Productivity. Should we always be striving for an increase in productivity, or are we going about it in the wrong way? What if the best way to increase productivity is to take a less is more approach? In this article, we are going to chat about how eliminating digital distractions is the key to increased productivity. And, how that is critical for success as a remote worker, no matter entry level or senior level.

Focus and forward progress are essential for success as a remote worker. When I say remote worker, there is no limit to situations this can include. It might look like anything from part-time freelancers, solopreneurs, small business owners leading a team, or even a large corporation with independent remote opportunities. 

The importance of building healthy work habits in or out of a traditional setting is crucial, but so is the focus. Focus is what will propel you into opportunity. To build and maintain focus we are going to discuss establishing boundaries. 

What is a digital distraction? 

Digital distraction is any time your attention is diverted from the task at hand to a digital device. It could be the urge to check social media, a chime of a text, or the latest sports update

On average, it takes 23 minutes for workers to fully refocus after being interrupted.

So what are the telltale signs that you are living digitally distracted?

The effects of distractions span feeling disconnected in relationships and dramatic decreases in performance at work. 

According to a recent study, employees who turn off all notifications experience a 50% increase in productivity.

Strategies For Overcoming Digital Distraction

Defining Priorities

Establishing goals is the key to setting your daily priorities. When you have firm goals, it empowers you to say no to all the things that do not serve those goals. Start by deciding what you want your life to look like, then establish personal, professional, spiritual, and health goals.

The next step is breaking the long-term goals into daily actions. Decide your must-dos and then let them become your daily compass.  

When prioritizing your daily tasks, I find documenting estimated time to completion and urgency allows me to best plan for a successful day.

Setting Up Your Workspace

The next step in success when it comes to eliminating digital distraction is setting up your workspace. Did you know that removing clutter from your workspace alone can reduce distractions by 13.5%? That one simple step skyrockets you towards your goals.

It is time to declutter. Keeping only the must haves within your immediate work area. My desk consists of a laptop, laptop stand, second monitor, 1 pen, 1 pencil, 1 highlighter, 1 notebook, and my paper calendar. 

Keep it simple! Less is more.

Using Technology to Serve You

It’s time to flip the script. Don’t be ruled by technology, let technology be ruled by you. All technology has the possibility of being a tool in your toolbelt. You decide if, when, and how to utilize it.

Turning off notifications. This means focus mode on your phone, email notifications, other dings, pings, and pop-ups.  This is a great opportunity to establish boundaries! Like when you check emails. I check mine 2x a day. First in the morning after my recurring tasks, but before deep work, and second as a part of my end-of-day shutdown.

Using tech for you. Timers. Time trackers. You should always be keeping your budget up-to-date that isn’t just best practices for your money. That means your time too! If you are not budgeting your time, NOW is the time to start. 

1. Start with a 1-2 weeks of tracking 
2. Week 3 start budgeting 
3. Weekly refine and reevaluate your time budget

Boundaries. Set them & keep them.

Boundaries are the key to holding yourself and others accountable. If you are in the service provider space you undoubtedly heard of or have experienced scope creep. Now is the time to assess yourself for scope creep. Are you doing too much or too little in an area of priority in your life?

Boundaries are the key to safeguard here. 

When it comes to establishing boundaries, it may be easier to define what you don’t do and use that as your guide to what you do and how you do it.

Time Boundaries

Communication Boundaries

Work/Personal Commitment Boundaries

In the fast-paced world of remote work, productivity is key to success. However, achieving optimal productivity isn’t about constantly adding more tasks to your plate. Instead, it’s about focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the distractions that hinder your progress. By recognizing the signs of digital distraction and implementing effective strategies like defining priorities, setting up your workspace, and using technology to serve you, remote workers can reclaim their focus and propel themselves towards success. Remember, boundaries are crucial for maintaining work-life balance and ensuring that your time is spent on what truly matters. By establishing time, communication, and work/personal commitment boundaries, remote workers can thrive in their professional and personal lives.

Anything worth your time should be worth your best. By applying the steps outlined in this article you will find short-term and long-term effects. By reducing your digital distractions you will produce higher quality results with less time. Giving you more time for additional goals, hobbies, or REST.

Actionable Steps

Take these action steps to heart, and you’ll see the positive impact they have on your productivity!

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Sourcing

1. UC Irvine: The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress; Accessed: Feb. 12th 2024