Unlikely that you spend as much time as me in the office, but if you do and find it hard to stay focused on the task at hand, try this technique. I call it 50:15 and it may help you become way more effective.
Rather than trying to sit there for hours until the job is done, try working in shorter sprints of 50 minutes and then taking a proper break of up to 15 minutes. Then repeat. If you really focus on getting as much done as possible in the allocated 50 minutes, putting aside all distractions (turn off the phone, email and Facebook, etc) you may be surprised at what you can achieve. Use a timer if you need to measure the time.
When you take the 15 minute break, make it a complete change. Preferably get up and go for a short walk, or do something non-work focussed. Then return to your work sprint and give it all of your attention.
I read somewhere (can’t remember where) that this combination of about 50 minutes work, followed by a 15 minute total break has been proven to increase effectiveness of mental and administrative tasks. Who am I to argue with the scientific community.
Try it and let me know what you think
Andy Burrows – The Trades Coach