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How To Become A Distraction Free Blogger

This post was most recently updated on February 22nd, 2018

how to become a distraction free bloggerIf you’ve never thought of how to become a distraction free blogger, then you may wonder how some people seem to get so much done, while others struggle to accomplish very little.

I know I’ve been there.

I’ve worked so hard on something and maybe taken weeks or even months to get it done.

Then I see somebody else do the same thing 5 times in a month!

How does that even happen?

Distraction

Distraction is the stuff that happens all around you, taking your attention away from your immediate task.

You sit down to write a blog post and hear the phone ring or get an instant notification pop-up on your screen.

Then you think of something you forgot to do last night.

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You know… all the little post-it notes that are in your brain.

It’s very hard to stay focused on one thing that you’re doing when you’re attention is constantly being drawn to other things.

That’s distraction.

Frustration

Distraction is frustrating because you could be trying so hard to get something done and it just doesn’t seem to happen.

Or something you thought would take an hour, ends up taking you all day.

So you feel like you just spun your wheels and got nowhere.

This can definitely get you down.

You got on your computer all set to get something accomplished.

Maybe you have a to-do list and you wanted to do all 3 things on it.

Meanwhile the day is almost over and you still haven’t finished the first thing.

Why not?

Probably because of all the distractions that took you off your game plan.

Exhaustion

But distraction goes beyond being frustrating.

It can actually suck up all your energy.

You see, every time you begin a task, it takes a certain amount of energy to get it moving forward.

As you stay focused, your work starts gaining momentum, like a ball rolling down a hill.

It gets easier and easier to stay in that flow.

That’s called building momentum.

But…

If you stop and change direction, like maybe you pick up the telephone and talk to somebody for 5 minutes… you’ve lost your focus.

So now, you’ve got to push even harder to get that ball rolling again.

Sure you can regain your focus.

But this time it’s going to take you more time and more energy.

Why?

Because some of your energy has been drained, and you’re just a little more tired than you were before.

You may not know it, but your brain does.

Get distracted like this 5, 10 or 20 times and you’re going to be totally exhausted.

And part of your energy drain will come from a mounting frustration for failure to complete your task.

You End Up Quitting

One of the things that you may end up doing is to just quit.

Walk away from your task or project and decide to do it another day.

Or if it’s a bigger undertaking… like maybe learning how to do an infographic on your blog for the first time… you might just decide to quit altogether.

“It’s just too hard having to learn this ‘infographic stuff,'” you complain in frustration.

“It takes too much time.”

Well you know what?

It probably wouldn’t take too much time if you were doing it right.

But when you’re trying to work through a hundred distractions then, yes, it’s going to take too much time… and energy.

So it becomes easier, and even a bit liberating, to simply go down the path of least resistance… and quit.

And so you may never learn to do infographics at all.

Lowering the Quality of Your Work

Another way to follow the path of least resistance is to simply lower the quality of your work.

So when you start winding down, getting tired and depleted… you could respond by simply

  • not doing as much research, or
  • not being as careful in your writing, or
  • maybe not doing your editing the way you should.

Maybe you were going to get some cool images to put in your blog post and you decide, instead… “it’s too late and I’m too tired.”

So you let it go, telling yourself “it’s not that important.”

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There are many ways to lower the quality of your work.

When you get repeatedly distracted from completing your project the way you should… then one of the easiest ways to deal with your frustration is to simply lower the bar on your results.

Sure, you get the job done.

But it won’t be that perfect blog post, will it?

You just won’t do it nearly as well as you could have, or had intended.

“My Bad”… The Distracted Blogger

So here’s kind of what it looks like when I get trapped in a world of distraction.

Let’s say I have to write a sales page today.

Sales Pages aren’t really part of blogging, but I do a lot of product creation related to my blogging.

So writing sales pages is one my frequent tasks.

Let’s do it.

Okay.

I’m sitting down to write my sales page.

The first thing I have to do is to come up with a captivating first paragraph.

This is what will draw people in.

It will really let them see the big benefit of buying my course or my coaching.

Let me think, now…

I could say…

Wait a minute.

I think I forgot to call back the doctor to confirm my appointment.

I’ll just quickly do that.

It only takes a moment.

… 5 minutes later…

Okay, now, where was I?

Oh, that’s right… something about benefits to my clients.

Wow, look at all the dust on that table.

Let me just grab a rag and clean that off for a minute.

That’s better.

So where was I, now?

I can’t think of what to write.

Anyway, I think I’m hungry.

Maybe that’s the problem.

I’ve got to get something to eat in order to think clearly.

… 15 minutes later…

Okay, so how about if I say this could be one of the best blogging courses you will ever take.

No, that doesn’t seem quite right.

