Keeping Focused at Work

From Dave Cheong, 18 ways to stay focused at work:

Write out a daily task list and plan your day.

Allocate time slots colleagues can interrupt you.

Apply time boxing (instead of working at something till it is done, try working on it for a limited period, say 30 mins. By that time, the task is either completed or you allocate another time slot, perhaps in another day, to pick it up again)

Setup filters in your email.

Do not check personal email in the morning.

Set your IM status.

Listen to the right types of music.

Use the headphones but leave the music off.

Fill up a water bottle.

Find the best time to do repetitive and boring tasks.

Bring your lunch and have it at your desk.

Don’t make long personal calls.

Clean up your desk.

Get a good chair.

Use shortcuts on your computer.

Close programs you’re not using.

Limit time on Digg, Delicious, news sites and blogs.

Change your mindset and make work fun.