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Handling Self Interruptions
Two Preliminary Points
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Collect Data. Become aware how often you interrupt yourself each
day and how much time each interruption takes. For one week, keep
a log of when and how long you interrupt yourself.
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Out of the three types of interruptions — the telephone, other
people and yourself – the most frequent one is interrupting yourself.
SELF CONTROL
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We are our own worse interrupters. How? We daydream, snack, take
a nap, answer the phone, abandon an important item to do a trivial
one or do the reward, rather than the task.
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Don’t schedule marathon work sessions on one specific project.
Schedule instead blocks of time with breaks in between. Your mind
and body need a break. Otherwise you will look for an interruption.
Breaking the project up will help you concentrate when you are working.
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Organize your workspace so you have what you need at hand without
the distractions of piles of papers. Be sure you have enough supplies
and all the information you need to get the job done.
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Make a list of little tasks that you can do on the breaks between
large projects. Schedule time between major tasks to get small tasks
done. Accomplish the “little things” that might otherwise stay on
your mind as your breaks – water the plants, write a short note,
fill your supply drawer, make that call you’ve been putting off.
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During telephone conversations, make notes. It’s hard to distract
yourself when you are writing.
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Same with reading. Have a pen, pencil or a highlighter in your
hand when you read. It will increase your concentration.
Motivation?
©1993 Helen D. Volk All Rights Reserved
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