It just sounds like some lame sales pitch.

Oh, I think I need some coffee.

… 10 minutes later…

Wow that’s good coffee.

I’m just going to go sit in the sun and enjoy it for a few minutes.

.. another 15 minutes goes by…

Okay so let me see what I’ve written so far…

Wow, I’ve really been work for some time now and I’ve got nothing!

I guess it’s just not working out too good today.

Maybe I should go check out my emails, take a walk and then I’ll get back to my sales page this afternoon.

Is That “Your Bad,” Too?

Does that scenario sound familiar to you?

Have you ever felt the exhaustion and frustration of a “work session” like that?

I certainly have, and even now, I still have days like that.

Fortunately, I’ve learned to minimize them.

distraction free bloggerdistraction free bloggerRead the full articleThe Key to Distraction-Free Writing (by Ethan Waldman on Goins Writer)

Now let me ask you this…

Do you think I’ll ever get back to completing that sales letter later on?

Not likely.

Not the same day, anyway.

In fact, I’ve had many clients try to write an ebook in this way, only to tell me they’ll have to finish it “later.”

Six months, even a year later, they tell me… “Oh, yea, I kind of put that on the back burner.”

It’s not hard to see why.

Do You Blog Like A Wind-up Toy?

You see, working in this constant state of distraction turns you into something like a wind-up toy…

  • you wind yourself up,
  • start going forward, then suddenly…
  • after getting sidetracked repeatedly…
  • you find that you’ve simply wound down.

More and more, you just can’t recover your focus.

You lose many inspirations and key thoughts, adding to your frustration.

At that point, you find yourself having to work harder and harder all the time, just to get back on track.

As the day draws on, you get more and more exhausted by this struggle.

Keep in mind…

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Your best work of the day will get done the first thing in your day. 

That’s when you’re freshly “wound up.”

Each thing after that takes more and more of a toll on your mental resources.

The first thing you should do is whatever task or project takes the greatest amount of energy and focus.

That’s when you have the most of it.

After that, each thing you do wears you down more and more, as you wind down like the little toy. 

“My Good”… The Focused Blogger

Okay, it’s a new day, so let me try writing that sales page again.

Here’s how it starts.

First, I wake up knowing exactly what I’ll be working on.

Maybe it sounds funny, but many bloggers spend half the day just trying to figure out what to do.

What can they do that will make an impact on their day?

What you’re really asking yourself when you do this is… “How can I maximize my productivity?”

More often than not, when you take that approach, you’ll end up doing stuff you like, instead of stuff that will have the greatest impact on your business.

I do two things to avoid this scenario.

ONE: Schedule your Day

Actually, I already created my work scheduled for today … yesterday.

And when I did, I thought carefully about what would be the most meaningful 2 or 3 things I could do.

So, when I wake up, I’m ready to work.

I don’t have to wonder “what should I do today?”

My first, most important task “today,” for example… is to write my sales page.

So, I can just sit down and do it without debating with myself whether or not I should.

TWO: Use a Checklist

I have a physical checklist, hand written on a piece of paper.

It has, usually, no more than 3 things written on it.

But as I check each one off, I get a real sense of accomplishment.

More importantly, it keeps me on track.

I know exactly what to do…

  • First thing on my checklist today is “Write my sales page.”
  • I’m not doing anything… anything… until that’s done.
  • Then I get to check it off and take a break to celebrate!

I love how checklists can magically improve your productivity and focus.

Checklists Can Improve Your Productivity and Focus

Big Projects

Now, not every task is as simple as “write my sale letter.”

Sometimes I have to do something like “create an information course about how to write an ebook.”

Now, this might have to be broken down into 30 or 40 smaller tasks.

  • Monday, I’ll outline my first 5 video trainings.
  • Tuesday, I’ll create my first of 20 total videos.
  • And on and on it goes.

Maybe it takes me 30 or 40 days like this to complete the project..

But as long as I break it down into small tasks that I can do each day, I know it will get done.

If I just woke up and tried to “create a video course”… I’d feel so overwhelmed I’d probably just go back to bed 🙂

But it’s easy to get started working on something that I know I can handle.

“Do one video today” is easy.

In fact, this is one case where I absolutely use a “project checklist,” and just do one thing a day (my “daily checklist”) until the whole project is completed.

Overcome Blogger Overwhelm

 

Remove Temptation

So now, I’m ready to write my sales letter.

The first thing I do (after making my coffee) is to shut down all physical distractions.

Things like…

  • put my phone on mute
  • make sure the dogs are fed, taken out, and ready to chill for a few hours
  • close all tabs on my desktop
  • turn the sound off my computer
  • make sure I drank my water,
  • had my breakfast and
  • all that kind of stuff.

