Solocution, Part 2: The Power of Focus
Last week's blog featured the importance of what I call ‘solocution’ – solitary time for task execution and productive work. Prioritisation and scheduling are essential elements here. Another is, though is focus. You may be making your way back into the office around this time, where bear traps for our attention exist.
QUIET, PLEASE
In an open-plan office, a major potential impediment to proper focus is noise. Overheard conversations or the sound of a door repeatedly opening and closing can be all it takes to disrupt someone’s train of thought and put a serious dent in their productive powers.
Many find masking noise with music works well for them. In an office environment, I favour over-ear headphones as, even from afar, they subtly signal to colleagues that you are in ‘do not disturb’ mode. Noise-cancellation is probably worth the upgrade, by further helping people stay in a focus bubble, free from aural assault.
SOUND TECH FOR FOCUS
A step up from this is sound technology known as ‘binaural beats’. Here, a specific frequency of sound is played into one ear and a different frequency into the other. This has the ability to induce a brain wave frequency conducive to focus. Many people report noticeably better concentration using subscription services imbued with sound technology such as Brain.fm or Focus@Will (I have no affiliation with these products). The evidence for this technology is not particularly robust, but that is not necessarily a reason not to try them. Many people – myself included – report noticeable and satisfying improvements in focus and productivity using them.
TACTICS TO TAME EMAIL AND MESSAGING
Many people recognise email as an essential communication tool, but also describe it as the bane of their life. Part of the problem is the amount of reading and responding it generates, but having email open and notifications on can crush effective solocution. So might instant messaging. During periods of productive solitary work, I recommend turning off email and synchronous messaging. It may help to set an email autoresponder to inform others of your availability to manage others’ expectations.
MANAGING YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Mobile phones are another attention-grabber, and there is evidence that their proximity – whether on or off – is directly related to how distracting they are. Tucking your phone away in your work bag is a good tactic in the office. At home, though, you may benefit from having it in another room entirely. If you absolutely need your phone so people can reach you in an emergency, make sure you can hear it ring, even if it’s in a bag or another room in your home.
The strategies here are small and manageable. Together, thought, they facilitate the ability to be more productive in less time. You may also find more time for leisure, relaxation, and sleep. In short, taking steps to protect your focus and time can ensure your success with sustainability.n last week’s Performance Prescription newsletter, I featured the importance of what I call ‘solocution’ – solitary time for task execution and productive work. Prioritisation and scheduling are essential elements here. Another is, though is focus. You may be making your way back into the office around this time, where bear traps for our attention exist.
QUIET, PLEASE
In an open-plan office, a major potential impediment to proper focus is noise. Overheard conversations or the sound of a door repeatedly opening and closing can be all it takes to disrupt someone’s train of thought and put a serious dent in their productive powers.
Many find masking noise with music works well for them. In an office environment, I favour over-ear headphones as, even from afar, they subtly signal to colleagues that you are in ‘do not disturb’ mode. Noise-cancellation is probably worth the upgrade, by further helping people stay in a focus bubble, free from aural assault.
SOUND TECH FOR FOCUS
A step up from this is sound technology known as ‘binaural beats’. Here, a specific frequency of sound is played into one ear and a different frequency into the other. This has the ability to induce a brain wave frequency conducive to focus. Many people report noticeably better concentration using subscription services imbued with sound technology such as Brain.fm or Focus@Will (I have no affiliation with these products). The evidence for this technology is not particularly robust, but that is not necessarily a reason not to try them. Many people – myself included – report noticeable and satisfying improvements in focus and productivity using them.
TACTICS TO TAME EMAIL AND MESSAGING
Many people recognise email as an essential communication tool, but also describe it as the bane of their life. Part of the problem is the amount of reading and responding it generates, but having email open and notifications on can crush effective solocution. So might instant messaging. During periods of productive solitary work, I recommend turning off email and synchronous messaging. It may help to set an email autoresponder to inform others of your availability to manage others’ expectations.
MANAGING YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Mobile phones are another attention-grabber, and there is evidence that their proximity – whether on or off – is directly related to how distracting they are. Tucking your phone away in your work bag is a good tactic in the office. At home, though, you may benefit from having it in another room entirely. If you absolutely need your phone so people can reach you in an emergency, make sure you can hear it ring, even if it’s in a bag or another room in your home.
The strategies here are small and manageable. Together, though, they facilitate the ability to be more productive in less time. You may also find more time for leisure, relaxation, and sleep. In short, taking steps to protect your focus and time can ensure your success with sustainability.
