How To Keep Focused In a Digital World
Ack! That was my less offensive word I found myself saying this morning. Here I am supposed to be writing so as to keep my clients up to date on what workouts are coming up or what meals they should be prepping for today and I found myself off an internet tangent reading about the Zandaya vs. Rancic incidence. (Let’s just not go there). As a blogger a lot of my time is spent at home. Sure I have other outlets outside my home where I like to write and find inspiration, but for the most part I am here in front of my computer. As we all know, there is so much out there in the virtual world and between monitoring what my children are looking at and what I should not be looking at (such as how many followers other fitness experts have on FaceBook), it’s hard to sit in front of the computer and stay on track. When I know there is a deadline and I have to keep in line with my plan of action to reach completion, I have a few tips that help me to keep focused while amongst the crazy digital world of online media.
What is a busy mompreneur to do when she is looking at the clock and discovering that there are only a few short hours left before picking up the kids from school? In my digital world I look for apps that may help me out.
- Evernote: Evernote is a great tool for so much when it comes to keeping a business and family organized. In this particular scenario, you can use it to keep your focus sharp while online. With an Evernote account, you can download Web Clipper which will allow you to save things you see while searching the net. For instance, if I am working on a turmeric article but find some great articles related to an upcoming blog subject, I can click my Evernote Web Clipper icon and tuck that page away into it’s own file within the Evernote app. I not only can go back to it by simply searching amongst my topic tags, other articles within the web will pop up inside Evernote that may have a correlation to that particular subject. (Does that make sense? If not, please check it out here).
- Asana: This is a new platform I am using so I am still within the learning stages. It is a project management application that allows me to organize what I am working on and what projects I would like to progress into. This way I am able to have a more thorough picture of what needs to be done that very day and allows me to make my appointments on my calendar so I am logically working towards the completion of my projects daily. What I have found is that this particular application is so user friendly, I have added project lists for my kids as well. Being nearly 7 and 9 years old, they are into digital formats in and outside of school. They find it fun to see their chores and extra money making opportunities at home, all organized on the computer. (See why we all love it here).
- WordPress: I love WordPress more everyday and when I found distraction-free mode it made me all giddy inside. I am not ashamed to admit that I can be like dog who is chasing a squirrel while on the internet. (Is that how the saying goes?) I have just recently begun to collapse all other windows open on my computer and then go into this distraction-free mode while writing a new post, so that I can at least get most of my thoughts down right away.
- Spotify: Ok, so it’s not an application you were expecting but for me, when I listen to inspiring music that is suited for the task at hand I find myself motivated and ready to take it on in full force. I have begun to put together playlists for what I am working on such as a playlist on Spotify called “Write Your Heart Out,” that is specific for those writing days or moments. It truly sets the tone I am looking for to help me get those creative juices flowing. Think about when you are working out. Do you have a certain set of tracks you like to listen to that helps you to keep focused on that last rep or last mile you have to run? Well, if you don’t, get to it! There is proof in that pudding that states how it helps.
- Voxer: Although I always tell people that I text like a teenager, I am still annoyed by it. It can be so time consuming that I often find myself just picking up the phone and talking instead. Voxer is an app (available on your iPhone or Android) for which you can send blocks of information just as in a text, but via voice. This way, even if you are trying to send continual updates to your business partner or even a loved one while arranging for a special gathering, you can voice your message quickly. Texting can be outrageously annoying if there’s too much to say and there are oftentimes when you truly should not get on the phone and carry out the conversation via voice. So, with Voxer, you have the best of both worlds since you are getting your point across much quicker yet are not tied down to a conversation that is likely to get off on another tangent you would rather discuss at a time you are not focused on a deadline. Bonus: You can also add voice memos for yourself, such as reminders about what supplies your child’s teacher is in need of for the month.
I can’t help but think about my children with this lost time thought. How many times have you, as a parent, sibling, lover, or maybe a friend, have you heard people say that you should live in the moment and savor the time you have with your loved ones? Many, I am sure of it. I find myself, during my moments of searching for a great photo, sulking over the very thought of how much my children have grown. Those are the times I will call them into my office to look through the photos and videos with me. If I am going to be reminiscing I may as well grab an extra moment with them by my side. I have also gotten pretty good at telling myself on those crazy I-want-to-pull-out-my-hair days, that it’s just a phase. Typically within a few moments, they are telling me how sorry they are and “I love you sooooo much Mommy!” My heart melts and all is well again. Time is precious so realize how to spend it wisely, whether during your work hours or time with your loved ones.
How about you? What do you do during those crazy times such as I have expressed here? Do you have a coping strategy when you reach these times in the day for which you see moments pass too quickly and wish you had made better decisions? Please share!