Anything that’s a potential distraction… I shut it down.

I don’t indulge myself in any thoughts or emotions that don’t contribute to my immediate task.

Naturally, I can do that stuff during my “down time.”

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If thoughts do arise while I’m “in session”… like “I have to pick up my prescription at the drug store today”…

I’ll simply jot it down on my “to-do list” that I keep handy.

As soon as I jot it down, I don’t have to think about it.

I can simply continue working.

The real distraction-free goal, of course, is to avoid having to write anything at all in your “to-do list” while you’re working.

But sometimes things pop up in your mind.

I always find it much better to put those things on a list, rather than let them fester in my mind like an invisible “post-it.”

Tools

Now there are lots of “productivity tools” that you can use.

Stephen Altrogge has collected a wonderful selection of productivity tools specifically geared to helping you to

  • avoid distractions, and
  • stay focused

Check them out because tools are always so helpful, aren’t they?

And sort of fun… like one called Freedom…

distraction free bloggerdistraction free blogger

Read more about Freedom and other productivity tools here….
14 Tools to Help You Avoid Distractions and Stay Focused at Work (by Stephen Altrogge on Zapier dot com)

I think that when you have something tangible to hold onto, it gives you the confidence that “hey, I can do this”… after all “I’ve got a tool to help me.”

Now, personally, I don’t use any distraction-free productivity tools like these.

But I know plenty of people who do, and swear by them.

Hey, if it works for you, that’s all that counts, right?

One note of caution from Mr.Altrogge, though, is well worth noting…

distraction free blogger14 Tools to Help You Avoid Distractions and Stay Focused at Work 

 

Methods

I don’t blog to make myself miserable.

I love to write, but it does become miserable if I torture myself all day long to write a lousy 1,000 words.

So, I use a method called the Pomodoro Technique… or at least my little modification of it.

It’s really a time management method based on breaking down your work into 25 minute segments, separated by 5 minute breaks.

Now, I’m not a fanatic.

I don’t really time myself, but I do use the method insofar as I break my work into short, intense periods of time.

The key is that, during those “work sessions”… I refuse to get distracted… by anything.

This really is not so easy to do, though.

Sitting for a half an hour and focusing purely on nothing but what you’re working on is a real challenge.

But you know what?

Practice makes perfect.

I basically work in 30 minute segments.

In between work sessions, I take 5 or 10 minutes off to

  • pet the dog,
  • bounce on my trampoline,
  • drink some water or
  • whatever.

After 2 hours, I stop working until my next work session, maybe a few hours later.

If you try this, and practice it, I think you’ll find what I did.

That at first, purely focusing on your work for 25 or 30 minutes is hard to do.

Try doing that in blocks of 3 or 4, meaning up to 2 hours total.

Really hard.

But then, the more you do it, the more you get in the habit of working in a tunnel, and shutting out all distraction… the better you get at it.

Once you get into the flow, I promise you’ll start getting way more done in a 2 hour block of time than you would over 8 hours of randomly distracted blogging.

And that 2 hours is so intense, that I find if I just work two of these 2-hour sessions each day, I can run my entire business.

In other words, I can work 4 hours a day now, and get more done than I once did working 10 hours.

And in between work sessions, guess what…

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I get to have a life 🙂

As I’ve practiced this over and over, I’ve been able to turn it into a habit instead of a struggle.

I’ll bet you can, too.

How To Become a Distraction Free Blogger

I think the key to becoming a distraction free blogger, is to become fully aware and mindful of what you are doing.

Avoid taking the the path of least resistance (ie., socializing on Facebook) until your “work” is done. 

You know that it takes far less energy to play on Facebook than to write a blog post. 

So be aware of that.

Be mindful of the fact that when you’re working, you need to avoid Facebook… and everything else that distracts you.

So play on Facebook, and indulge yourself in all the other distracting things when your brain is tired from working… but not before and, certainly, not during.

Staying Mindful

You see, the distraction free blogger doesn’t get all wrapped up in what to do, but instead, is always mindful of what to avoid doing.

It’s kind like trying to eat healthy.

You have to think, before you eat.

Don’t just mindlessly grab the first thing that appeals to you.

Because even though it’s important to eat the right things, you need to be equally mindful of what you have to avoid.

This Is Not A Battle

Distraction free blogging is not an endless battle to accomplish something,  but a mindset of staying clear of things that will keep you from accomplishing them.

In fact, it’s something I’ve often called… THE Blogger Success Mindset

Blogging Success Mindset
You see, focused mental activity tends to give life to itself.

One you start doing something and giving it your undivided attention, a momentum builds to continue doing it. 

