1. If something is to get done, it has to be scheduled.
I never “get around” to anything worthwhile. I have to put it on the calendar and then do it when I said I would do it. My hour of writing is now on my schedule every morning.
2. A task needs a home.
When I sit in that chair, with that table for my Diet Coke and that computer, then I know it is time to do that activity. That is why I do my morning devotions in the same place every day I’m not on the road. Variety is my cocaine.
3. I have to assign blocks of time that I cannot get up, look at email, glance at Twitter or refill my glass.
“OK, Geoff, you can go get a refill at 10:00. You cannot get up for any reason until then.” I have to be stricter than the meanest teacher I ever had.
4. There has to be a daily finish line.
Whether it is a time frame, a number of words written or the completion of the task, I have to have a point when I know I am done.
5. I have to have a deadline.
I am unable to function if I don’t have a “the world will end if it isn’t complete by” date. I recently asked for a writing deadline, and they gave me two choices. That’s not a deadline, that’s a buffet. Lie to me, but tell me the due or die date.
I admire the Getting Things Done people who have a system, stick to the system and get more done before 9:00 a.m. than the rest of us accomplish in a week, but I’m not that guy. The best I can do is beat back the distraction monster and fight my way through the digital jungle.
How about you, do you struggle with focus? How do you win the battle?
