Those who take time in the morning to imagine how they would like to spend their evening tend to be more focused during the day, a study has found.
The trouble is that, often, no matter what we hope to achieve, we tend to be highly distracted.
On average, people working at a computer screen stay on a single window or programme for 47 seconds before switching to something else, says psychologist and University of California, Irvine, Chancellor’s professor of informatics Dr Gloria Mark.
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She has long researched how distractions in the workplace affect productivity and well-being.
If you struggle to achieve your goals during the day, one way that you might find helps is to ask yourself, how do I want to feel this evening?
Visualising is a way to boost focus, says Prof Mark.
Try the “Future Self” technique.
At the start of the day, create a concrete mental image of your evening self.
You might be relaxing with family and friends, reading a book, or going for a walk.
That technique will help you resist the urge to check social media or emails in between tasks.
Prof Mark’s practical advice is to not start your day with an abstract intention, but with a concrete mental image.
“How do I want to feel at 7pm?” is the question to ask yourself, she says.
That single question can be enough to help you avoid getting caught up in cycles of distraction. – dpa