You may not want to figure out all the people you need to send out birthday cards to this year, but once you start, you’ll tend to just keep going until you’ve got it done.

But if you allow distractions to keep you from completing something, you’ll tend to always find distractions to hold you back.

So, think about what you are doing… or what you are being distracted from doing.

The simple fact that you’re thinking about it… being mindful of it… will help you stay on track.

If you try to ignore distractions, they will take over more easily. 

Confront them, name them, let them know that you know exactly what they are and they’re trying to do.

Then stop them immediately, before they hijack the momentum you need to accomplish your task.

It’s a matter of being self-aware and mindful of what you’re doing vs. mindlessly stumbling through your work day.

Remember this…

You don’t “get overwhelmed”… you choose to overwhelm yourself.  

Top Tier Coaching

So how do you get through your important work sessions?

Do you use a checklist?

A to-do list?

Do you stick to it, or do you struggle?

I want to hear from you today.

Has this article helped you understand how to become a distraction free blogger?

-Donna

PS: Don’t forget to share this article on your social sites…

“How To Become A Distraction Free Blogger”

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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48 Responses to How To Become A Distraction Free Blogger

  1. Donna Merrill March 5, 2018 at 11:02 am #

    Hi Mitch,

    I love your style of writing because it is NEVER boring. You pull us in to read every word and not skim through. You got talent my friend.

    Never give up!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  2. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    March 4, 2018 at 12:01 pm #

    Blogging is probably the only time I don’t get distracted… well, at least when I’m writing for myself. You know I tend to write fast, but it’s because I’ve already thought about how I want to communicate something so it formulates in my head well.

    If you were talking about distraction for everything else though… I’m a mess! At least I haven’t given up on myself. 🙂
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..What I’ve Learned After 13 Years Of Business BloggingMy Profile

  3. Anil Agarwal
    Twitter:
    March 4, 2018 at 8:32 am #

    This is a very fantastic post Donna,

    Honestly, it’s not easy to eliminate distraction entirely, and this is one thing we all often struggle with as web marketers.

    It takes a lot of commitments and efforts to be fully focused on what you’re doing most of the time. But of course yes, it’s very doable.

    With adequate planning, we can achieve everything we plan for the day. For instance, I once came across a quote that said “always finish your day before it starts” and that mean one thing. To always have a plan ahead of time.

    And yes, using good checklist also works like magic. Just ensure you do the most difficult things first before others each day.

  4. Chandana Talukdar March 4, 2018 at 8:29 am #

    Hii Donna..

    Such an amazing article. I am new in the field of blogging and also distracted. This post will be very useful for me. I really like the way you explained things to us. I really love the way you presented this post. There’s so much to learn in order to be successful in this field and it is so amazing that there are so many learning materials and tips out there such as this article.

    Thanks for sharing such insights. Great Work. Much appreciated.

    • Donna Merrill March 4, 2018 at 10:21 pm #

      Hi Chandana,

      I am so glad this post is useful for you. As a blogger distraction comes with that business. We have to find ways to discipline ourselves in order to get all our work done in a timely manner.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  5. Donna Merrill February 27, 2018 at 10:13 pm #

    Hi Cori,

    I used to be all over the place. It was not until I downloaded a hypnosis focusing training for my brain that I started really getting down and dirty with my focusing. Really! I tried and tried and now it is a habit.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  6. Cori Ramos
    Twitter:
    February 27, 2018 at 3:52 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I am so the distracted blogger. I live the scenario you played out almost daily! I was literally laughing out loud – throw in talking about the laundry and a couple cuss words and it’s totally me. LOL!

    I definitely keep a to-do list and a schedule to do it else I’d run around in circles all day. For the most part I stick to it but there are times I go off task but I do my best not to.

    I’ve heard of some tools to help us stay distraction-free but they’re not for me. However, it is good to know there are things out there to help us when we need it.

    Great post as always Donna!

    Have a great day!

    Cori
    Cori Ramos recently posted..7 Posh WordPress Themes For Women EntrepreneursMy Profile

  7. Hassaan Khan
    Twitter:
    February 26, 2018 at 2:37 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It’s an interesting blog post. See, I have realized that I get distracted if something is pending on my end and I’m pushing myself to do something different. It comes down to self-awareness that where we’re making a mistake.

    Your ideas of working in small chunks of 25-to-30 minutes and then taking short breaks seem great. I’m a big fan of building a relaxed work schedule. See, writing shouldn’t be scary; it’s more of a creative and thought-provoking process. We, bloggers, tend to write things that solve problems and invoke ideas, but at the same time, I agree with you on trying to achieve the mindfulness and attentiveness to get focused and get the job done.

