4 Ways to Kill Distractions and Get Things Done

I have been wanting to write this post for a while. But I haven’t had time.

I figured I’d do it eventually.

But project deliverables got in the way. So did happy hours. And so did sleep.

Don’t get me wrong: I kept writing it on my to-do lists. I definitely wrote it down more than a few times with misguided hope that eventually I’d find time to do it.

Then one day it occurred to me:  you don’t find time, you make it. Nothing happens by itself. What you get out of life is related directly to what you put in.

You need to get back in shape? Spend time at the gym.

You want to learn to cook? Spend time in the kitchen.

You hope to get your MBA? Spend time studying, applying, and then spend time in class.

Whether you need something, want something, or hope something happens, chances are it probably won’t – unless you invest your time.

Every day, you get 24 hours. You spend those hours in lots of different ways. It’s not unlike investing.

Time is your currency, how you chose to invest it will largely determine what you get out of it (a lot more than just needing, wanting, or hoping will).

You won’t find time, you’ll have to make it. And to do that, you may need to change the way you look at investing time on what you need to get done.

1. Treat yourself like a paying customer.

  We’re amazing at getting things done for other people. Bosses, clients, and colleagues can all count on us to do things for them in a timely manner. They have an expectation that you will deliver something for them in a given timeframe – and with these parameters, you usually do.

What if you applied these same parameters internally? You’d probably find more time to get things done for yourself.

2. Don’t wait for the right moment.

It’s not going to present itself in a tidy little suit and sing you a song. In fact, it’s not even going to show up. If you find yourself thinking “I’ll get to it right after this other stuff,” you’ll probably never get to it.

Why? Because “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, things will take as long as you let them.

3. Make your distraction your reward.

If you’ve even read this far, chances are you’ve stopped at least once to answer an email, check Twitter, or send an IM. (Disclosure: I did all of those things at least a half dozen times while writing this).

Communications technology helps just as much as it gets in the way. Position your distraction as your reward and don’t let yourself cave until you’ve at least moved the needle on a project you don’t have time for.

4. Go M.I.A.

You’re accessible. You have an open-door policy. People know where to find you and know they can always drop by for some help, advice, or guidance. Abandon them (just long enough to get done what you need to get done). And who knows, maybe your absence will make their heart grow fonder.

How did you have time to read this? Was it a waste? Let me know in the comments – or add your own tips, if you have time.

[image: hickr]

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