The BEST Way to Stay Focused at Work
Distractions are everywhere. Your colleague is talking to you about how bad the traffic was this morning, while 10 emails from one client have just popped into your inbox.
We get it, it’s hard to cancel out the noise and focus on the task ahead. It can get quite frustrating at times, especially when your deadlines are looming…
But, the best way to stay focused at work is to set clear goals.
The first hour at work is generally the most productive as you still have all your energy. Use this hour to prioritise tasks and set at least three goals for the day ahead.
Below are 4 reasons why goal setting is the best way to stay focused:
Below are 4 reasons why goal setting is the best way to stay focused:
1. Goal setting provides direction
Having goals set in place is like having a map. You know what direction you need to head in and it helps guide your focus. Proper goal setting reduces stress and anxiety and actually improves productivity at work.
"You can't manage what you don't measure and you can't improve what you don't manage." - Jeff Boss
2. Accomplishing goals is addictive
Goal setting literally becomes addictive because completing a goal releases dopamine in your brain. It triggers the reward system, leaving you to achieve more.
Imagine a snowball rolling down a mountain, growing bigger as the momentum is rolling. It's the same thing. You think "I'm on a roll, let's keep going!"
Set a goal to complete the hardest task first, or the task you’ve been putting off for the last week. When you complete it, you will extinguish that lingering feeling in the back of your head, freeing up space for more important tasks. By prioritising the hardest first, you will automatically feel more productive for the rest of the day.
3. Goals aid in good decision making
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed at work because there’s just too much to do and not enough time? Having clearly written goals helps you focus on what’s important to you and what you want to achieve. Don’t be afraid to say no to certain tasks if it won’t benefit you in the future. If you have clear goals, you are already in a better position to make good decisions.
4. Goals keep you motivated
What are your long-term and short-term goals? By having meaningful goals it gives you something to aspire to. Start by accomplishing your short-term goals and then your long-term goals begin to look more realistic. Are you looking to get that big promotion at work? Write down the action steps you need in order to get there and your mind will start focusing on how you will achieve that goal.
Instead of just hoping something will happen, you will begin to take small steps every day to achieve it. Even trying to be 1% better every day compounds to 3800% in a year. Trust us, you will be unstoppable and you’ll get that promotion in no time!
Read about our goal of going drastic on plastic.