    My mantra is simple; I don’t write when I don’t feel it. And, the blank-screen situation is real. It happens if you push yourself too hard and your mind says otherwise.
    Hassaan Khan recently posted..Every Blogger Uses Free Stock Photos – Here’s What You Should Do To Stand OutMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 27, 2018 at 3:34 pm #

      Hi Hassan,

      If something important is pending and I can’t get to it, I like to write it down on a sticky note near my laptop. When I do that, it is sort of taking it off my mind and putting on a paper.

      That blank screen is a real thing we have to deal with. But…if we jot down notes during our day of different ideas for a blog post, we will have plenty to elaborate on. Just an idea!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  8. Lisa P Sicard
    Twitter:
    February 26, 2018 at 1:11 pm #

    Hi Donna, I do get distracted at home. I look around the room and think “the laundry has to get down” or “I should be dusting there” or “making dinner or shopping for food.”
    Sometimes I find I do my best work at a Starbucks for 30 minutes a day vs. a few hours at home.
    I used to love checklists but haven’t used them as often as I once did. They are helpful and I will try now to get back to using them.
    I also think if you don’t feel pressured to get it done – it helps your mindset. I often pressure myself too hard to get something done and then lose my innate desire for it.
    Thanks for all your tips here Donna. I hope to get back on track being less distracted these coming days! Have a great rest of the week there and I hope you are feeling much better.
    Lisa P Sicard recently posted..How to Snuggle Up With the Social Side of Content MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 27, 2018 at 3:26 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Sometimes when we pressure ourselves too much to get things done, we tend to give up. Your distractions sound familiar to me back in the day. I used to feel the same way. But since I have my home office I go there and don’t come out until things get done. Yes..I take many breaks and it helps because it alleviates just sitting there getting a back ache lol.

      Let go of that dusting and laundry, because it will be there when you are finished doing the important work you need to do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  9. Blake Smith February 26, 2018 at 12:47 pm #

    Great tips Donna! Using a checklist help me a great deal as well. Keep up the good work

  10. Janice Wald
    Twitter:
    February 25, 2018 at 11:29 am #

    Hi Donna,
    I have heard of tools that help us be more productive but they didn’t help me and I stopped using them. You take a lot of breaks! I’d worry I’d lose focus. I do try to stretch my back and give the dogs attention. I also love checklists like you. Great graphics.
    Janice

  11. Gaurav Kumar
    Twitter:
    February 25, 2018 at 9:56 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Becoming a distraction free blogger is actually a challenge. Even the top level professionals are distracted by media news, social media chats and sometimes lack of motivation.

    It is always good to follow your tips to improve as a blogger.
    Gaurav Kumar recently posted..9 Ways Search Engines Use Machine LearningMy Profile

  12. Ash
    Twitter:
    February 25, 2018 at 9:03 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Distraction happens when there are distractions and no commitment. Distractions happen because we let them.

    Dedication, focus, and commitment come when we know exactly why we are putting in the effort and to achieve what exactly, in a specific time frame?

    As I have to write not just for my blog for all my clients (various niches), I can’t even afford to get distracted. Not having the focus is akin to losing projects, clients, and cash.

    If my mind gives up due to overwhelm (which is common), I step out and take a break only to come back again and start writing.

    As for a few distracting elements — like people (those who want to grab your time, just like that, for coffee or for them to discuss their new startup idea) — I just learned to tell them “no, I am busy”.

    To stay focused, I created a very specific, precise, and planned day (and I also work on my commute). Mornings is when I write best so it’s virtually impossible for people to get to talk to me until lunch; no browsing the Internet until Lunch; no client calls until lunch; no meetings until lunch; no social media until lunch

    🙂

    It’s still an on-going battle though.

    Ash
    Ash recently posted..Website Copywriting: 9 Examples of Simple (& Powerful Copy)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 27, 2018 at 3:14 pm #

      Hi Ask,

      I see you need to write for yourself as well as clients. This requires keen focus. When going through those overwhelm times, it is great that you step away and re-gain thoughts.

      I like the way you stay focused creating specific and planned day, even on your commute. Mornings are a great time for many of us. It is great the way you wait until lunch for clients, internet browsing and social media.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What are the Best Time-Saving Social Media Tools?My Profile

  13. Sonal Talwar
    Twitter:
    February 25, 2018 at 1:38 am #

    Hi Donna

    Distractions are always there, all we need to know is how to handle them. You have provided some really greats tips on how to do away with distractions. from our daily work to everything and everyone at home needs attention. As you said, we need to have a schedule and a checklist to help us keep away from distractions

    Thanks for sharing this amazing post!.
    Sonal Talwar recently posted..Holi 2018: The Festival of Colors, Significance, Wishes & MessagesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 25, 2018 at 12:48 pm #

