paper! I’ve tried phone and it’s more satisfying if I can physically cross it off! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:53:40 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy LMAO! I remember when I had high schoolers doing the same thing at home. Good times. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:53:58 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @OmnipoTony Headphones at the office indicate that I’m REALLY working on something. Like editing podcasts! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:54:08 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @Aly_Flint @DrFrankBuck @MariahFerber There is something satisfying about crossing things off a paper checklist, right?! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:54:20 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @JoysOfMercy ah in my scenario I’m listening to podcasts. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:54:37 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q10: What will you do in the next week to focus more to get more done? #prodchat https://t.co/RQP75bwr5S | Thu Feb 16 01:55:00 +0000 2017 |
| Vitto_Rio | sometimes music is a great way to motivate for work! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:55:18 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Q9: What happens when other people (coworkers, family and children, etc.) are the distractions? #prodchat https://t.co/zp… | Thu Feb 16 01:55:41 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A10: I’m going to check out this fancy Facebook Chrome extension recommended by @joysofmercy! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:56:08 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A10: I can see that extension being helpful for clients who don’t need @rescuetime or Freedom.io, and want something for just FB. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:00 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | a10: Continue to construct the list ahead of time and make it attractive enough I will hit the ground running. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:01 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A10 I find giving myself artificial deadlines help get me to focus on what needs to be done. It’s my little mind game. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:10 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A1 Overall, I would say around 15 to 20 percent of my waking hours. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:10 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A10 – Drink water when I get home from taking the girls to school. Help me be more alert right away. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:13 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @JoysOfMercy extension you say? #prodchat https://t.co/sEZd8zk1YT | Thu Feb 16 01:57:18 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | A9) Whether co-workers or family, communication “at their level” is the key to reducing or eliminating distractions! #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:19 +0000 2017 |
| Vitto_Rio | @rsidneysmith make a note of what I need to accomplish, that helps me focus #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:57:47 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Next #ProdChat: February 22 – “Journaling for Productivity” with @nmhouston hosting! Join us! Have a great rest of… https://t.co/25uSpMnnMW | Thu Feb 16 01:58:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @JoysOfMercy “News Feed Eradicator” for Chrome. #prodchat https://t.co/N5uBrSBooO | Thu Feb 16 01:58:08 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @OmnipoTony @rsidneysmith – It’s called Facebook News Feed Eradicator #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:58:15 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A2 Social media is a huge distraction but at the same time—and it’s very hard to say this—a necessary one. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:58:17 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A10 eliminating distractions until everything that I need gets done first. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:58:20 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @JoysOfMercy @rsidneysmith now that sounds like something I need. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:58:47 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @OmnipoTony @rsidneysmith – When you log on to FB, you see a lovely quote instead of your feed. Notifications are there. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 01:59:07 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @JoysOfMercy @rsidneysmith hmm that’s exciting #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:59:26 +0000 2017 |
| harrisonia | RT @rsidneysmith: Next #ProdChat: February 22 – “Journaling for Productivity” with @nmhouston hosting! Join us! Have a great rest of your w… | Thu Feb 16 01:59:31 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | Journaling. I need lots of help there. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 01:59:36 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox I’m sure the #productivity enthusiasts and @nmhouston will have many insights for you! :) #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 02:00:10 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join the @prodchat community, and @nmhouston, next week! https://t.co/0O5h8KGhyN | Thu Feb 16 02:01:00 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @rsidneysmith Looking forward to it. #ProdChat I’m pretty much the anti-journaler. | Thu Feb 16 02:01:58 +0000 2017 |
| Aly_Flint | @rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck @MariahFerber It’s like crossing a mini finish line after completing a task #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 02:02:04 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @Aly_Flint @DrFrankBuck @MariahFerber Ha! Yes! I like that analogy! #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 02:02:25 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A4 I used site-blocking apps a few years ago and occasionally put my phone away to focus on tasks at hand. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:02:33 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @rsidneysmith You need to update that graphic, Ray. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:02:35 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rogue_crayon99 – Putting my phone in the other room helps A LOT! Then I don’t hear all of the dings and buzzes. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:03:43 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox Ah, yes. Thanks for catching that! I’ll correct it now. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 02:03:47 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @prodchat @nmhouston CORRECTION: Topic for next week is “Journaling for Productivity” (Thanks, @xianfox for catchin… https://t.co/1OhSGKRlHk | Thu Feb 16 02:05:32 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A6 interesting side talk related to this: open floor plans vs cubicles. The latter’s “horse on blinders” works better for others #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:06:19 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | Thanks for the chat #ProdChat. Have a wonderful evening all. | Thu Feb 16 02:07:14 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A7 I spent most of my early life in urban areas so in a way, I do prefer ambient noise. Total silence can be a little unnerving. #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:08:57 +0000 2017 |
| MarcieTimmerman | A9 I periodically log what I accomplish in an hour, a day, etc. My “done” list helps me stay on track. #prodchat | Thu Feb 16 02:12:28 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A9 Family/friends/coworkers = always tough. I try my best to stay engaged while talking with them but have a clock ticking… #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:13:36 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | @JoysOfMercy Nice! Part of me is still tempted to purchase a discrete lockbox just to make sure it’s out of sight and mind! #ProdChat | Thu Feb 16 02:14:54 +0000 2017 |