1. Remove Distractions
Removing distractions is no small matter in our current culture, but it’s
critical. How do you do it? First, by maintaining the discipline of practicing your
priorities. Don’t do easy things first or hard things first or urgent things first. Do
first things first—the activities that give you the highest return. In that way, you
keep the distractions to a minimum.
Second, insulate yourself from distractions. I’ve found that I need blocks of
time to think without interruptions. I’ve mastered
the art of making myself
unavailable when necessary and going off to my “thinking place” so that I can
work without interruptions. Because of my responsibilities as founder of three
companies, however, I am always aware of the
tension between my need to
remain accessible to others as a leader and my need to withdraw from them to
think. The best way to resolve the tension is to understand the value of both
activities. Walking slowly through the crowd allows me to connect with people
and know their needs. Withdrawing from the crowd allows me to think of ways
to add value to them.
My advice to you is to place value on and give attention to both. If you
naturally
withdraw, then make sure to get out among people more often. If
you’re always on the go and rarely withdraw for thinking time, then remove
yourself periodically so that you can unleash the potential of focused thinking.
And wherever you are… be there!
2. Make Time for Focused Thinking
Once you have a place to think, you need the time to think. Because of the fast
pace of our culture, people tend to multi-task. But that’s not always a good idea.
Switching from task to task can cost you up to 40 percent efficiency. According
to
researchers, “If you’re trying to accomplish many things at the same time,
you’ll get more done by focusing on one task at a time,
not by switching
constantly from one task to another.”
2
Years ago I realized that my best thinking time occurs in the morning.
Whenever possible, I reserve my mornings for thinking and writing. One way to
gain time for focused thinking is to impose upon yourself a rule that one
company implemented. Don’t allow yourself to look at e-mail until after 10
A.M. Instead, focus your energies on your number one priority. Put non-
productive time wasters on hold so that you
can create thinking time for
yourself.