      Hi Sonal,

      Indeed, a checklist works in two ways. 1. It keeps us on track of specific tasks we must take and 2. When we cross off a task it feels so good!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  14. Elise Ho
    Twitter:
    February 24, 2018 at 5:45 pm #

    I am all about scheduling my day. I know exactly when my most productive times of day are. I also know what time of day physical work or busy work is better to do than mental work such as writing. Awesome post, as always.
    Elise Ho recently posted..Health Documentary Films That You Should See For YourselfMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 25, 2018 at 12:33 pm #

      Hi Elise,

      You are so organized! I’m happy that you mentioned what time of the day work or busy work can be done. Mine is the morning. After that, I can fizzle out.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  15. Moss Clement
    Twitter:
    February 24, 2018 at 1:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It is interesting to know that we as bloggers at some point get distracted, which is why is article is timely for us all. As Goins puts it, one can easily get distracted, and at that point you lose your focus.

    However, to help me keep maintain a distraction free environment and maintain focus, I use a content creation calendar, an outline which includes a schedule for each task, as well as some amazing distribution free tools.

    However, he tips in this article are remarkably great.
    For example, I love your “method called the Pomodoro Technique, where you break your work into 25 minutes segments, separated by 5 minute breaks.

    It is a sure try for me since I like sitting there to make sure I get it all done.

    Thanks for sharing Donna!

    • Donna Merrill February 25, 2018 at 4:02 am #

      Hi Moss,

      No wonder why your blog posts are so well written and contain amazing content! You are super organized. It sure does reflect in your work.

      The Pomodoro Technique is something that works very well and at the end of the day, you are not tired out. It also keeps you on point with a clear and focused mind.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  16. Glenn Shepherd
    Twitter:
    February 23, 2018 at 6:40 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is such a valuable post, I’m sure that distraction is something that all of us end up facing at some time or other. For some, it can be a real battle.

    For me, I find that it’s absolutely essential to have a plan. And not just some vague ideas, but a specific, dedicated schedule, planned in advance, of not only what I’m going to do on a given day, but the amount of time I am going to allot each task as well as the order of priority of said tasks.

    One thing that I am using currently that really helps me plan ahead as well as keep track as to my progress is Trello. Trello is an absolute lifesaver and when you have a number of different things to do it really helps you to keep track of where you’re up to.

    But even with such things, discipline is essential. You have to be really strict with yourself to stick to your plans and to avoid the temptation to be distracted by other things. If that means unplugging your landline, then that’s what you must do. If it means turning off your mobile (cell) phone, then that is what you must do. If it means that you don’t answer the door to unexpected visitors then that is what you must do. At the end of the day, we wouldn’t (or at least shouldn’t!) allow ourselves to be distracted by such things if we were at a place of employment, say, and office, so why should be allow things to be any different it we’re working from home, for example?

    Regardless of our location, proper planning is essential to helping us remain free from distractions. But also determination, because without that definite, firm resolve, we’re going to struggle.

    Thanks for the awesome reminders, Donna! 🙂

    »Glenn«
    Glenn Shepherd recently posted..Beware of Gurus Bearing OpinionsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 24, 2018 at 4:53 pm #

      Hi Glenn,

      You said it! We have to be disciplined and never allow distractions such as ringing phones or door bells. We do have to treat our business like a place of employment.

      I haven’t tried Trello but you have perked my interest. I think I’ll research that one to see if I can track what I’ve done rather than writing my lists and crossing it off. I do reward myself every step of the way. From a piece of chocolate to out to dinner. I find it important when I accomplish tasks to get me to my goals.

      Thanks for your input here,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  17. Naveen Sharma
    Twitter:
    February 23, 2018 at 6:00 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Another of your very helpful articles. You have gone to the root of the problem and suggested a very simple, effective solution. We all face distraction but seek its solution in the wrong directions.

    From checklists to productivity tools, you have covered it all. All the tips can be easily used to guard ourselves against distraction and achieve higher productivity.

    Thanks for sharing these valuable tips with us. Have a great day!

    -Naveen

    • Donna Merrill February 24, 2018 at 4:35 pm #

      Hi Naveen,

      Distraction will always be there. We have to find proper solutions so that we don’t give into it. Indeed, once we can put a handle on it, it will increase our productivity.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  18. Chrishan February 22, 2018 at 8:04 am #

    Hello Donna ma’am,

    I am so impressed your great tips. I cannot switch gears, deal with a pop-up, message or anything else until I get my important work done first.

    • Donna Merrill February 22, 2018 at 9:31 am #

      Hi Chrishan,

      Glad you were impressed with these tips I have given. It is so difficult to switch gears when pup-up messages or anything else tries to break us away from our concentration.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  19. Swadhin Agrawal
    Twitter:
    February 22, 2018 at 12:52 am #

    Hello Donna ma’am,
    Great tips here!

