How to increase your concentration

Recently I accidentally discovered a phenomenon that has boosted my productivity in a big way.

I have a laptop computer which up until recently was only used for outside appointments or travel. I had become addicted to a clunky old desktop computer in a traditional office with counter space etc., One day my desktop decided to go on vacation. I had to call in my techie and he sat at my desk for 3/4 of a day. During that day I had to find a different place to work, so I took the laptop fired it up and went to a different room. The room I chose happen to have a fairly comfortable easy chair. During the next four hours I had one of the most creative periods I’ve had in months. It was unbelievable how much work I had gotten done. All in a very comfortable quiet environment. I was not able to get to the phone because it was in another room, couldn’t hear incoming e-maiWas suddenly very aware of visual distractions on my deskl etc. etc..

In fact when I finally was able to get back to my desktop I suddenly found myself in kind of a funky depressed mood. When I got to my desk my creative spirit was broken and my productivity for the balance of the day plummeted. I was suddenly very aware of visual distractions on my desk. The piles of low payoff tasks. Task that David Allen of GTD fame talks of as being mosquito tasks.

I now have a new routine, getting away from the desktop as often as I can. It has been so successful that I have trained myself to the point where I have to cut myself off and it only allow myself half a day in my quiet places that I have now discovered throughout my home.

I suggest that you change your environment and try this technique. For those of you who work from home like me this will be a simple task. But even if you don’t have a notebook computer, take your reading, a simple legal pad and some pencils and go to one of the room to get some creative brainstorming writing planning or reading done.

If you are in a corporate environment where you’ve got a cubicle (what a pity), I realize that this might be a challenge for some of you. But try turning the chair facing away from the desk and just do your thinking and planning so you’re not visually looking at all of the uncompleted tasks on your desk. Why don’t you try trading workplace with a coworker for few hours each week so you can test of my theory. If nothing else spend some time, at a park bench, at the lunch table, in the break room or in your car in the morning. Wherever you can find quiet space where you’re not visually in site of the desk. Just watch your performance and productivity soar.

Further information about this topic is available in the online class:

• Organize Or Agonize

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the “Share Your Comments” link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Technorati Tags: Increase your productivity

• How to organize your filing system,
• How to get rid of piles,
• Breaking through personal barriers,
• Creating Inspiration,
• Do what you love, the money will follow,

Attention, focus and concentration

How to motivate yourself to accomplish a goal

How to organize your filing system

How to get rid of piles

Office in the home-discretion the better part of valor