Focusing in a Distracted WorldFocusing in a Distracted WorldForwardJS - July 29, 2015ForwardJS - July 29, 2015

Hello Forward JSHello Forward JS

I'm a Creative Engineer with a passion for UX

@psyrendust@psyrendustLarry GordonLarry Gordon

Types of DistractionsTypes of Distractions

ThoughtsEmotionsDiscomfort / PainHungerJust plain tired

Digital notificationsPhone callsEmailsPeopleClutter

InternalInternal ExternalExternal

I don't think I can do it!I don't think I can do it!

Solutions are within reachSolutions are within reach

Self ReflectionSelf Reflection

Identify areas I would like to changeIdentify areas I would like to change

1. Whats the most important task I should be doingright now

2. Knowing when to say no and following throughwith it

3. Having trouble getting to work at a consistenttime without feeling rushed

4. Not letting social networks suck up my time5. Building a better routine6. Finding quiet time at work7. Rewarding myself often8. Finding out what makes me thrive

1. What is the most important task1. What is the most important taskI should be doing right now?I should be doing right now?

Using timers to break myself out of what I’mdoing (controlled distraction)Stop what I’m doing and take a step backAsk myself "Is this task something I should bedoing right now?"If not, observe my feelings and surroundings tounderstand why I’m doing this taskIf the task is important, put it in my task managerFind the task I should be working on and beginRinse and repeat

2. Knowing when to say 2. Knowing when to say no and andfollowing through with itfollowing through with it

I like being helpful, and sometimes helping otherscan conflict with the task I'm currently doingIf it's important, discuss it with managementReprioritize the new task against my current list of tasksIt’s not just about saying no to other peopleBeing able to say no to yourself

3. Having trouble getting to work at a3. Having trouble getting to work at aconsistent time without feeling rushedconsistent time without feeling rushed

Started to time myselfWhen did I wake upHow long does it take me to get ready in themorningHow long does it take me to leave my apartmentand grab my bike?How long does it take me to bike to BARTWhat time do I get to BART

How crowded is it at this particular time?Can I get my bike on BART at this time?

How long is my BART rideHow long is my bike ride to work from BART?Realizing that getting to home is not the same asgetting to work

4. Not letting social4. Not letting socialnetworks suck up my timenetworks suck up my time

I only check them during micro gapsWhen I’m on my commuteWhen I’m waiting in line forsomethingAnytime I have a few minutesbetween something

5. Building a better routine5. Building a better routine

Used all of my time tracking notesPlaced an event in my calendar for eachthing I was doing

Waking upGetting ready for workCommuting to workLunchCommuting to homeDecompressingMaking dinnerEating dinnerTime with my wifeGetting ready for bedSleeping

5. Building a better routine5. Building a better routine

I could look at my calendar and know if Iwas off my routineIf I was consistently off I would adjust myroutine to account for itRinse and repeat until it became a habit

6. Finding quiet time at work6. Finding quiet time at work

6. Finding quiet time at work6. Finding quiet time at work

I observed that it was quiet at work before8:30am and after 4pmI adjusted my routine to get to work at 6:30amI became super productive work

No external distractionsI didn’t check email, use social networks, orweb surfWorked on my toughest tasks that requiredthe most concentration

Noise canceling headphones!

6. Finding quiet time at work6. Finding quiet time at work

Negotiated with my manager on a better place tosit (an area with less foot traffic)

Moved to a corner seat vs in the middle of allof the teamsNot quite as visible so people were less likelyto just bother me for little things

Worked on getting recurring meetings moved sothat it doesn’t break up the day as muchWorked on instituting no meeting Tuesdays andWednesdaysBlocked off the rest of my free time in mycalendar as work timeIf someone wanted to schedule something withme they would have to ask me first

7. Rewarding myself often7. Rewarding myself often

Trying to create a new routine is toughMake a long term goalDecide on a reward for when that larger goal iscompleteAlso make smaller short term goalsDecide on a reward for those short term goals tooTake a larger or tough task and break it down tosmaller achievementsThen take a moment to reward yourself after youcomplete each oneMake sure to enjoy itBuild up a positive experience

8. Finding out what makes me thrive8. Finding out what makes me thrive

Observe my patternsWhat was it that made me energetic?Could I find a job doing that?Could I make adjustments in my current job tomake me happy?

Change is difficultChange is difficult

It won't be easyIt won't be easy

Don't Give Up!Don't Give Up!

#FocusingInADistractedWorld

Larry Gordon

Thank you!Thank you!

@psyrendusthttp://psyrendust.com