
This world is full of distractions….and when you already struggle to focus, it can be extremely difficult. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I always have a million ideas in my mind and I feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions.
One things I’ve found super helpful in increasing productivity and focus is a work sprint. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do any running. 🙂 A work sprint is simply a set amount of time dedicated to focusing on one task with all the distractions (80 browser tabs, 100 pings on your phone, you get the gist…) turned off.
Some people do this naturally, but I definitely don’t…it takes a little bit of preparation for me. Here are five things to think about when setting up your productivity work sprint!
1. Set the Stage
It’s critical to consider the who, what, when, where, and why of your productivity work sprint. You’ll definitely want to think about these pieces of the sprint before you begin:
When?
What time are you at your best? When do you focus easiest? Set up your productivity work sprint time during those hours. I’m a mid-morning kind of person, but I know some people prefer early morning and some are night owls. Do what works best for your energy levels!
Where?
Where do you work best? If you usually work from home, would a change of scenery help you focus? Could a third space work? Maybe a library, coffee shop, or a coworking space?
Who?
Who can you turn to for some accountability? It’s important to find someone (or a few someones) to share your intentions with. Consider getting together with a friend over Zoom or in-person and “sprinting” together.
How Long?
I find 45-50 minutes with a 10 minute break is the sweet spot for me, but you may want to stick with the traditional Pomodoro method of 25 minutes and then a 5 minute break. Again, this is really about what works best for you…and you may need to give it a try before you figure that out! You’ll also want to decide how many work sprints you’ll be doing at a time. I like to do three sprints in one day, but you may want to do only one or two…or maybe five or six.
2. Set Your Intention(s)
After you’ve worked out the logistics, the next piece of the work sprint is actually setting goals and deciding what you want to accomplish during each part of the sprint. Breaking it down into one main goal for each sprint is important…this is where you get focused and choose your one thing. I recommend writing it down on a whiteboard or a sticky note to keep in front of you during the sprint. A few ideas for what you might work on include:
- Writing/Editing
- Administrative tasks
- Financial tasks you’ve been putting off (can you tell what I dislike?!!)
- Items specific to your work genre
- Presentation
- Deep work
3. Set Aside Distractions
This is SO important. You must ruthlessly eliminate all those things that distract you from making progress. I highly recommend:
- Silencing your phone and even storing it somewhere outside of where you are working (in a bag or a drawer)
- Closing all browser windows except the one or two you need
- Shutting down all email notifications
- Clearing your desk
- Having a full belly
- Having a glass of water nearby
- Turning on brown noise (that’s my favorite) or study/lofi/jazz music…something without words
4. Set Your Timer
Now that you are all ready, it’s time to get set…and go!
You can use an actual timer (like this cool cube one) or just find one online (like this one). Once you’ve started it, it’s time to get to work. If you find that you are still in a state of flow when the timer goes off, feel free to extend your work sprint. If you are having trouble focusing for a full 45 minutes, you may want to test out a 25 minute work sprint. Again, do what works best for you!
5. Set Aside Your Work…and Share
Yay! You made it through your first productivity work sprint session. Be sure to let your those around you know what you accomplished. It’s a great way to increase your motivation and to give you an opportunity to cheer on others, too!
There you have it…a pretty simple way to increase productivity by working in short bursts of time followed by a stretch break. It sounds pretty easy-to-do, but I know it can be difficult to shut down everything and just focus.
Joining a Work Sprint Session here at Converge Space could be just the thing to help you make the most of your time. Check out our upcoming events here. And, if you’d like a virtual option, let me know in the comments!