Focus

Focus and simplicity...once you get there, you can move mountains. - Steve Jobs

A lot has changed since I last posted. It was only a month ago, but lots of good things are happening!

If you remember I last blogged about finding balance. I have made some changes in the last months. I changed jobs again. Three jobs in three years is not for sissies. It is also not something I ever thought I would have done, and not how I am built. I made some mistakes in choices when I was not happy and proceeded forward with haste versus listening to my gut. When we are unhappy and rush decisions they usually lead to unfavorable results. The good news is that I believe I have found a home. I have gone back to consulting which I love and to thoughtful work with a wonderful group of people.

This week was the second week in my new role, and it became apparent quickly as I started my new work that I have forgotten how to focus. How do I relearn the skill of focusing?

I think in most industries, but I know in Healthcare IT there is much more demand than resources and there are not a lot of organizations that are good at saying no. I did my best to multi-task to keep my head above water, but I felt like I was drowning and out of gas most days. I know I was not doing my best work.

Everyone must multitask at times, but when you have been in a constant mode of multitasking you forget any other way exists. One of the reasons I wanted a change is that the constant multitasking was affecting the quality of my work, my confidence in my work, and my peace of mind. What I discovered was that multitasking all the time does not allow you to work smarter, it kills productivity, and it leads to anxiety.

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” – Zig Ziglar

When I began my new role and project, I realized on my own and with coaching (ouch!) that I lacked focus. I am not exactly sure how to retrain myself and relearn how to focus, but below are some steps I am trying to take:

Step 1 - Identifying the issue.

• We can check this one off. Yay!

• I was putting a lot of effort into my work, and I was making progress, but my progress was not focused on keeping the main thing the main thing.

Step 2 - Prevent distractions before they happen.

• I turned off notifications on my computer and my phone and removed anything else from my office, like my dog, that might try to take my attention.

• I closed any unneeded windows on my computer and worked to outline the steps I needed to take to move forward on my first deliverable.

Step 3 - Try to control it.

• There are a million methods out there, but I have been trying to focus in 20 minute increments. I have been setting a timer, and I am amazed at how many times I have failed.

• By the end of the day, I had seen some improvement, so I am hopeful that this process will help me understand what focusing feels like again and see the value.

Step 4- Have one priority that you complete every day.

• I hope and so does my employer that I complete many other tasks each day, but I think if I have one non-negotiable item that I must get done it will help me relearn focus. It is a way for me to hold myself accountable, feel a sense of accomplishment, and become more focused.

Step 5 - Learn to say no.

• Overcommitment is what made me become the crazy multitasker I am today. I am far from being in a place where I am overcommitted in my new role, but it is something I want to watch out for going forward. I love to be helpful and add value, but I want to do great work, so there must be a balance.

Work is hard. Distractions are plentiful. And time is short. – Adam Hochschild

Distractions, interruptions, mood, and all things life can change your focus. This exercise for me is not about perfection, but it is about retraining or relearning how to better focus. If I find pockets throughout the day that are more conducive to focusing, and I reduce distractions, then I will consider this exercise a success.

Are you struggling with focus? Have you found tools that have proven successful for you? Feel free to try my plan and let me know how you are doing.

Until next time....-Leigh