    I do believe that distractions can be critical and the best thing to remove them would be getting organized and in routine. I love routine life so much that it’s almost like a ritual (I love taking breaks every now and then to break the monotonous routines).

    Checklists are another secret in my arsenal. I have checklists as to do notes (the sticky ones), on Google Keep and on my list management app, Workflowy.

    They have helped me solve and visualize what I need to do based on priorities.
    I loved your tip about Zapier, I am yet to dive into automation and I think it would make great sense.

    Best regards,
    -Swadhin
    Swadhin Agrawal recently posted..Backlink Mastery Guide (The Definitive Guide To Link Building For SEO)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 22, 2018 at 9:29 am #

      Hi Swadhin,

      I can see that you enjoy organization by what you have mentioned in your comment. That is great! Once we get into an organized lifestyle, we can accomplish so much and even enjoy free time because we factor that in.

      Indeed, we have to use our checklists to help us visualize what we need to do on priorities.

      And yes, some automation can make a lot of sense.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  20. Sharon T McLaughlin MD FACS
    Twitter:
    February 21, 2018 at 9:36 pm #

    I love the idea of a checklist. Taking care of the dogs really hit home, I am often letting them in and out of the house.

  21. Donna Merrill February 21, 2018 at 8:12 pm #

    Hi Neena,

    Oh my when there is construction going on in your home it turns everything upside down. I like the idea you have of cleaning off your desk and focusing on just that space. It sure does keep you focused.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  22. Neena
    Twitter:
    February 21, 2018 at 12:22 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This post hits home for me. Distraction is everywhere – especially right now as we have construction going on in our home.

    The thing that works best for me is cleaning off my physical desk – even if it is just moving all the piles to the floor or across the room. If my desk is clean, I feel more in control and am able to focus better.

    A good checklist helps, too. 🙂

  23. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    February 21, 2018 at 8:19 am #

    Removing temptations is beyond critical Donna. I do stuff I need to do early in the day – walk dog here in Thailand, feed him, do dishes, meditation – then dive in until lunch time. I do nothing else. I take short breaks for a quick breather. But nothing else. Every morning over the past 1-2 years has been clockwork. One secret of me being prolific; I focus and remove all items or stuff that could pull my focus.

    For the first time in history I got minutes for my cell phone, 3 weeks ago in Thailand. Swear to goodness. When I got off the laptop prior I literally went off the grid. Zero distractions. Even now I only did it to Instagram photos in Thailand when walking around. Even though I did get Messenger I check it 3-4 times daily and either respond with 2 words or hop on the lappy to write 1-2 sentences. I do not play around. I literally have no time do NOT focus.

    Loving these tips.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..From Planning to Publishing – How to Accelerate Content Marketing with WrikeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 21, 2018 at 1:55 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      I’ve always liked your style. Oh that phone! I have unlimited usage but I’m not on it much. I do take time for me….walk on the beach, meditate, and stuff like that but everything is turned off. People tell me “I called you” and I reply “I’ll get back to you when it’ time” Well…errr…unless they are clients. I have a different ring for that lol. But still, there is a time for me which is so important to help me be grounded and a time for working. Ha working sounds funny because I just love it and you understand that.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  24. SaraBeth
    Twitter:
    February 21, 2018 at 1:03 am #

    Hi, Donna. A post was written with me in mind. Distractions are a daily occurrence. Sometimes I’ll be interrupted 10+ times within an hour. I know I need to set boundaries with people but I feel guilty or bad for not given people attention when they ask for it. A few thing I know will work is to remove myself from the location. Literally, go out to the library or to a coffee shop. Sometimes even going out to the garage to write works.

    Having a group of people to keep you accountable or to keep you motivated is another helpful tool. I know certain bloggers always encourage me to stick with it even when all I want to do is throw in the towel.

    It’s almost comforting to me to know that spot on bloggers like you also get distracted at times. ^_^
    SaraBeth recently posted..Formatting Your Blog Content to Look Awesome [and Get Noticed Like Kim Kardashian]My Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 21, 2018 at 1:52 pm #

      Hi Sara,

      Oh girl never feel guilty. You are running a business and people need to know that. When I lived with my daughter, she knew perfectly well that if I was on the phone or online silence and “do not disturb” was the issue We have to make it clear to the people around us that we are in business. I know…I know, they will ask you where is the money? But that is a job mentality. Not yours. Just remind them it takes at least two years for an offline business to profit and the same applies online. That will shut ’em up lol.

