4 tips to help you get distracted with benefit
Productivity / / December 23, 2019
When distractions do not harm us
Many world-changing innovations have occurred by chance - in the moments when the researchers looked for something else, but distracted. This, for example, gravity, x-rays, radioactivity, Velcro, a pacemaker, penicillin, microwave, Teflon, superglue, petrolatum and safety glass.
Numerous studies confirmCreativity and sensory gating indexed by the P50: selective versus leaky sensory gating in divergent thinkers and creative achieversThat creative solutions come when they least expect. Some even believe that the focus on one thing prevents the emergence of new ideas and innovations contribute to distraction. Let's see what is still better: multitasking or absorbed in one thing.
According to many studies, multitasking interferesMultitasking undermines our efficiency, study suggests productivity. Switching between tasks is the phenomenon of residual attention. Because of this hard to stop thinking about the previous problem and move on to the next. This confirmed research conducted at Stanford University. According to him
Cognitive control in media multitaskers, Those who are often in the flow of information, it is difficult to concentrate, to remember something, or - paradoxically - to switch to another task.But distractions can find a positive side. It all depends on what you're trying to do.
For example, it is consideredFollowing the wrong footsteps: fixation effects of pictorial examples in a design problem-solving taskThat focus on the first idea that had come to mind, calls "cognitive obsession." This is the scientific name for that feeling when you're stuck in a dead end.
According to studies, cognitive obsession hinders creative thinking. In one experiment, participants for a limited amount of time needed to come up with as many options for using ordinary objects such as kitchen bowls. One of the acceptable answers - worn in the rain during her on the head. Those who are distracted, showed the best resultsβSwitching On " creativity: Task switching can increase creativity by reducing cognitive fixation and on the quantity and originality.
Another study foundNeural reactivation links unconscious thought to decision-making performanceThat area of ββthe brain responsible for making decisions, Are active even when we are busy with another task. This explains why good ideas and original solutions so often come to mind while we are in the bathroom, on the road or talk about something extraneous. Creative consultant Jeffrey Davis offers four ways to help wrap the distraction to his advantage.
How to take advantage of the distractions
1. Set aside time for reflection
This is critical to your effectiveness and ability to solve problems. When you stay alone with your thoughts, your brain can finally take a break from the constant information overload.
A time-tested way to let thoughts wander - it is meditation. Although it is usually portrayed as sitting in silence in the lotus position, we can meditate with your smartphone. Simply select a convenient time for you attachment and time from a few minutes to half an hour. This is an opportunity to calm down and regain his balance.
2. Communicate with colleagues
According to a surveyThe Effect Of Work Relationships On Organizational Culture And CommitmentFor 89% of employees relationships with colleagues affect quality of life. But while many people thinkWhy Employees Waste Company Time and How to Fix ItThat conversations with colleagues - it's a waste of time.
Communication at work is very important. It helps avoid burnout and to cope with difficulties. It gives the feeling that you're part of the team. To talk with colleagues improves productivity, and not reduce it:
- Keep track of time. Highlight on talking 5-10 minutes and do not stretch the conversation further.
- Take a look at the situation. If all sit in headphones or someone makes an important call is not the time to share their opinions about the show.
3. Prokrastiniruyte productive
Many writers and other creative people say that for distraction or procrastination, they are arranged books on the shelf in alphabetical order, or cleaned in the kitchen. Just remember that this procrastination - it is not a way to avoid unpleasant things. Consciously plan these interruptions, to give the brain a rest, but not to undermine the efficiency of the whole day.
4. Remember about your goals
According to Study Focuses On Strategies For Achieving Goals, Resolutions scientists from the Dominican University of California, writing your goals, we achieve more of the intended. A group of participants who did not record their aspirationsIt reached only 43% of the desired results. But if you view recorded every week and regularly talk to someone about your promotion on track, the chances of success are increased to 76%.
Just remembering the goals and checking your progress, you increase the likelihood of success. And also it gives an opportunity to evaluate your career is heading. So distracted from time to time to think about the future.
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