Digital distractions

Writing this blog every other Monday can sometimes be a challenge. I settle on a subject, start doing some research and then end up in an internet wormhole. Then I need to refocus and remember what my original idea was!

It's less of a case of not knowing when to switch off and focus on real life but instead about trying to stay productive. The fear of missing out is a really big factor in this. The constantly humming news streams of social media or the news alerts from the BBC all try to pull me away from the task I'm trying to complete.

In a normal workday there are always distractions either from Skype, the mobile or the dreaded email. For the last week I've spent a lot of the time writing either agency briefs, award entries or funding submissions. For me, one of the things I like most about digital marketing is how varied it is. By just carrying out the same type of task (especially one that doesn't come naturally) it has been difficult to keep focused on delivery. So I've recently been thinking about methods I've previously employed to achieve this.

Firstly, I make sure that my emails are off! By getting started straight away before I get sucked into the game of email tennis it helps to set up my day as I mean to go on. That way I avoid getting to Friday and having to power work my way through all of the tasks that I need to complete.

With the type of work that many digital jobs entail it can also help to step away from and look at it with fresh eyes. I've found this in the past with video editing that sometimes you can get so embroiled you don't know if what you're looking at is any good anymore! This time off is not stalled productivity but is an investment in future performance. It does mean not leaving tasks to the last minute though!

My work setup is that I have two computer screens and this is something which I find super valuable. Typing on one screen while looking at a reference on the other or looking at my calendar on one screen and having my email on another really works even though it seems so simple. When I go home and try to use my laptop after using my two screens at work, I am noticeably slower at what I am trying to accomplish. Especially copying and pasting between documents.

Also, having a large family means we all have evening commitments. Whether it's tutoring, kickboxing, beavers/cubs or swimming it's important I leave on time most days. By having these commitments to ensure a definite leaving time each day, there's a healthy internal pressure to get things done. I've found in the past that not having a definite leaving time makes me more lax, thinking I have 24 hours until the next business day dawns. Then at 5.30pm I always update and prioritise my to-do list for tomorrow. That helps me come in and get going right away whilst also not worrying about what I need to do out of hours. My past self has it all taken care of!

I'm also a people person so for me I ensure I make time to chat with workmates or maybe help them with something. This is important time away from the screen and researching this blog helps me to try to stay ahead of the curve.

So I've hit my deadlines, I've submitted the awards entry and I've secured the funding. Now I need the same discipline to not multi-task on different devices? With an upcoming kitchen extension I'm going to enjoy all of my spare time being dominated by decorating in contrast to a day looking at the screen...!
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