Are emails, messages, chatty colleagues, and constant interruptions derailing your workday? Barbara Aalpol's book To Be Disturbed: How to Keep Your Mind on Your Work offers proven strategies to overcome concentration challenges. As a blogger for Mamsatwork, I put her advice to the test.
“I can only focus at home when the kids are at school—otherwise, distractions take over.” This chat with a colleague quickly veered from remote work to sick kids and flu season. Our coffee's ready, but that 4 p.m. deadline looms. Pling—just a quick WhatsApp check. Another coworker pops in about the traffic jam outside. Twitter confirms an accident via the local paper. Tempting articles pull me in, but no—back to work. Pling…
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Sound familiar? You might feel productive, but tally those micro-interruptions, and the reality hits hard—I know from experience. Reviewing Barbara Aalpol's insightful book for Mamsatwork revealed actionable tips I've already implemented to sharpen my focus.
I love remote work—no lengthy office chats, but I miss brainstorming buddies. Am I truly as productive at home? Constant plings from notifications, ringing phones, and appliance buzzes say otherwise. This book changed that perspective.
Here are three tips I'm applying immediately—grab the book for the full toolkit 😉.
It's simple advice: stash the phone during deep work. Easier said than done, especially when social media is part of my job. Solution? Phone in the drawer, close Twitter and Facebook tabs until the draft is done. Research stays focused—no detours into TV show recaps. Pure focus wins.
Know your style to sidestep pitfalls. As a deadline-driven thrill-seeker, I excel under pressure but procrastinate on open-ended tasks. Fix: Set self-imposed deadlines to maintain momentum and prevent lapses.
A sore spot for night owls like me. Late nights clash with early school drop-offs and work. Tired mornings mean scattered focus. Shifting bedtime earlier boosts afternoon productivity. Farewell, late-night TV.
These are highlights from Aalpol's accessible, engaging read. The fluid writing shines, though the busy design could be calmer for a focus-themed book. I've dipped in repeatedly, cherry-picking tips that fit my life—they're already paying off.
How about you? Do distractions derail your day, or do you stay laser-focused? Share your strategies below!
To Be Disturbed by Barbara Aalpol, published by Balance Your Work (ISBN 9789082337201). Order your copy here!
