Staying on the project?

Veronica, this happens to the best of us, especially when we are used to multitasking. I find that the best way I can deal with this is to allot 2 hours of my time to working -- just working, and nothing else. And then I take a break from working to do other less important tasks for an hour. and then I schedule another 3 hours of working. This is the most helpful for me as I easily get distracted, too. When I am working, I close all other apps or programs that are not pertinent to my work. I also turn my phone face down, and place it on silent mode.

Daily distractions can be unavoidable, but there's a few things I do to help me focus.

I like to use what is considered the Ivy Lee method. At the end of each day I try to make a list of the things I need to work on the following day. I always start my day by checking emails, but then I use the list I made the previous day to stay focused. The first thing on the list is always my top priority, and I hold myself accountable for getting that task done before moving on to anything else. It doesn't need to be the most difficult or time consuming task on your list, just whatever you feel is the top priority. I may add to the list throughout the day if needed, but I try to cap off my list at about 6 items depending on the complexity of each item. I may need to reprioritize or break down bigger tasks into smaller ones, but I generally find this helps me to stay on track. Having lists like this have also improved my communication skills with coworkers. I often found myself feeling overwhelmed because everyone always seemed to need me at the same time. When I started keeping this list, I was able to physically show people my list for the day and explain what I had to accomplish that day. I could then show them where they could fit in, or if I had to get back to them another day.

There's lots of other time management techniques such as the pomodoro technique which I sometimes use in conjunction with what I described above. I like to use this timer. You should remain fully focused during 25 minute pomodoros, but you can use your short breaks to grab a drink, check emails, reply to IMs, write down other tasks you may need to work on later, etc.

I hope this helps!

1. Learn how to say "no" - seems obvious, but it's HUGE.
2. Take breaks. Get up and walk around. You'll be amazed how clear your head is when you site back down.
3. Like Kim said, make lists. Include the easiest low-hanging fruit too even if it seems silly. The fulfillment from "checking off" tasks propels you forward.
4. Set boundaries and take responsibility for "training" people in how to treat you. If you drop everything when they call/email/text, then you're telling them it's okay to drop last-minute crises in your lap. (Revisit #1 above.)
5. Break big projects up into achievable tasks to prevent the feeling of "never getting anything done" - that feeling can cause paralysis.

Avoid message boards. ;-)