Staying Focused

[Michelle Dawn]

I love your schedule MillionaireMommy. Great Idea.

[cheapskate]

I love how dedicated everyone in here is to their blogging side projects

[breadandbutter]

I also get distracted easily especially when I type for an assignment I have or for work. I get distracted by televison, the other sites online and online chatting. I think to be focused, when possible, don't use a computer with an internet connection.

[rolltimer]

I am so easily distracted by the blinking, scrolling, popping-up and every other trick used to grab my attention on the internet. Maybe it's because so much is happening in such a small geographical space--the computer screen--that it becomes hard to ignore. I'm continually multi-tasking or dividing my attention between online and off; further subdividing online between browser tabs and desktop applications. I frequently stall out in the middle of something--my mind goes blank and I must stop and remember what thought I just had, where I was heading and why--all the while not entirely certain vital tasks are getting done and whole projects are not slipping unnoticed into the abyss.

[moneymatters]

it really is very hard to stay focused sometimes, especially when there are so many great sites out there ( like this one). the timer idea, and scheduling my blogging activities sounds like great ideas. thanks!

[mbhunter]

One comment: One thing that really drags on my productivity is having a messy work area. I find that I focus on the screen and do mindless things on the internet if the visual noise around me is so great that I have to tune it out. Is anyone else this way?

[khorrell]

MillionaireMommy - Love the breakdown! I require some serious direction and I'm going to use your schedule as a template to write my own. I do already use a kitchen timer and it is about the only thing that keeps me on track. Everyone please keep adding your tips as I'm sure we can all use some improvement in this department!

[hermione]

I find that when I'm writing a blog post, I don't usually get distracted. In fact, I often can't wait to start writing and tune out everything around me (like my sister trying to talk to me ), especially when the creative juices are flowing and I'm writing something about which I know a lot and/or am enthusiastic (hmm... that sounds weird.)

Maybe your problem isn't so much distractions but enthusiasm for your topic/subject? What is your blog about? Is it a subject you're enthusiastic about or something you feel like you should be writing about for your own good?

[Lynnae]

I've found that I'm more easily distracted at certain times of the day. I can't blog in the morning or afternoon, because I notice everything else that needs to get done around the house. But evening has always been "my time", so I don't feel guilty for being on the computer.