Benefits of habit “Keep a list of distractions”

Helps to keep focused
Improves productivity
Saves time for later tasks
Improves time management skills

First step:

Write down 1 distraction

Progress:

1. Today, as you work deeply focused, whenever a distraction arises in your mind, write it down on a notebook or a doc and return to your work. Do this once a day for 1 week.
2. Next week, increase the noting down to twice per day.
3. Keep increasing, until every time you are distracted, you note that distraction on your list.

Helpful tips to make it a habit:

✓ Let the app help. Use the calendar function of the app to mark the days you didn’t manage to note down your distractions. You will immediately see your progress and how much you still have to go to develop this healthy habit.
✓ Celebrate small victories. Every time you perform this habit, congratulate yourself! Say “I’m awesome” or “I’m so cool” out loud and with a smile on your face.

Tips for beginners:

✓ Deep working. It’s when you’re focused on just 1 task that has to be finished and you cannot afford any distractions whatsoever. That is the best time to keep the distractions list close by.
✓ Disconnecting. Most distractions come from notifications, whether it’s email or social media. Make sure you disconnect those, but even if you get the urge to check your feed, note that down too. Even the most trivial thing is a distraction and should be treated as such.
✓ Use the list. Once you reach a break in your work, run through the list and see what needs actual attention. Is it bills that need to be paid? Or maybe you need to check on your relative? Perhaps you thought of a book you want to read? All these distractions can be used for further productivity when necessary.