It’s hard to focus when we’re constantly being interrupted.
Notifications, messages, calls, meeting invitations, people popping in for a chat and not realising we’re listening to or working on something.
It’s frustrating - we never get a chance to get into what we need to or want to.
If only there was a way that we could get some quiet focus time…
Oh wait. There are lots of ways!
When we need to take more ownership of our time and attention, the easy part is the practicalities.
There’s a wide selection of useful strategies - scheduling, focus time, power hours, role clarity, eliminate/ automate/ delegate, map the type of work to your energy during the day - and so many more.
The harder part comes when we put the strategies into practice, and need to adjust to a new way of operating and of seeing ourselves.
It can be harder than we think to let go of being a go to person - a fast responder who’s always available and there if needed - especially if being that person has got us where we are.
It’s the part that keeps half an ear open in case anyone needs us, leaves notifications on and the door ajar, replies to messages immediately and answers our phones when we’re busy.
It’s been our default for so long, and we’re really good at it!
We worry that if we stop we won’t be as effective, or as liked, or the kind of person we want to be - what if stepping back means others have no support?
The good news is that it’s not all or nothing. We don’t have to switch from always on to never available.
We can take it step by step and let people know what we’re up to along the way.
It’s like any habit change - we need to find what works for us, and keep learning and rebalancing as we go.
So we set ourselves, and everyone else, up for success.
Are you constantly being interrupted?
And how could you give yourself the gift of quiet focus?
Wishing you a wonderful week,