      You have found places to go where you can work. That is a great idea, but NEVER feel guilty about giving people attention when they ask for it. There is a time for that and a time for YOU.

      Indeed, stick with it because there will be times where you want to throw in that towel. Just keep at it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  25. Freddy G. Cabrera
    Twitter:
    February 21, 2018 at 12:31 am #

    Hey Donna!

    Your tips on productivity here are super helpful. I was not a very productive blogger when I first started my blogging journey.

    I was all over the place, so I had a hard time keeping focused and getting the results I wanted to get.

    What helps me stay productive now is having a to-do list and planning my work ahead of time. I have two whiteboards in my home office where I write my plans and my daily to-do list. I also keep a little space for quick notes so I can write down little reminders to help me remember little things I need to get done during the day.

    You have to plan things out when you are building a successful blog online. It just makes sense that you take this seriously as if it was a real business because it is. And, if you want your blogging efforts to pay you like one, then treat it like one. Right! 😉

    I also create my own working schedule. I have it saved in my Google Calendar and I get an email with the things I need to work on during the day. Doing all of this keeps me focused and on track.

    Also, having a vision board and writing your big goals down every single day will help a lot.

    Here is the thing, most people look at the work ahead of them too much, instead of looking at the opportunity.

    If you keep you rmind thinking on the opportunity and your big goals, you will not care about all of the work you need to do and you will work on your tasks with ease. You will stay motivated by doing this. This is a little mind hack I have learned from Eric Thomas (ET the hip-hop preacher).

    Thank you for sharing these super helpful tips!

    Best regards! 😀
    Freddy G. Cabrera recently posted..How To Drive Traffic To Your Blog Post – Fast (Download My Traffic Cheat Sheet For FREE)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 21, 2018 at 1:14 pm #

      Hi Freddy,

      Like you I have a white board too. Because I work with my partner/husband, we need a place whereby we can see priorities each one is doing. Plus I have my own document of things to do.

      Indeed, we need a plan to be successful online. Without it we run in circles accomplishing nothing at all….like chasing our own tails.

      I like your tip of if you keep your mind thinking on those big goals. I like to see my big goal also, but I know each and every task taken to achieve that is a step at a time. Focusing on each step and doing the best I can with it is a sense of accomplishment that reinforces me to keep on keep’n on.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  26. Johanna Galyen
    Twitter:
    February 20, 2018 at 5:25 pm #

    Donna,

    I think someone gave you an inside glimpse into my house! Because this is exactly what happens when I sit down to write a blog post!!!! Seriously though, as a mom of 4, someone is continually interrupting me. But I have found my kid’s interuptions (usually) aren’t the problem. It’s my losing focus. Answering the ‘ding’ on facebook, just quickly looking at the notification, then remembering I need to comment in a group post from a previous notification that I ignored, and sure enough…10-15 minutes goes by and nothing is really accomplished.

    Like you, I have had to say, “nope”. I cannot switch gears, deal with a pop-up, message or anything else until I get my important work done first. I love playing around with twitter, just retweet, Triberr, Instagram, Buffer, Facebook…but they are like vacuums for my time.

    For me, the best advice I have found is the Daily Method of Operation. (courtesy of your amazing training!) When I stick to that, and don’t let myself ‘play’ around with the shiny lights of twitter and other social media, I’m amazed at what I can accomplish. 3 blog post this past weekend, all 1000 words +.

    So! Turn on the Piano Guys (my favorite blogging creating music of choice) and off I go!!
    Johanna Galyen recently posted..A tale of Loyalty and Love – Peter Rabbit Movie ReviewMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 21, 2018 at 1:10 pm #

      Hi Johanna,

      Oh dear that Twitter and Facebook thing! We can get sucked in like a vacuum when we hear that ding. We can turn into one of Pavlov’s dogs lol. But the trick is to shut those things out, or better yet just open one tab at a time and leave your phone in the other room lol.

      Indeed when we set up a DMO and follow it no matter what, the kids will sense that and realize mom is busy with her business. You will no longer respond to any ding or ring and you will get what you set out to do done no matter what.

      So my dear off you go to your success.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

  27. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    February 20, 2018 at 2:33 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Yes, a million things compete for our attention on a regular basis. I believe that we all get it. We feel as though we cannot control the interruptions, but we probably all wonder what we can do to alleviate that issue. You have provide ways to limit the distractions. Your ideas are designed to help us to get ahead of the problems.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..Get the Right Things Done in 3 StepsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 20, 2018 at 2:42 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      Distractions come with the turf as they say…. They will always be there, unless we take control of them. I have had many people asking me how do I get everything done on time. I just had to share some strategies here for those who get distracted.

      Now on to Facebook…..ha ha just kidding.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?My Profile

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