Finding Clarity in the Midst of Chaos

In the midst of so much economic and personal uncertainty, it’s a challenge to maintain our focus at work. But there are practical strategies that you can use to keep the chaos at bay.

We’re all feeling stressed, whether it’s our 401K, our loved ones’ jobs, or our kids’ college fund. In order to remain productive at work, we need to consciously manage the distractions.

Here are a few strategies to consider. Choose one that you can successfully adapt within a few weeks, and then move on to another and another, increasing the level of difficulty.

1.    Re-commit to your deliverables
    Itemize them, prioritize them, and write them down.

2.    Refuse interruptions
    Sometimes they’re necesssary; more often, they’re just a timesuck

3.    Quit multi-tasking
    Every time you “look away,” it’s harder to re-focus on the first task

4.    Schedule everything
    Take control: chunk similar activities and plan strategically

5.    Write a “NOT to-do” list
    Get ruthless about cutting out the distractions

6.    Practice
    Train yourself to optimize global focus v. detailed focus

7.    Leverage your best time
    Schedule the most complex work for the time of day you feel clearest

8.    Mark boundaries
    Create simple rituals that separate your workday from your personal life

Ann Daly PhD (www.anndaly.com) is a life coach, keynote speaker, and author of Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most. She is hosting a "Return to Clarity" mini-retreat for women on August 15.