Working on an important project and a notification pops up on your phone, you check it and then return to the project. Later, a noise from outside catches your attention, and you glance out the window. Once your curiosity passes, you get back to work. Perhaps you find these moments of distraction frustrating, but in reality, they are not necessarily problematic and are entirely natural.
The human brain has been trained for millennia to pay attention to the environment, not just what’s right in front of it. This is what kept our ancestors alive when surrounded by threats while going about their daily activities. However, not everything is perfect; excessive distraction can impair other functions, such as learning.
For more insights on this topic, watch the video below. Acclaimed as the world’s greatest pickpocket, Apollo Robbins studies the intricacies of human behavior. Robbins demonstrates to the TEDGlobal 2013 audience how failures in our perception allow him to swipe a wallet and place it on the owner’s shoulder.
Many times, having a future perspective on a task or project can help you stay focused on accomplishing it. To do this, create a realistic schedule, outlining how this task will be developed over a set and achievable timeframe.
One way to create a realistic schedule is by estimating the task’s duration based on the daily hours you can devote to the project. However, remember that you don’t work 100% of your time on project tasks. Other activities consume time, such as attending meetings, filling out time records, training, or breaks. Even walking around the office or using the elevator takes away from your work time.
Do your best to estimate the actual number of work hours you can dedicate to this activity. A well-planned schedule prevents frustrations and shifts in project focus.
